B.S. in Mathematics

Program Chair: Christopher A. Lynch

Mathematics is the study of numbers, functions, geometrical forms, and abstract logical structures and their associated relationships.  In addition to providing an essential foundation for scientific and technical fields, mathematics is studied both for its own intellectual appeal and challenge and for its application to real-life problems.  Students of mathematics also develop critical thinking and analytical skills useful for a wide variety of careers.

The mathematics program at Clarkson is rigorous and demanding, yet flexible enough to allow students to sample many disciplines or focus on a special interest.  Many mathematics students also complete a minor or double major in a field such as computer science, physics, or business.  Students are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty, starting as early as their freshman year. Graduates work in industry, business, or government agencies as mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries.  Many continue their education in graduate programs in mathematics or related fields; some become mathematics teachers or professors.  

The mathematics curricula are designed so that students learn to:

• reason clearly, logically, and analytically;
• demonstrate a solid understanding of the core material and a deeper understanding of at least one area of mathematics;
• work effectively with standard mathematical software packages and write mathematical programs using a high-level computer language;
• apply mathematical knowledge to solve real-world, open-ended problems;
• read mathematical texts and literature and write mathematical proofs;
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and
• work effectively both individually and in teams.

The mathematics major has two options. The mathematics option (detailed below) is designed for students with a general interest in mathematics and is excellent preparation for graduate school. The statistics option replaces some mathematics courses in the junior and senior years with statistics courses, and is designed to prepare students for careers as statisticians or actuaries.  The department also offers a separate major in Applied Mathematics and Statistics.

* Required courses are MA131, MA132, MA200, MA211, MA231, MA232, MA321, MA339, MA499, and STAT383, plus either MA451 or MA453 and MA431. The Math Option also requires two of MA311, MA313, MA314, and MA322; the Statistics Option also requires STAT381, STAT382, STAT384, and STAT488 (Statistics Project). 

** Up to 12 credit hours of advanced (300- or 400-level) coursework in Aerospace Studies or Military Science may count toward graduation requirements. Aerospace Studies or Military Science credits at the 100 and 200 levels do not count toward the required 120 hours.  Other restrictions may apply; check with the department for details.

Curriculum
FIRST YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
MA131	Calculus I	3		MA132	Calculus II	3
PH131	Physics I	4		PH132	Physics II	4
CS141	Intro to Computer Sci. I	4		MA200	Math Modeling & Software	3
UNIV190	Clarkson Seminar	3			Knowledge Area Course	3
FY100	First-Year Seminar	1			Free Elective (CS142 rec.)	3
		______				______
		15				16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
MA211	Foundations	3		MA231	Calculus III	3
MA232	Differential Equations	3		MA339	Applied Linear Algebra	3
	Science Elective	3		STAT383	Applied Statistics I	3
	Knowledge Area Course	3			Knowledge Area Course	3
	Free Elective	3			Free Elective	3
		15				15
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
MA321	Advanced Calculus I	3		MA 322	Advanced Calculus II (or MA314)	3
MA311	Abstract Algebra (or MA313)	3		MA451/453	Intro to Mathematical Research/Instruction	2
	KA/University Course	3			MA/STAT Elective	3
	Free Elective	3			KA/University Course	3
	Free Elective	3			Free Elective	3
		15				14
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester				Second Semester
Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.		Course	Title	Cr. Hrs.
	MA/STAT Elective	3			MA/STAT Elective	3
	Free Electives	12			Free Electives	12
MA499	Professional Experience	0				_____
						15
		15

Mathematics Courses
Not all courses are offered each year or each semester (see the annual Courses publication and course offering lists from SAS). Courses marked (*) do not count toward the graduation requirements for mathematics majors.