Bachelor of Science

The Department of Mathematics offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students may choose to major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.

The Mathematics and Applied Mathematics majors leading to the B.S. degree provide excellent preparation for careers in the mathematical sciences and many other disciplines. The program provides a solid mathematical foundation and excellent problem solving skills that enable our graduates to perform successfully in industrial, business, educational, and governmental positions. In addition, graduates are prepared to pursue further studies in mathematics as well as many other areas such as engineering, business and economics, law, and medicine. Graduates may also pursue teacher certification.

Majors must fulfill the general and specific requirements for the B.S. degree in the College of Science, except the requirement of a minor. Students should go to the College of Science Dean’s Office, Science 270, in order to declare a Mathematics or Applied Mathematics major. (Yes, a student may complete both majors!)

Both majors offer a great deal of flexibility, which allows students to personalize their coursework to satisfy their interests. The Department encourages its students to pursue broad interdisciplinary studies. It is common for our students to complete two majors. Second majors include the obvious natural science majors, but more often than not are in the social sciences, arts, humanities, or languages. Students are encouraged to see an advisor in the College of Science Office of Student Services, Science 213/214, or in the Department of Mathematics, Smith Hall 523. Please pay attention to the course pre-requisites!

The following six courses (23 credit hours) are required for both Mathematics and Applied Mathematics majors:

• MTH 229 (5 credit hours), MTH 230 (4), MTH 231 (4), MTH 300 (4), MTH 331 (4), and MTH 491 (2).

The required courses consist of 3 semesters of calculus, Introduction to Higher Mathematics (a "proofs" course), linear algebra, and senior seminar (capstone).

Both the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics majors require at least 12 credit hours in the form of two sequences consisting of two courses each. For Mathematics majors, the sequence options are:

• MTH 427 and 428, MTH 430 and 431, MTH 450 and 452, and MTH 460 and 461.

For Applied Mathematics majors, the sequence options are:

• MTH 335 and 415, MTH 442 and 443, MTH 445 and 446, and MTH 460 and 461.

That is, advanced calculus, topology, algebra, or complex variables for Mathematics and differential equations, numerical methods, probability and statistics, or complex variables for Applied Mathematics.

In addition, students may be required to complete up to four additional mathematics courses from an approved list. The exact number of courses depends on whether the student is completing a minor or a double major. Specifically, there are four options:

• double majors in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics must complete four courses (plus four different sequences from the list above)
• double majors in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics and a major outside of mathematics need not complete any elective courses
• majors in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics with a minor outside of mathematics must complete two elective courses
• majors in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics without a minor or second major must complete four elective courses.

An internship in mathematics may be substituted for the capstone course, MTH 491.