Information about the Mathematics Major and Combined Programs

Department Goals

At the end of our program in Mathematics, the successful graduate will be able to:

Solve mathematical problems;
Communicate mathematical ideas effectively both orally and in writing;
Learn new mathematics independently;
Evaluate mathematical arguments;
Have depth of study in at least one area of mathematics;
Have basic understanding of several branches of mathematics.

Department Assessment

The Department of Mathematics assesses each student via several modes, including

Successful completion of the gateway course (Math 260), with an adequate grade.
Successful completion of the required curriculum, as described in the College catalog.
A passing score on the senior written examination in Mathematics, provided early in the Fall of the senior year.
A passing score on the senior oral examination, provided in the Spring of the senior year.

To specifically address the goals in items (1), (2), (3) and (5), the department requires all mathematics seniors to complete the Senior Project course (Math 495-6). In this course, students are paired with a member of the department, they choose a specific topic in mathematics to study, then study that topic in depth. Students learn how to express mathematical ideas orally to their peers, in writing in weekly journals, and at the end of the year, they present their topic to the department and turn in complete a write up of their work which is then archived on the department website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical minors that students get with the Applied Math major?

The requirement of the minor is to provide an area of application for your mathematics. Therefore, the typical minors are in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and others in Division III. Specifically not allowed are minors in Mathematics or Computer Science. Other minors are possible; any choice you make needs to be approved by the department.
How are the senior assessments different for the combined Econ-Math majors?

Econ-Math majors will take the same written examination as Mathematics majors, but the oral examination will be scheduled in consultation with the Econ department. Typically, the oral examination from the mathematics side will be questions from Math 338 (Prob/Stats) or Math 300 (Linear Algebra) or something else at that level with the approval of the oral exam committee. If an Econ-Math major wishes to pursue honors, the honors project may be done in Economics (it need not be both in Mathematics and Economics). Students in the combined major do not need to take Math 495-6 (the senior project).
How are the senior assessments different for combined Physics-Math majors?

Physics-Math majors will also take the same written examination as Mathematics majors, but the oral examination is done in consultation with the Physics department. From the Mathematics side, Physics-Math students are typically questioned about Math 244 (Differential Equations) or Math 300 (Linear Algebra). Students in the combined major do not need to take Math 495-6.
I would like to pursue Honors in Major Study. What do I need to do?
1. Spring, Junior Year: Read the catalog to be sure you understand the qualifications and talk to your advisor. During the Spring semester of your junior year you will decide if you want to pursue candidacy to honors in major study and if so, decide on a suitable project and advisor for the Senior Project course.
  
  You will write a proposal for your honors project/thesis at this time. For the best chance at department approval, be sure your proposal reads like a proposal for Honors; be sure you are writing at your best; your proposal should be well thought out!
2. Fall, Senior Year (Usually in September): Pass the senior written exam ``with distinction''.
3. Fall, Senior Year (Usually before the Oct Break, but after the Written Exam): Fill out the form for candidacy to Honors in Major Study from the Registrar's page, and give to the Department Chair for signature and forwarding to the Registrar:
  Here is the Registrar's website
4. Spring, Senior Year (Mid-April): The candidate will give the Department sufficient time to read the thesis/project and give comments before it is due to the Library. Three weeks is a good rule of thumb- For the 2009-2010 Academic year, you should plan on giving your thesis to your advisor by April 20th. You can expect to have at least a week to do revisions before the thesis is due to the library. Your advisor will give you final approval.
5. Reading Day: Thesis is due to the library.
Thesis Templates in LaTeX you may use:

Every effort is made to ensure that this website is up to date. However, in the event that the information here is in conflict with the Catalog, you should see your advisor and presume that the Catalog is correct.