2007-2008 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Mathematics
|
|
Return to: Colleges & Departments
Professor Weiss, Chairperson
Professors Akbik, Costenoble, Grassi, Greenwell, Hastings, Ostling, Waner, Wu; Associate Professors Bhargava, Bohannon, Elston,
Eswarathasan, Michaels, Seabold, Silberger; Assistant Professors Cole, Ismailescu, Mammo, 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 undergraduate 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
administered 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 requiring 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)
All of the undergraduate mathematics major programs have a common
foundation: three semesters of calculus (MATH 71, 72 and 73),
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,
applied mathematics, science or industry should also take some computer
science courses under advisement.
Students interested in actuarial science should take the statistics
sequence, MATH 137 and 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
|