Bachelor of Science in Applied Math

The applied mathematics option is most often chosen by undergraduates who wish to prepare for employment in areas where skill in the use of mathematical ideas is advantageous. The program of study requires the student to build a firm foundation in basic mathematics, statistics and computer science.

The program of study for the Batchelor of Science in Applied Mathematics consists of a minimum of

1. 40 hours of core and elective courses in mathematical sciences
2. 6 hours of related course work either inside or outside the department
3. 18 hours of course work in a concentration outside of mathematics
4. A well-written statement of objectives
5. The core curriculum must be completed and the total number of hours from ALL undergraduate courses must be at least 122 with a GPA of at least 2.0.
6. The designator requirements must be met and the Certificate of Proficiency in Communication must be filled out.

The total hours on a course of study MUST be at least 65 hours! This means that one or more of the hour requirements above must be exceeded.

Here are some guidelines for approved electives:

• First and foremost: A department advisor must approve ALL electives!
• The total credit hours of electives must be at least 6.
• Courses numbered under 2000 in MAT are not approved.
• Students must have at least 5 hours in MAT/STT courses.
• Honors courses and special topics (MAT 4010) courses offered each Spring are especially encouraged.
• Students considering graduate school in applied mathematics: The courses in analysis (3220 and 4220), advanced differential equations (4570), and methods of applied math (4560) are excellent choices for electives.
• Exceptional students may want to consider enrolling in 5000-level courses as electives during their senior years. The requirements for this privilege are: (1) senior standing (2) GPA > 3.0 (3) completed permission form.

The guidelines for choosing related coursework are similar to those for approved electives except that these courses may be chosen from other departments as well:

• First and foremost: A department advisor must approve ALL electives!
• The total credit hours of related coursework must be at least 6.
• The courses chosen should complement each other and either mathematics or the chosen concentration.
• Honors courses and special topics (MAT 4010) courses are especially encoura ged.
• Students considering graduate school in applied mathematics: The courses in analysis (3220 and 4220), advanced differential equations (4570), and methods of applied math (4560) are excellent choices for electives.
• Exceptional students may want to consider enrolling in 5000-level courses as related coursework during their senior years. The requirements for this privilege are: (1) senior standing (2) GPA > 3.0 (3) completed permission form.

Students must have two courses designated as writing intensive (W) and one course designated as speaking intensive (S) in their major program of study. For applied mathematics majors, MAT 3310 satisfies one W and one S. Students should consult with their advisors to choose an additional W course from the list of course designators.

A Certificate of Proficiency in Communication must also be filled out and on file prior to graduation. This requires signatures from a W and an S class instructor. Note: Instructors sign these forms only if the student performs satisfactorily on the W and/or S components of the course. It is the student's responsibility to request that an instructor sign the form.

Concentrations can be quite creative. HERE is a list of sample concentrations; students are not obligated to choose one from the list. Customized concentrations are acceptable. For example, two students are now working on concentrations in "technical writing and design" and "technical Spanish translation."

There is only one restriction:

• Concentrations, especially those not on the sample list, MUST be approved by a department advisor and the department chair.

Every student must complete a Course of Study form with a statement of objectives attached, preferably at least two semesters prior to graduation. The forms are available from department advisors.

The Statement of Objectives must be typed and professional looking, and discuss

• Future plans and their relation to the major
• Rationale for choice of electives
• Rationale for choice of related coursework
• Rational for choice of concentration

Typical statements have the following format:

Course of Study forms will not be accepted unless accompanied by a well-written (gramatically correct and professionally formatted) statement.