Return to: Colleges & Departments

Professor Weiss, Chairperson

Professors Costenoble, Grassi, Greenwell, Hastings, Ostling, Waner, Weiss, Wu;
Associate Professors Akbik, Bhargava, Bohannon, Elston, Eswarathasan, Michaels, Seabold;
Assistant Professors Cole, Ismailescu, Silberger, Warner.

The mathematics major or minor can be an entry to many fields. Recent graduates with majors in mathematics have gone on to careers in industry, medicine and law as well as in school and university teaching and actuarial science. The department offers a wide range of courses in order that students be adequately prepared for the career or future study of their choice. Students should develop a plan of studies in consultation with an adviser in the mathematics department as early as possible in their undergraduate program. Although guidelines cannot replace professional advice, here are a few guidelines.

The Department offers the following programs:

B.A. in Mathematics

B.S. in Mathematics with a choice of seven options:

Mathematics: for students with a strong interest in mathematics, an option for those interested in careers requiring graduate education in mathematics.

Actuarial Science: for students interested in actuarial science and related careers. Prepares the student for the first examinations adminstered by the Society of Actuaries, and thus begins the path toward Fellowship in the Society of Actuaries.

Applied Mathematics: for students with a strong interest in applied mathematics, an excellent option for those interested in careers requring graduate education in applied mathematics or the sciences.

Four options for students with a strong interest in the following sciences: Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics.

B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics (jointly with the Department of Computer Science)

M.A. in Mathematics

M.S. in Applied Mathematics

All of the undergraduate mathematics major programs have a common foundation: three semesters of calculus (MATH 19, 20, and 29), Introduction of Higher Math (MATH 114), and linear algebra (MATH 135A). Majors should complete these courses by the end of their sophomore year. The mathematics minor also has three semesters of calculus courses as a foundation. In addition, students should satisfy University requirements early in their careers, especially science and foreign language. Students interested in careers in actuarial science, appliedmathematics, science or industry should also take some computer science courses under advisement.

Students interested in actuarial science should take the statistics sequence, MATH 137 & 138, in their junior year. With appropriate study and advice, they may be able to complete several actuarial examinations before graduation. Summer internships in actuarial science are widely available for students with good records through the junior year. Professor Ostling advises actuarial students.

Students seeking careers in elementary and secondary education should consult the Department of Curriculum and Teaching in the School of Education to be advised on the education sequence that culminates with student teaching. Students seeking careers in elementary education should also consult the mathematics department chairperson as early as possible. Professor Whitton of the Department of Curriculum and Teaching acts as adviser with Department of Mathematics advisers for these students.

Careers such as college teaching and advanced industrial research require the Ph.D. degree. Our best students frequently qualify for fellowships for Ph.D. study. Students seeking these careers are encouraged to obtain research and science experience early in their careers. Many internships are available for well qualified students after their junior year. Interested students should see the chairperson of the mathematics department during their junior year.

Students seeking careers in medicine or law should consult University advisers in these areas. Premedical students should take a one-year sequence in each of the following: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics.

Return to: Colleges & Departments