2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Mathematical Studies - Bachelor of Arts (31+ Credits)

(31-35 credits plus 6 credit internship)

The Mathematical Studies major is designed for students with an interest in further study of mathematics but not planning to teach secondary mathematics or to pursue graduate study in mathematics. Mathematical Studies is especially recommended for Elementary Education majors interested in specializing in mathematics or Environmental Studies majors who would like more of a quantitative emphasis, but is open to other students, as well. 

Learning Goals for the Mathematical Studies Major:

I. To develop an appreciation of the power, beauty, and utility of mathematics

  • Use mathematics to model real-life problems in the sciences and other disciplines
  • Conduct a real-world mathematical study
  • Demonstrate a sociocultural perspective of mathematics including how mathematics provides a lens on global issues, cultural concerns, and social responsibility

II. To develop a grounding in critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving

  • Generate, collect, and organize information systematically
  • Analyze and construct logical arguments
  • Discover patterns, formulate conjectures, and construct appropriate models through exploration and experimentation

III. To develop an understanding of both theoretical and applied mathematics

  • Conceptually justify mathematical procedures
  • Apply the conceptual ideas and skills of calculus
  • Interpret and apply statistical methods
  • Use, evaluate, and choose appropriate technology to explore and solve mathematical problems

IV. To develop the ability to communicate and justify mathematical concepts and solution strategies

  • Connect multiple representations of mathematical ideas (e.g. graphs, tables, formulas, situations)
  • Read, write, and create mathematical justifications using correct mathematical terminology and symbols
  • Engage in mathematical discourse, work in collaborative teams, and reflect on the mathematical ideas of others

Degree Requirements

I. Required Core (13 Credits)

CMATH 1990Concepts and Applications of Calculus I

4

CMATH 3001Mathematics in Context

3

CMATH 3522Inferential Statistics

3

CMATH 4550Directed Research Capstone: Math

3

II. Additional Courses (18-21 Credits)

(Choose a total of 6 courses: At least 4 from Category A, and at most 2 from Category B)

Category A (Mathematics): Choose FOUR or more

CMATH 1501Problem Solving

3

CMATH 1522Introduction to Statistics

3

CMATH 1590Patterns and Functions

3

CMATH 2140Discrete Mathematics

3

CMATH 2144Topics in Geometry

3

CMATH 2590Concepts and Applications of Calculus II

4

CMATH 2990Multivariable Calculus

3

CMATH 3000Number Theory

3

CMATH 3011Linear Algebra

3

CMATH 4200Abstract Algebra

3

CMATH 2140 and CMATH 2144 are required for Middle School Education majors
(Note: Secondary Education majors should complete the Mathematics major)

Category B (Other Quantitative Disciplines): Choose up to TWO

CNSCI 2100Humans in the Environment

3

CBIOL 1400Research Experiences in Natural Science

3

CBIOL 2202Genetics and Ethics

3

CBIOL 2505Ecology with Lab

4

CMGMT 2457Managerial Accounting for Service Organizations

3

CMGMT 3460Fundamentals of Finance

3

CSOCS 3444Research Methods in the Social Sciences

3

CPSYC 3441Elements of Statistics in Psychology

3

CPHYS 1250Physics I with Lab: Forces, Sound, Momentum & Energy

4

CPHYS 1308General Chemistry I with Lab

4

CPHYS 2102General Chemistry II with Lab

4

CPHYS 2250Physics II with Lab: Electricity, Magnetism, Atoms & Light

4

CPHYS 2510Astronomy

3

Other quantitative courses may be substituted with the approval of the NSM Department Chair.

III. Internship Component (6 Credits)

Working with their advisor and the Internship Office, all students, except for Education majors, develop an individual plan for applying their mathematical knowledge to the professional world through an internship.
CNSCI 4100Research Internship and Seminar

3-6

CNSCI 4100 must be taken for six credits.