Mathematics

Professors: Eisenberg, McGivney, Noonburg, Welna (Emerita)

Associate Professors: Benardete, Bugl, Decker, Haruta, Kagan (Chair), Pollina, Turpin, Williams

Assistant Professor: McGivney-Burelle

The department offers two different degree programs in mathematics and related areas.

I. B.A. in Mathematics

II. B.S. in Mathematics

Complete program listings for the two degrees appear below. A minor in mathematics is also available to students interested in mathematics, but who major in other areas (see below). In addition, information about Actuarial Science is given at the end of this section.

The term "upperlevel courses" used below refers to courses having numbers beginning with 2, 3, or 4.

Mathematics Honors Program

A candidate for honors in mathematics must be a major in mathematics who has completed 18 credit hours of upperlevel mathematics courses, and who has achieved a GPA of at least 3.25 in the major and 3.0 overall. In addition, a candidate must also complete the equivalent of a semester's work on an approved topic not covered in the existing curriculum. An Honors Committee appointed by the chairman and consisting of at least two faculty members will review the work and administer an oral and/or written examination. The final decision on the granting of honors will rest with this committee.

Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics

A minor in mathematics, available to all students, consists of M 144, M 145, and four upperlevel mathematics courses.

Students must formally declare the minor by completing a "Change of Major" form.

Grade Requirements for a

Major or Minor

All required courses, including language, science, and business requirements, must be completed with a minimum overall average of C+. Each of these courses must be taken for a letter grade, and may not be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Cooperative Education Program

The University's Coop Program is open to mathematics majors. Students must complete the freshman year with at least a 2.5 GPA and have permission from the department's Coop faculty coordinator to be eligible for the program.

All Coop students work either full time or part time during at least two terms including summer terms. Academic credit is awarded and applied toward degree requirements as unrestricted elective courses. Coop is graded on a Pass/No brass basis.

For more information, contact the department's Coop faculty coordinator or the Cooperative Education Office.

Writing Requirement

In all upperlevel mathematics courses, problems will be collected and read. These problems will be checked for correctness and clarity of presentation.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics combines a fundamental core of required mathematics courses with the flexibility to choose a number of mathematics electives that help prepare a student for a career in business, education, or technology

Requirements for the Major

Required credits: 41

1. Core Courses

M 144 Calculus I M 145 Calculus II M 220 Linear Algebra
M 221 Discrete Mathematics I M 222W Discrete Mathematics II M 240 Calculus of Several Variables
CS 114 Computer Programming I M 340 Introductory Analysis M 420 Introduction to Modern Algebra

2. Elective Courses

Nine hours of upperlevel mathematics courses as approved by a mathematics advisor.

Click here for a suggested curriculum.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics consists of a broad range of mathematics courses as well as a sequence of three courses in physics. The degree is designed to give students an appreciation of the applications of mathematics to the sciences and would serve students interested in graduate work in mathematics or careers in engineering, mathematics, or science.

142 / Mathematics

Requirements for the Major

Required credits: 60

1. Core Courses

M 144 Calculus I M 145 Calculus II M 220 Linear Algebra
M 221 Discrete Mathematics I M 222W Discrete Mathematics II M 240 Calculus of Several Variables
CS 114 Computer Programming I M 340 Introductory Analysis M 350 Numerical Analysis
M 242 Differential Equations M 260 Data Analysis

2. Elective Courses

Three upperlevel mathematics or physics courses approved by a mathematics advisor.

3 Physics Courses

PHY 112 Physics I PHY 113 Physics II PHY 114 Physics III

Click here for a suggested curriculum.

Actuarial Science

An actuary's main responsibility is the determination of profitable and competitive insurance rates based on the currently available data. Students interested in preparing for a career as an actuary should have a strong background in mathematics as well as a knowledge of economics, accounting, finance, and insurance. Good communication skills are essential. The following courses should be taken:

M 144 Calculus I M 145 Calculus II M 220 Linear Algebra M 240 Calculus of Several Variables
M 360 Probability Theory M 362 Elements of Statistics M 350 Numerical Analysis
To qualify as an actuary, one must pass a series of examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuary Society. It is strongly recommended that interested undergraduates take the first exam, which covers calculus anal linear algebra, and the second, which covers probability and statistics.