[ Mathematics ]

Major in Mathematics

As a mathematics major, you'll start with the fundamentals and then gain progressively advanced knowledge of both pure and applied mathematics. You'll also learn sound research methods and technical writing skills, which are essential in any career. Depending on your individual career objective, you'll choose from a number of elective courses according to the suggested curricula for various concentrations listed below.

Requirements for the Major
Additional Recommendations for the Major
Applied Mathematics Concentration
Teaching Concentration
Graduate School Concentration
Business/Financial/Actuarial Concentration

Requirements for the Major
The major consists of nine to nine-and-one-half mathematics course credits at the 200-level or beyond, excluding MTH 325, MTH 326, and MTH 345. All mathematics majors are required to complete:

• MTH 251
• MTH 301
• MTH 362
• MTH 400
• MTH 451

The remaining major courses are mathematics electives, but should be chosen according to the suggested curricula for various concentrations listed below. Students seeking teacher certification must follow the program listed to meet certification requirements. The final program of courses for all mathematics majors must be approved by the department chair.

In addition to the course work, a senior paper written with the guidance of a faculty member is required. The half course MTH 400 should be taken during the junior or senior year as preparation for writing the senior paper. Upon completion of MTH 400, students should enroll in MTH 451 as a half-course independent study where the senior paper is written with the guidance of a member of the mathematics faculty.

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Additional Recommendations for the Major
Supervised internship opportunities are available for mathematics majors seeking to apply their training in a business or industrial setting. Such students may apply up to one course credit in MTH 468 Internship toward major requirements with approval of the department chair.

Ongoing development of communication and language skills is an important component of all major fields, including mathematics. Mathematics students are encouraged to pursue course work in oral communication, written communication, and foreign language.

Mathematics majors are also encouraged to take CS 220 Computer Science I and PHY 121, PHY 122 General Physics I, II as electives (or as part of the general education requirements, if appropriate.)

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Applied Mathematics Concentration
MTH 341 Differential Equations
MTH 342 Applied Analysis
MTH 434 Complex Variables
MTH 311 Introduction to Mathematical and Computer-Based Modeling
One elective from the remaining courses in the mathematics curriculum

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Teaching Concentration
MTH 199 Mathematical Software Tools (Half course)
MTH 331 Foundations of Geometry
MTH 346 Statistics for Scientists
MTH 361 Abstract Algebra
MTH 381 Advanced Calculus
MTH 440 The Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics

This concentration is not appropriate for students interested in elementary education. If you're interested in teaching in elementary schools, see Elementary Education Major with a Concentration in Mathematics.

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Graduate School Concentration
MTH 361 Abstract Algebra
MTH 381 Advanced Calculus
MTH 434 Complex Variables
MTH 444 Topology
One elective from the remaining courses in the mathematics curriculum

Many graduate schools require a reading knowledge of either German or French.

At least one year of study in German or French is recommended.

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Business/Financial/Actuarial Concentration
MTH 311 Introduction to Mathematical and Computer-Based Modeling
MTH 346 Statistics for Scientists
MTH 421 Probability Theory
MTH 498 Topics in Mathematics: Mathematical Statistics
One elective from the remaining courses in the mathematics curriculum.
MTH 468 Internship is recommended.

The business/financial/actuarial concentration should be supplemented with appropriate courses in business and economics chosen in consultation with the student's academic advisor.

A minor in business is recommended, as is one year of study in a foreign language.

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