Undergraduate programs
The mathematical sciences have long provided the proper language of the physical sciences and engineering, and they are playing an increasingly important role in areas as diverse as computer science, the social sciences, business administration and economics, and the biological and medical sciences. Many are drawn to the study of mathematics and statistics precisely because of this broad applicability. Others are attracted by the rigorous training these disciplines provide in abstract reasoning, and the many surprising results and elegant arguments they encounter. The department offers a wide variety of courses in mathematics and statistics to meet the needs of a student body having very diverse interests. Anyone who would like to learn more about the department’s faculty, programs, courses, activities and other services is encouraged to explore the department website, or visit the department office.
Mathematics for Teaching License Requirements
To receive a teaching license from PSU, after completing a baccalaureate degree a student must complete the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) through the College of Education.
Below is a list of the minimal mathematics/statistics coursework required for individuals needing a Departmental Recommendation to enter the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) in Advanced Mathematics and in Foundational Mathematics. GTEP is a program in the College of Education, but these mathematics/statistics prerequisites are taken in the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics. A bachelor's degree is also required by GTEP, although not necessarily in mathematics. One may apply for the GTEP program before completing all coursework, but coursework must be completed before entrance to GTEP.
Secondary Education Program Requirements for the Advanced Mathematics
The program must include the following courses or approved substitutions required by the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics (12 courses).
Courses
| Mth 251 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Mth 252 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Mth 253 | Calculus III | 4 |
| Mth 254 | Calculus IV | 4 |
| Mth 261 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| | | |
| Mth 271 | Mathematical Computing | 4 |
| | or | |
| CS 161 | Introduction to Programming and Problem-Solving | 4 |
| | | |
| Mth 338 | Modern College Geometry | 4 |
| Mth 344 | Introduction to Group Theory and Applications | 4 |
| Mth 346 | Number Theory | 4 |
| Mth 356 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
| | | |
| Mth 481 | Topics in Probability for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| | or | |
| Mth 482 | Topics in Statistics for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| | or | |
| Stat 451 | Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | 4 |
| | or | |
| Stat 461 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| | or | |
| Stat 462 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
Electives
At least
one approved upper division mathematics electives. Approved courses include but are not limited to:
| Mth 311 | Introduction to Mathematical Analysis I | 4 |
| Mth 345 | Introduction to Ring and Field Theory | 4 |
| | | |
| Mth 481 | Topics in Probability for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| | or | |
| Mth 482 | Topics in Statistics for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| | or | |
| Stat 452 | Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II | 3 |
| | | |
| Mth 483 | Topics in Geometry for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| Mth 484 | Topics in Algebra for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| Mth 486 | Topics in The History of Mathematics | 3 |
| Mth 487 | Topics in Discrete Mathematics for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
| Mth 488 | Topics in Computing for Mathematics Teachers | 3 |
Program Requirements for the Foundational Mathematics (Teaching Grades 5-9)
The program must include the following courses or approved substitutions required by the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Courses
| Mth 211 | Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics I | 4 |
| Mth 212 | Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics II | 4 |
| Mth 213 | Foundations Of Elementary Mathematics III | 4 |
| Mth 491 | Experimental Probability and Statistics for Middle School Teachers | 4 |
| Mth 493 | Geometry for Middle School Teachers | 4 |
| Mth 494 | Arithmetic and Algebraic Structures for Middle School Teachers | 4 |
| Mth 495 | Historical Topics in Mathematics for Middle School Teachers | 4 |
| Mth 496 | Concepts of Calculus for Middle School Teachers | 4 |
| Mth 497 | Mathematics in the Middle School Classroom | 4 |