Mathematics, BA

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics is designed to provide students with the foundation of a liberal arts education and a broad overview of modern mathematics and its applications, while also emphasizing the power, depth, and beauty inherent in the subject. The mathematical component of this plan is designed to prepare students to develop and use analytical and problem-solving skills, to master mathematical techniques required in related fields of application, and to enter the employment market with relevant and proficient mathematical tools. This degree offers many features to enhance a student’s educational experience: the choice of an approved university minor or concentration; sustained development of writing and speaking proficiency; and extended general education requirements that permit more study of the liberal arts. The BA degree is especially appropriate for students who wish to combine an extensive study of mathematics with a second concentration in such fields as arts, humanities, education, business, or the social sciences. It will help prepare students for various graduate or professional programs including mathematics, medicine and law. A student of this program, after completing the courses listed in the Mathematics Core, may then choose mathematics electives that seem most suitable to their interests. Several suggested tracks are given with recommended electives. Students are encouraged to consult their advisors for further suggestions about which electives are most suitable, based on their goals and preferences. The degree requires a minimum of 120 semester credit hours as indicated below. Students must have a grade of C or better in any course in computer science, mathematics or statistics that is applied towards the degree. The format of the degree is given in six sections

Program Outcomes

Graduates who earn a BA in Mathematics will be able to:

Demonstrate analytic reasoning and problem solving skills, and understanding of and ability to write proofs.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of continuous mathematics.
Communicate mathematical knowledge orally and in writing.

Degree Requirements

Common Core Requirements (42 hours)

See the Common Core Requirements section of the catalog for Undergraduate Academic Programs. Observe that MATH 2409 satisfies both the mathematics requirement of the Common Core and the BA in mathematics degree plan.

Major Requirements

Mathematical Sciences Requirements (36 hours)

Note:

A mathematics faculty advisor and topic must be decided upon and approved by the department chair at least one full semester before registering for MATH 4395 Senior Project.

Electives in the Major (15 hours)

Electives must include at least one of the following:

Electives Must Include

At least 12 more hours of 2000-4000 math electives including at least 6 at the 4000 level subject to the following:

MATH 4294 , MATH 3321 or MATH 3322 do not count towards any mathematics degree requirements.
At most three hours of MATH 4190 -MATH 4490 , Special Topics, may be applied toward degree unless approved by the department chair.
At most three hours of MATH 3399 -MATH 4399 , Directed Study, may be applied toward degree unless approved by the department chair.
At most three hours of MATH 3394 -4394, Undergraduate Research, may be applied toward degree unless approved by the department chair.

Minor (18 approved hours minimum)

Any university approved Teaching Certification or Minor from the College of Business, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, or the College of Public Service. Students seeking Secondary (7-12) Certification in Mathematics must be advised by the Urban Education Department.

Free Electives

(Sufficient hours to complete a minimum of 120 hours total)