The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers two degrees in General Math:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science in General Math

The general mathematics option is most often chosen by undergraduates who wish to prepare for graduate study in mathematics or a related field. The program of study requires the student to build a firm foundation in algebra and analysis, and then provides the flexibility required for students to puruse their personal interests.

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

1. 34 hours of core and elective courses in mathematical sciences
2. 10 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. Finally, 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.

The general math program offers great flexibility in choice of electives, allowing a student to take a broad cross-section of subjects or to concentrate on one area for in-depth study. Here are some guidelines:

• First and foremost: A department advisor must approve ALL electives!
• The total credit hours of electives must be at least 13.
• At least 5 hours must be at 4000 or above.
• Courses numbered under 2000 in MAT are not approved.
• Honors courses and special topics (MAT 4010) courses offered each Spring are especially encouraged.
• Students considering graduate school in mathematics: The second courses in algebra (4720) and analysis (4220) and the course in topology (4710) 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 10.
• The courses chosen should complement each other and either mathematics or the chosen concentration.
• Honors courses and special topics (MAT 4010) courses are especially encouraged.
• Students considering graduate school: The second courses in algebra (4720) and analysis (4220) and the course in topology (4710) are excellent choices for related coursework.
• 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 3110 and MAT 3220 satisfy the W designator. Students should consult with their advisors to choose an appropriate S course from the list of course designators.

A Certificate of Proficiency in Communication must also be filled out and on file prior to graduation. 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.

A concentration consists of at least 18 hours outside of Mathematical Sciences. The purpose of the concentration is to give the students documented experience in a field outside of mathematics where mathematics is used.

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 (grammatically correct and professionally formatted) statement.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

A major leading to the bachelor of arts degree consists of 34 hours in mathematical sciences:

Students are encouraged to make their course decisions in concert with a department advisor. No student can graduate without a course of study form signed by both an advisor and the department chair. A well written Statement of Objectives must accompany the course of study form. If you do not yet have an advisor within the department, see Lois Stewart (341 Walker Hall) for an assignment.

Students must also meet the college requirements for the BA degree:

• Completion of 122 hours with GPA of at least 2.0
• Completion of Core Curriculum
• Completion of 6 hours of a second year of a foreign language
• Completion of a minor in an approved area