Nov 04, 2024

2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

Mathematics Major, B.A.

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 and Actuarial Science - 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, Actuarial Science or Statistics.

Mathematics Major, B.A. Tracks:

The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) degree in Mathematics in two tracks: the Standard 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.

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

MTH 111 - Calculus I Credits: 4
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
OR
Distribution Requirement Credits: 3
CS 125 - Fundamentals of Programming/WGS Credits: 4
FYF 101 - First-Year Foundations Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14-15

Second Semester

MTH 112 - Calculus II Credits: 4
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
OR
Distribution Requirement Credits: 3
Distribution Requirements Credits: 9

Total Credits: 16-17

Third Semester

MTH 212 - Multivariable Calculus Credits: 4
MTH 211 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4
MTH 231 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3
Science Elective Credits: 3
Distribution Requirements Credits: 3

Total Credits: 17

Fourth Semester

MTH 214 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MTH 302 - Introduction to Higher Mathematics Credits: 3
Science Elective Credits: 3
Distribution Requirement Credits: 3
Free Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Fifth Semester

MTH 311 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
OR
MTH 331 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4
MTH 351 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I Credits: 3
Free Electives Credits: 9

Total Credits: 16

Sixth Semester

Mth/CS Electives Credits: 6
Free Electives Credits: 9

Total Credits: 15

Seventh Semester

MTH 391 - Senior Seminar Credits: 1
MTH 311 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
OR
MTH 331 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4
Free Electives Credits: 9

Total Credits: 14

Eighth Semester

MTH 392 - Senior Seminar II Credits: 2
Mth/CS Elective Credits: 3
Free Electives Credits: 9

Total Credits: 14

Total Credits: 121-123

Teacher Certification Track - Required Courses and Recommended Course Sequence

First Semester

MTH 111 - Calculus I Credits: 4
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
OR
Distribution Requirement Credits: 3
CS 125 - Fundamentals of Programming/WGS Credits: 4
FYF 101 - First-Year Foundations Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14-15

Second Semester

MTH 112 - Calculus II Credits: 4
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
OR
Distribution Requirement Credits: 3
PSY 101 - General Psychology Credits: 3
Distribution Requirements Credits: 6

Total Credits: 16-17

Third Semester

MTH 212 - Multivariable Calculus Credits: 4
MTH 231 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3
ED 190 - Effective Teaching with Field Experience Credits: 3
Science Elective Credits: 3
Distribution Requirements Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16

Fourth Semester

MTH 214 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MTH 302 - Introduction to Higher Mathematics Credits: 3
ED 180 - Educational Psychology Credits: 3
Science Elective Credits: 3
Free Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Fifth Semester

EDSP 210 - Teaching Students with Special Needs Credits: 3
MTH 243 - Introduction to Geometry Credits: 3
OR
MTH 303 - The Teaching of Mathematics in Middle Level and Secondary Schools Credits: 4
MTH 311 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
OR
MTH 331 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4
Free Electives Credits: 3

Total Credits: 13-14

Sixth Semester

MTH/CS Elective(s) Credits: 3
ED 220 - Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners Credits: 3
EDSP 225 - Teaching Students with High Incidence Disabilities with Field Experience Credits: 3
ED 380 - Content Area Literacy Credits: 3 Free Electives Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Seventh Semester

MTH 243 - Introduction to Geometry Credits: 3
OR
MTH 303 - The Teaching of Mathematics in Middle Level and Secondary Schools Credits: 4
MTH 311 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
OR
MTH 331 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4
MTH 351 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I Credits: 3
MTH 391 - Senior Seminar Credits: 1
ED 191 - Integrating Technology into The Classroom Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14-15

Eighth Semester

EDSP 388 - Inclusionary Practices Credits: 3
ED 390 - Student Teaching With Seminar [Pk-4], [4-8], [7-12], and [K-12] Credits: 12

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

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:

ED 180 - Educational Psychology Credits: 3
ED 190 - Effective Teaching with Field Experience Credits: 3
ED 191 - Integrating Technology into The Classroom Credits: 3
EDSP 210 - Teaching Students with Special Needs Credits: 3
ED 220 - Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners Credits: 3
EDSP 225 - Teaching Students with High Incidence Disabilities with Field Experience Credits: 3
ED 300 - Teaching of Foreign Language with Field Experience Credits: 3
ED 345 - Assessment in Education Credits: 3 *
ED 375 - Middle Level and Secondary Education Methods with Field Experience Credits: 4 *
MTH 303 - The Teaching of Mathematics in Middle Level and Secondary Schools Credits: 4
ED 380 - Content Area Literacy Credits: 3
EDSP 388 - Inclusionary Practices Credits: 3 (taken concurrently with ED 390 )
ED 390 - Student Teaching With Seminar [Pk-4], [4-8], [7-12], and [K-12] Credits: 12

*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

CS 125 - Fundamentals of Programming/WGS Credits: 4
MTH 111 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 112 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MTH 211 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4
MTH 212 - Multivariable Calculus Credits: 4
MTH 214 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MTH 231 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3
MTH 302 - Introduction to Higher Mathematics Credits: 3
MTH 311 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
MTH 331 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4
MTH 351 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I Credits: 3
MTH 391 - Senior Seminar Credits: 1
MTH 392 - Senior Seminar II Credits: 2
MTH/CS Electives Credits: 2
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
FYF 101 - First-Year Foundations Credits: 3
Science Electives Credits: 6
Distribution Requirements Credits: 18
Free Electives Credits: 37

Total Minimum Number of Credits Required for Degree Completion: 120

Teacher Certification Track

CS 125 - Fundamentals of Programming/WGS Credits: 4
MTH 111 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 112 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MTH 212 - Multivariable Calculus Credits: 4
MTH 214 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MTH 231 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3
MTH 302 - Introduction to Higher Mathematics Credits: 3
MTH 303 - The Teaching of Mathematics in Middle Level and Secondary Schools Credits: 4
MTH 311 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
MTH 331 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4
MTH 343 - Geometry Credits: 3
MTH 351 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I Credits: 3
MTH 391 - Senior Seminar Credits: 1
MTH/CS Electives Credits: 3
ED 180 - Educational Psychology Credits: 3
ED 190 - Effective Teaching with Field Experience Credits: 3
ED 191 - Integrating Technology into The Classroom Credits: 3
ED 220 - Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners Credits: 3
ED 380 - Content Area Literacy Credits: 3
ED 390 - Student Teaching With Seminar [Pk-4], [4-8], [7-12], and [K-12] Credits: 12
EDSP 210 - Teaching Students with Special Needs Credits: 3
EDSP 225 - Teaching Students with High Incidence Disabilities with Field Experience Credits: 3
EDSP 388 - Inclusionary Practices Credits: 3
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
FYF 101 - First-Year Foundations Credits: 3
PSY 101 - General Psychology Credits: 3
Science Electives Credits: 6
Distribution Requirements Credits: 15
Free Electives Credits: 7