Math Major or Minor

For the student of arts, business, and the social sciences, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers training in basic and necessary skills, highlights the cultural and applied values of mathematics, and shows the relationship between other branches of knowledge and mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers majors and minors in both mathematics and computer science. Information about computer science can be found in the computer science section of this catalog.

The mathematics major offers students a strong and wide background in undergraduate mathematics, providing the foundation for further graduate studies in theoretical or applied fields of mathematics, for advanced study in fields where strong quantitative skills are needed, or for employment in mathematics-related fields in industry or in teaching. The mathematics minor offers students an opportunity to strengthen their mathematical backgrounds.

Requirements

Because graphing calculators and computer software are integrated as much as possible into the mathematics curriculum, mathematics majors are required to have a graphing calculator at least as powerful as a TI-83.

Majors in mathematics must complete CS 141, Introduction to Computer Science and Languages, by the end of their junior year. Students who can demonstrate proficiency in computer science may have this requirement waived by the department chair.

Although physics is the usual science taken by majors in mathematics or computer science, another laboratory science may be substituted with permission of the chair.

All mathematics majors take a comprehensive examination in their senior year. A grade of Passed with Distinction, Passed, or Failed is recorded on their transcripts.

Students who wish to double major in mathematics and a science are encouraged to meet with the chairs of the respective departments so that appropriate modifications to the requirements can be made to allow these students to graduate in four years.

Honors Seminar

Students invited to take the MA 390-391 Honors Seminar receive three credits for one of their mathematics electives upon completion of one semester of MA 390-391. Students who complete two semesters of MA 390-391 earn six credits, three credits as one of their mathematics electives and three credits of a free elective.

Student Teaching

Students who take ED 381 Directed Observation and Supervised Student Teaching or ED 382 Student Teaching Seminar may have one mathematics elective waived if they have also taken MA 383 Modern Geometry. Those planning a career in secondary education should consult with the coordinator of the program in education and the chair of this department as early as possible.

Internships

The intern program provides mathematics majors with opportunities to gain practical, career-related experience in a variety of supervised field settings. Internships may be available in actuarial sciences, numerical analysis, statistics, or other areas. Students may complete a one- or two-semester internship. Interns works a minimum of 10 hours per week at their placement site and complete the required academic component specified by the faculty advisor. An internship may not replace a mathematics elective to fulfill the requirements for a major.

Minor in Mathematics

For a 15-credit minor in mathematics, students:

• Complete two mathematics courses at the 100 level; and
• Complete three mathematics courses at the 200 level or greater.

The specific selection of courses must have approval of the chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.