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Mathematics
Mathematics Contemporary mathematics is concerned with investigations into far- reaching extensions of such basic concepts as space and number and also with the formulation and analysis of mathematical models arising from varied fields of application. Mathematics has always had close relationships to the physical sciences and engineering. As the biological, social and management sciences have become increasingly quantitative, the mathematical sciences have moved in new directions to develop interrelationships with these subjects. Mathematicians teach in high schools and colleges, do research and teach at universities, apply mathematics in business, industry and government. Outside of education, mathematicians usually work in research, although they have become increasingly involved in management. Firms employing large numbers of mathematicians are in the aerospace, communications, computer, defense, electronics, energy, finance and insurance industries. In such employment, a mathematician typically serves either in a consulting capacity, giving advice on mathematical problems to engineers and scientists, or as a member of a research team composed of specialists in several fields. Among the qualities that he or she should possess are breadth of interests and outlook, the ability to think abstractly and a keen interest in problem-solving. An undergraduate specializing in mathematics will begin with calculus or sometimes with college algebra and trigonometry. Well-prepared students are encouraged to establish credit in elementary courses by passing advanced standing examinations. All majors take courses in differential equations, and linear and abstract algebra and analysis. The student’s interest and future plans determine the remainder of the field of concentration. Students are encouraged to acquire proficiency in computer programming and to take substantial work in related fields in which they have a special interest. Undergraduate degree tracks are available to prepare students for: 1. employment in industry, business or government; 2. secondary school mathematics teaching; and, 3. graduate study in mathematics. Students choosing secondary school teaching complete all requirements for state licensure as part of this program. Many of the more challenging positions in mathematics require study beyond a bachelor's degree. For example, university teaching requires a PhD, while teaching in a junior college requires at least a master's degree and possibly a doctorate. Approximately 25 percent of the students receiving a bachelor's degree in mathematics go on to graduate work. Undergraduate Programs • Mathematics, BA (p. 1171) • Mathematics, BS (p. 1174) • Mathematics: Actuarial and Financial Mathematics, BS (p. 1177) • Mathematics: Applied Mathematics, BS (p. 1180) • Mathematics: Pre-Law, BS (p. 1183) • Mathematics: Pre-Medical Sciences, BS (p. 1186) • Mathematics: Secondary Teacher Certification, BS (p. 1189)
Graduate Programs The Department of Mathematics offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Prerequisites A student beginning graduate study in mathematics is expected to have had, as an undergraduate, at least 18 semester hours in mathematics beyond elementary integral calculus including courses in differential equations, linear algebra, modern algebra and modern analysis. An applicant whose preparation is deficient may be admitted to the program, if otherwise qualified, but will be required to correct the deficiency, increasing somewhat the time required to complete work for the degree. Prospective graduate students are advised to take at least introductory courses in related fields such as physics, statistics and computer science. The Master of Science Degree The department offers three tracks in the Master of Science degree, computational and applied mathematics, mathematics education and pure mathematics. Each degree requires 32 credit hours of graduate course work in mathematics or related subjects. Two of these hours are waived if a master's thesis is written. Each student must have a grade of "A" or "B" in 18 hours of core coursework. The Doctor of Philosophy Degree The department offers three tracks for the PhD degree: applied mathematics, mathematics education and pure mathematics. Admission to the PhD program is granted only to students with superior records in their previous graduate or undergraduate study. A minimum of 90 semester credit hours of graduate credit beyond the bachelor's degree is required for the PhD degree. This may include a maximum of 24 hours credit for the thesis. Each student has an individual doctoral committee that advises the student in the formulation of an approved plan of study for the degree. Each student must pass three comprehensive exams from a selection of core topic areas, or pass two such exams and complete a minor thesis. The most important requirement for the PhD degree is the preparation of an acceptable dissertation. This dissertation must demonstrate the candidate's ability to do independent, original work in mathematics, or mathematics education. Faculty Christopher Francisco, PhD—Professor and Head Regents Professor: Alan Adolphson, PhD (emeritus); William Jaco, PhD (Grayce B. Kerr Chair); Jiahong Wu, PhD (AT&T Professor) Professors: Douglas B. Aichele, EdD (emeritus); Dale E. Alspach, PhD (emeritus); Leticia Barchini, PhD; Dennis Bertholf, PhD (emeritus); Birne Binegar, PhD; Herman Burchard, PhD (emeritus); James R. Choike, PhD (emeritus); Bruce C. Crauder, PhD; Benny Evans, PhD (emeritus); Amit Ghosh, PhD; John Jobe, PhD (emeritus); Anthony Kable, PhD; Marvin S. Keener, PhD (emeritus); Weiping Li, PhD; Lisa A. Mantini, PhD; J. Robert Myers, PhD; Alan Noell, PhD; Michael Oehrtman, PhD (Noble Professor); Igor Pritsker, PhD; David J. Ullrich, PhD; John Wolfe, PhD (emeritus); David J. Wright, PhD; Roger Zierau, PhD Associate Professors: Mahdi Asgari, PhD; Ning Ju, PhD; Ja Eun Ku, PhD; Jiři Lebl, PhD; Jeffrey Mermin, PhD; Walter Rusin, PhD; Henry Segerman, PhD
• Mathematics (MATH), Minor (p. 1170)
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