Dec 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics Major, B.A.

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Total minimum number of credits required for a major in Mathematics leading to the B.A. degree - 120.
Total minimum number of credits required for a minor in Mathematics - 20.
Total minimum number of credits required for a minor in Statistics - 21.

The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science offers programs of study leading to the B.A. and B.S. in Mathematics. In addition, students may pursue a minor area of study in either Mathematics or Statistics.

Mathematics Major

The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science offers three tracks leading to the baccalaureate degree in Mathematics: the Standard Mathematics Track; the Computational Mathematics Track; and the Teacher Certification Track. The Teacher Certification Track provides preparation for secondary school teaching. The Standard Mathematics Track prepares students for graduate study and research in Mathematics or for careers in industry or government, depending upon the upper-level electives chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. The Standard Track, when combined with an appropriate second major or minor area of study, can also provide an excellent foundation for professions in business and management, economics, law, medicine, and actuarial, computing, engineering, environmental, and physical sciences. Computational Mathematics is increasingly important in all fields of sciences, especially such fields as oil and gas exploration. In addition, the Computational Mathematics Track offers students with a strong interest in both mathematics and computer science the opportunity to explore the relationships between the two fields. All three tracks share a common core of study in discrete mathematics, analysis, probability, and statistics.

In the Standard and Teacher Certification Tracks, students may opt for either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. degree is intended for those who wish to elect more humanities and social science courses, whereas the B.S. degree requires greater concentration in the natural and physical sciences. The Computational Mathematics Track is offered only as a Bachelor of Science degree.

Students interested in Secondary Education certification should make an appointment with the chairperson of the Education Department as early in their program of study as possible in order to plan their professional studies. The Teacher Certification Track is specifically designed to incorporate requirements necessary for certification in Secondary Education. Upon completion of all requirements, students receiving a degree in mathematics with Secondary Teaching certification will also receive a minor in Secondary Education. Questions regarding the requirements for the minor in Secondary Education should be directed to the Education Department.

Recommended Course Sequence

Standard Track - Required Courses and Recommended Course Sequence

First Semester

Total Credits: 14-15

Second Semester

Total Credits: 16-17

Third Semester

Total Credits: 17

Fourth Semester

Total Credits: 15

Fifth Semester

Total Credits: 16

Sixth Semester

  • Mth/CS Electives Credits: 6
  • Free Electives Credits: 9
Total Credits: 15

Seventh Semester

Total Credits: 14

Eighth Semester

Total Credits: 14

Total Credits: 121-123

Computational Track - Required Courses and Recommended Course Sequence

First Semester

Total Credits: 14-15

Second Semester

Total Credits: 17-18

Third Semester

Total Credits: 17

Fourth Semester

Total Credits: 13

Fifth Semester

Total Credits: 16-17

Sixth Semester

Total Credits: 13

Seventh Semester

Total Credits: 14-15

Eighth Semester

Total Credits: 14

Total Credits: 118-122

Teacher Certification Track - Required Courses and Recommended Course Sequence

First Semester

Total Credits: 14-15

Second Semester

Total Credits: 16-17

Third Semester

Total Credits: 16

Fourth Semester

Total Credits: 15

Fifth Semester

Total Credits: 13-14

Sixth Semester

Total Credits: 15

Seventh Semester

Total Credits: 14-15

Eighth Semester

Total Credits: 15

Total Credits: 118-122

Science Electives for Mathematics Majors:

See General Education Requirements

Mathematics/Computer Science Electives for Mathematics Majors:

Standard Mathematics Track:

Any two MTH courses numbered above 300, and any MTH or CS course numbered above 300, excluding MTH 303 

Computational Mathematics Track:

Three elective courses consisting of 300-level or higher MTH or CS courses excluding MTH 303 .

Requirement:
One of the electives must be chosen fromamong the following:

Teacher Certification Mathematics Track:

Any one 3-credit MTH course numbered above 300; and Two of the following courses:

  • Any MTH or CS course numbered above 300
In Conjunction with the Secondary Education Major or Minor

Students interested in becoming secondary teachers in Mathematics should make an appointment with the chairperson of the Education Department or the Coordinator of the Secondary Education Program as early as possible in their course of study to plan their professional studies. These students will declare a major in Mathematics and as well as a major or minor in Secondary Education. The major in Secondary Education must be taken in conjunction with an approved major; it cannot stand alone as a major. Upon successful completion of the secondary education program, students may become certified in Pennsylvania to teach in grades 7-12 in their chosen field.

Students interested in pursuing either the major or the minor in Secondary Education should refer to the Education Department section of this bulletin for complete details of the curriculum and other degree requirements. Students should also consult carefully with their Education program and Mathematics program advisors in planning their course of studies.

Total Credits Required for Secondary Education Minor - 40 Credits

Total Credits Required for Secondary Education Major - 47 Credits

Required courses for the major(*) or minor in Secondary Education are as follows:

*These Additional Courses Required in Order to Complete the Major in Secondary Education.

  • All Teacher Education candidates must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program in the sophomore or junior year.
  • To be admitted into the Teacher Education Program, candidates must;
    • Attain a 3.0 GPA
    • Complete 48 credits including six credits in both Mathematics and English
    • Pass a test of basic skills
    • Submit required clearances showing ‘no record’
  • To remain in the Teacher Education Program, candidates must:
    • Maintain a 3.0 GPA
    • Adhere to the Code of Professionalism and Academic Honesty
  • To be certified as a teacher in Pennsylvania in grades7-12, candidates must:
    • Successfully complete all required Education courses, including student teaching
    • Graduate with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
    • Pass the appropriate exit test(s) in their content area
    • Apply for certification through the Pennsylvania Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).

Summary of the Minimum Credit Distribution for the Major in Mathematics:

Standard Mathematics Track

Total Minimum Number of Credits Required for Degree Completion: 120

Computational Mathematics Track

Total Minimum Number of Credits Required for Degree Completion: 122 or 120

Teacher Certification Track

Total Minimum Number of Credits Required for Degree Completion: 120

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