Mathematics Major (BA, BS)

Description

Mathematics is the science of shape, quantity, and patterns, and has evolved to encompass many different fields, including Algebra, Analysis, Geometry, Probability, Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, and Statistics. The mathematics major trains students to think critically and to solve complex problems, preparing them for graduate study in pure or applied mathematics or for a range of professions. Recent graduates who have majored in mathematics have found rewarding careers in business, teaching, computing, government, law, engineering, data science, actuarial science and medicine. A study of mathematics is a natural complement to the study of physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, earth science, business, economics, computer science, philosophy, and the social sciences. Mathematics is also a fitting major for pre-law and pre-med students. The mathematics major is recommended for any student who enjoys problem solving.

Students in the major can choose among the traditional, actuarial science, or statistics tracks. The actuarial track includes courses recommended by the Society of Actuaries and prepares students to succeed in actuarial exams. The statistics track is a good choice for students interested in a career in data analysis or data science.

To complete a major in mathematics, students take 10 required courses that provide a thorough foundation in several central areas of mathematics, a computer science course that emphasizes the design of algorithms, and a minimum of three advanced courses chosen to give special depth in at least one area.

More details concerning the mathematics major, including sample programs of study and information on advisement, student awards, computing facilities, research opportunities, competitions, and the Mathematics Club, can be found on the department website.

Admission to the Program

Any undergraduate student can declare the major in mathematics.

Students who have successfully completed a calculus course in high school may qualify for college credit for MTH 201. Qualifying students should contact the department if they have questions before they register for their first calculus course at Brockport.

Program Requirements

Students in the mathematics major pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete the corresponding degree’s requirements.

Because of the sequential nature of the study of mathematics, students should meet with the department’s advisement coordinator as soon as possible to declare the major, be assigned a departmental advisor, and plan an academic program.

Traditional Major in Mathematics

General Education Requirements Outside of Major (27* credits)

Major program Requirements (47 credits)

Required Courses (34 credits)

Mathematics Elective Courses (9 credits)

Three mathematics courses numbered MTH 400 or higher by advisement.

CSC 483 may be substituted for one of these math courses.

Cognate Requirements (4 credits)

Prerequisite Requirements (0 – 11 credits)

* Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Electives (18-29 credits)

Total Credits (120 credits)

ACTUARIAL TRACK

General Education Requirements (44* credits)

Major Program Requirements (56 credits)

Required Courses (46 credits)

Cognate Requirements (10 credits)

Prerequisite Requirements (0 – 11 credits)

* Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Electives (9-20 credits)

Total Credits (120 credits)

STATISTICS TRACK

General Education Requirements (44* credits)

Major program Requirements (47 credits)

Required Courses (40 credits)

Mathematics Elective Course (3 credits)

  • One mathematics course numbered MTH 400 or higher by advisement. CSC 483 may be substituted for this math course.

Cognate Requirement (4 credits)

Prerequisite Requirements (0 – 11 credits)

* Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Electives (23 – 37 credits)

Total credits (120 credits)

Additional Degree Requirements

For the traditional major and both tracks:

  1. Mathematics majors are required to pass the following four courses with a minimum grade of “C”: MTH 201, MTH 202, MTH 281, and MTH 324.
  2. Students pursuing Adolescence Education Certification are required by the New York State Department of Education to complete a geometry course; thus, such students are recommended to select the option MTH 432 College Geometry.
  3. At least fifteen major credits must be taken at Brockport. At least nine math credits at the 400 level must be completed at Brockport. Also at least one of the following mathematics courses must be taken at Brockport: MTH 425, 430, 432, 446, 457.
  4. Students majoring in Childhood Education who also wish to pursue a Mathematics major may substitute MTH 114 for one of the mathematics electives.
  5. If a Brockport student wishes to fill some requirement of the major through coursework at an institution other than Brockport, the student must first obtain the approval of the department chairperson.
  6. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
  7. Completion of all college-wide degree requirements

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss and utilize mathematics as an intellectual discipline, including its problems, algorithms, and applications.
  2. Carry out the creative and explorative processes of mathematics, including conjecture, generalization, and the construction of mathematically rigorous proofs.
  3. Use mathematics to model and analyze real world problems, and utilize technology as appropriate to help solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of results.
  4. Communicate mathematics effectively.
  5. Actively engage with mathematics beyond the classroom.

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