Program Requirements

About the Major

Our mathematics program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The B.A. degree requires 34 semester credit hours, and the B.S. degree consists of 48 semester credit hours. All students are required to complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences core and depth requirements.

What You Study

Now that you are interested in pursuing a mathematics major, what does that entail? What topics will you study? Clearly, calculus is a cornerstone of the curriculum. The calculus sequence develops your computational ability and geometric understanding. But what else? As you get further into the curriculum, the central theme is understanding mathematical objects, understanding relationships between such objects, and creating arguments to verify these relationships.

Students typically follow the course of study below.

  • Year 1 — Calculus I and II
  • Year 2 — Abstract mathematics, multivariate calculus, linear algebra
  • Years 3 and 4 — Real analysis and/or abstract algebra, computer programming, electives in mathematics
  • General physics I and II are required for the Bachelor of Science degree. Secondary Education Certification requires taking geometry and several courses in the Tift College of Education.

Elective Suggestions

  • If you are planning to pursue graduate study in mathematics, it is recommended that your electives are selected from probability and statistics, differential equations, numerical analysis, and second semester abstract algebra and real analysis.
  • If you are planning a career in applied mathematics, it is recommended that your electives are selected from probability and statistics, differential equations, numerical analysis, and mathematical modeling. Additional courses in computer programming and the operations research course in engineering are recommended.

About the Minor

The mathematics minor requires three courses beyond calculus I and II and easily combines with any major, including Engineering.

Certificate in Actuarial Science

Students may complete a Certificate in Actuarial Science either separately from or in conjunction with the mathematics major or minor.

Departmental Honors

Majors may earn departmental honors in mathematics by meeting the following requirements:

  • Apply for honors during the second semester of the junior year.
  • Attain a grade point average of 3.50 in the mathematics courses applied toward the major.
  • Enroll in MAT 402 (directed independent research) and complete a research paper under the direction of a faculty member in the mathematics and statistics department.
  • Present the results of the research in colloquium.
  • Receive departmental approval for the entire project.

Secondary Teacher Certification Program in Mathematics

Students seeking certification in teaching are encouraged to complete a Bachelor of Science in Education in the Tift College of Education while taking content area courses in mathematics. In many cases, students may be able to complete a second degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well.