Programs leading to the bachelor of science degree help prepare you for employment in business and industry, teaching in secondary schools, or study for advanced degrees. As a mathematics major you may choose one of six options: actuarial science, computing, mathematics, mathematics teaching, operations research, or statistics.
To earn a B.S. with a major in mathematics, you must satisfy the requirements of IPFW, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. To become certified to teach secondary school mathematics, you must also satisfy the requirements of the Indiana Department of Education as prescribed by the IPFW School of Education.
Mathematics majors are required to earn 11 credits in the physical or natural sciences, including two laboratory courses. The science courses should be selected from a list of courses approved by the department.
As a mathematics major, you must take the following core of mathematical sciences courses. In addition, you must complete the course requirements in one of six options which are described below: actuarial science, computing, mathematics, mathematics teaching, operations research, and statistics. Of the mathematics courses numbered below 261, only 165, 166, and 175 apply toward the degree; statistics courses must be numbered 490 or higher to be counted. You must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better with at most one passing grade less than 1.5 in courses used to fulfill the following requirements:
| Course |
Credits |
|
CS 160 - Introduction to Computer Science I
|
4
|
|
MA 165-166 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I-II
|
8
|
|
MA 175 or 275 - Discrete Mathematics
|
3
|
|
MA 263 - Multivariate and Vector Calculus
|
4
|
|
MA 351 - Elementary Linear Algebra
|
3
|
|
Total
|
22
|
Actuarial Science Option
This option, designed in consultation with professionals from the insurance industry, includes courses that help you prepare for a variety of positions in that field. In particular, it helps you prepare for the first of the series of examinations by the Society of Actuaries. Additional information is available from the department.
- Credits in three electives selected from a list of courses approved by the department Credits: 9
- Credits in electives (two additional finance courses, BUS F302 and F420 highly recommended) Credits: 13-16
- BUS A201 - Principles of Financial Accounting Cr. 3.
- BUS A202 - Principles of Managerial Accounting Cr. 3.
- BUS F301 - Financial Management Cr. 3.
- ECON E201 - Introduction to Microeconomics Cr. 3.
- ECON E202 - Introduction to Macroeconomics Cr. 3.
- STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods Cr. 3.
- STAT 51200 - Applied Regression Analysis Cr. 3.
- STAT 51600 - Basic Probability and Applications Cr. 3.
- STAT 51700 - Statistical Inference Cr. 3.
Business Option
This option is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in business or industry. In addition to obtaining useful mathematics and statistics tools, the student who completes this option will also receive a minor in business.
Option Specific Courses Credits: 21
- Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list (MA 363, 417/418, 441, 453, 511, 525, STAT 514, 517) Credits: 6
- MA 30500 - Foundations of Higher Mathematics Cr. 3.
- MA 31400 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling Cr. 3.
- STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods Cr. 3.
- STAT 51200 - Applied Regression Analysis Cr. 3.
- STAT 51600 - Basic Probability and Applications Cr. 3.
Business Minor Credits: 22
- BUS A201 - Principles of Financial Accounting Cr. 3.
- BUS A202 - Principles of Managerial Accounting Cr. 3.
- BUS K211 - Spreadsheets for Business Cr. 1.
- BUS K212 - Introduction to Database Management Cr. 1.
- BUS K213 - Internet Literacy for Business Cr. 1.
- BUS L200 - Elements of Business Law Cr. 3.
- BUS W204 - Social, Legal, and Ethical Implications of Business Decisions Cr. 3.
- ECON E201 - Introduction to Microeconomics Cr. 3.
- ECON E202 - Introduction to Macroeconomics Cr. 3.
Credits in two courses selected from the following list Credits: 6
- BUS D300 - International Business Administration Cr. 3.
- BUS F301 - Financial Management Cr. 3.
- BUS M301 - Marketing Management in a Competitive Environment Cr. 3.
- BUS P301 - Managing Operations in a Competitive Environment Cr. 3.
- BUS Z302 - Management of Organizations and People Cr. 3
General elective courses Credits: 10–13
Total Credits: 53-56
Computing Option
This option helps you prepare for computer-related careers for which a strong mathematical background is advantageous. The student who completes this option will also receive a minor in computer science.
Option Specific Courses Credits: 15
- MA 30500 - Foundations of Higher Mathematics Cr. 3.
One of the following Credits: 3
- STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods Cr. 3.
- STAT 51600 - Basic Probability and Applications Cr. 3.
One of the following Credits: 3
- MA 44100 - Real Analysis Cr. 3.
- MA 45300 - Elements of Algebra Cr. 3.
- MA 51100 - Linear Algebra with Applications Cr. 3.
- MA 55600 - Introduction to the Theory of Numbers Cr. 3.
- MA 57500 - Graph Theory Cr. 3.
Two of the following Credits: 6
- MA 441, 453, 511, 556, 575, STAT 511, or STAT 516 if not taken to satisfy above requirements.
- MA 31400 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling Cr. 3.
- MA 36300 - Differential Equations Cr. 3.
- MA 41700 - Mathematical Programming Cr. 3.
- STAT 51200 - Applied Regression Analysis Cr. 3.
- STAT 51700 - Statistical Inference Cr. 3.
Computer Science Minor Credits: 22
- CS 16100 - Introduction to Computer Science II Cr. 4.
- CS 26000 - Data Structures Cr. 3.
- CS 33100 - Introduction to C++ and Object-Oriented Programming Cr. 3.
Two of the following Credits: 6
- Select two courses from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
- Credits in electives: 16–19
- CS 38400 - Numerical Analysis Cr. 3.
- CS 48600 - Analysis of Algorithms Cr. 3.
- CS 48800 - Theory of Computation Cr. 3.
- CS 54300 - Introduction to Simulation and Modeling of Computer Systems Cr. 3.
- CS 57200 - Heuristic Problem Solving Cr. 3.
Mathematics Option
This option helps you prepare for graduate study in the mathematical sciences or for work in fields where a strong mathematical background is required.
Program Requirements
- MA 30500 - Foundations of Higher Mathematics Cr. 3.
- MA 36300 - Differential Equations Cr. 3.
- MA 44100 - Real Analysis Cr. 3.
- MA 45300 - Elements of Algebra Cr. 3.
One of the following Credits: 3
- Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
- Credits in electives: 31–34
- STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods Cr. 3.
- STAT 51600 - Basic Probability and Applications Cr. 3.
Mathematics Teaching Option
This option provides the mathematical preparation necessary for teaching secondary-school mathematics in Indiana. You are encouraged to choose and complete a teaching minor.
Prior to your junior year, you must successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) before admission to the teacher education program. The Praxis II Specialty Area Exam must be completed before or during the student-teaching semester, normally in your senior year.
Information on additional requirements for teacher certification is available in the department office.
Program Requirements
- MA 30500 - Foundations of Higher Mathematics Cr. 3.
- MA 45300 - Elements of Algebra Cr. 3.
- MA 56000 - Fundamental Concepts of Geometry Cr. 3.
Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
Credits in electives: 34–37
One of the following Credits: 3
Total Credits: 52–55
Statistics Option
This option helps you prepare for careers in business and industry and emphasizes the statistical methods used in decision making. It also provides entry-level preparation for an actuarial career.
Program Requirements
- Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
- Credits in electives: 31–34
- STAT 51100 - Statistical Methods Cr. 3.
- STAT 51200 - Applied Regression Analysis Cr. 3.
- STAT 51400 - Design of Experiments Cr. 3.
- STAT 51600 - Basic Probability and Applications Cr. 3.
- STAT 51700 - Statistical Inference Cr. 3.
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
