Mathematics (B.S., B.A.)

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Description

Mathematicians use theory, computational techniques, algorithms and computer technology to solve problems in various fields, including basic sciences, engineering, computer science, economics, business, finance, and social sciences. The study of mathematics is traditionally divided into pure (theoretical) mathematics, which involves discovering new mathematical principles and relationships, and applied mathematics, which develops mathematical techniques for solving practical problems. Statistics is a sub-field of applied mathematics that focuses on data analysis.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Employers in technology, science, research, finance, insurance, manufacturing, government and other areas want to hire mathematics majors because they can use modeling, problem-solving and critical thinking skills to find solutions to complex problems (see American Mathematical Society-careers info for more information). Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment in math occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.

For many careers in the business, entrepreneurship, government, industry and non-profit sectors, a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics is the entry-level qualification. Some careers in mathematical or statistical fields require more advanced or more specialized background. These careers might include research associates, statisticians, and operations research specialists, whose work involves making decisions in managing money, materials, inventory, scheduling, pricing, facilities, people, and other issues that various organizations face. For these more specialized careers, the entry-level qualification may be a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. Our department offers an Accelerated Master’s that provides seamless articulation between our Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (see Mathematics, Accelerated Master’s BA or BS/MS ). We also offer stand-alone Master’s degrees in Mathematics (MS in Mathematics) and in Statistics and Analytics (MS in Statistics and Analytics). A doctoral (Ph.D.) degree may be required for high-level research positions in industry, government and medical facilities, or for university faculty positions.

Typical job titles of graduates with mathematics or statistics degrees include: Actuary, Cryptographer, Data Scientist, Investment Analyst, Market Researcher, Mathematician, Operations Research Analyst, Numerical Analyst, Professor, Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Statistician.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed in this major include: analytical skills, ability to construct logical arguments, ability to perform computer-aided computations, ability to think outside the box, communication skills, problem solving skills, quantitative reasoning, writing skills.

Emphases Within the Major

By carefully choosing upper-division MTH and STA electives, it is easy to focus your major with a view to a particular career or area of further study. Possible areas of emphasis within the major include: actuarial mathematics; applied and computational mathematics; pure (or theoretical) mathematics; statistics; secondary teacher licensure.

Secondary teacher licensure has specific requirements (see below). The other areas of emphasis do not have formal requirements, but there are suggestions for making logical combinations of electives and upper-division courses while satisfying requirements for the major.

Actuarial Mathematics. Actuaries study problems of insurance and finance using mathematical and statistical modeling. A career as an actuary is consistently rated one of the top careers in the U.S. Professional certification requires passing a demanding set of exams. The following combination of courses will prepare you for the first two actuarial exams: STA424; STA425; MTH491. In addition, MTH311 and STA421 are recommended. An intro to computing or statistics programming class is helpful. Students may also wish to take VEE-approved courses outside of the math department as part of their university electives.

Applied and Computational Mathematics. This area emphasizes the use of mathematical modeling and analysis to solve real-world problems in areas such as engineering, biology, finance and industry. The following courses form a strong core for applied mathematics: MTH 311, MTH386 and MTH 401. Additional courses with an emphasis in this area: STA424; MTH425; MTH432; MTH487, MTH491. Certain offerings of MTH493 will also be suitable for this emphasis.

Pure (or Theoretical) Mathematics. This area emphasizes fundamental structures of mathematics and their rigorous, logical development. Ideas from pure mathematics often form a rigorous underpinning of ideas used in applied mathematics. Students with an interest in pure mathematics should be sure to complete both MTH358 and MTH415, in addition to some courses chosen from the following list: MTH301; MTH333; MTH416; MTH420; MTH434; MTH435; MTH458; MTH482.  

Statistics. This area emphasizes the analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Statisticians and analysts are in high demand in many sectors of the economy. While any STA course, as well as MTH432, will help strengthen your statistical background and knowledge, combining a statistics minor with your mathematics major is the clearest way of emphasizing your statistics background. STA323 is the introductory calculus-based statistics and it is the preferred statistics class for a math major since it also counts toward the math major electives requirement. (Note: STA323 may overlap significantly with other introductory statistics courses.) It is possible to apply the remaining statistics minor courses: STA347, STA436, STA467, and one of STA400, STA421, STA431 or SA435, to meet the 12-credit science elective for our BS degree or as university electives for our BA degree. Whether you seek a BS or a BA in mathematics, it is possible to satisfy all requirements for both the mathematics major and a statistics minor by taking the required STA courses as electives and without adding any credits necessary for the degree.    

In all cases, it is very important to discuss your options and interests with Prof. Gold, the departmental faculty advisor to the major. Prof. Gold will help you with choices for emphasizing certain areas within your major.    

For Further Information

216-687-4680 or https://artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/mathematics/

The department offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in mathematics. The mathematics requirements for the two degrees are identical; the difference between them is the number of science credits that are required (see below: B.A., B.S.).