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Department of Mathematics
200 Faculty Office Building
(585) 395-2036
Chairperson: Mihail Barbosu; Professors: John G. Michaels, Sanford S. Miller; Associate Professors: Charles J. Sommer; Assistant Professors: Dawn M. Jones, Izuru Mori, Gabriel T. Prajitura, Howard J. Skogman, Rebecca Smith, Pierangela Veneziani, Ruhan Zhao.
An in-depth understanding of mathematics is of great importance to many careers in our technologically complex society. Moreover, the study of mathematics promotes analytical and critical thinking skills, and therefore is a valuable part of any program of study. The major and minor programs in mathematics are designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue graduate study or to support career goals in a range of professions. Recent graduates who have majored in mathematics have found rewarding careers in business, teaching, computing, government, law, engineering, and medicine. A major or minor in mathematics is a natural adjunct to the study of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, business, economics, computer science, computational science, or the social sciences.
The department offers a major in mathematics, a minor in mathematics, and a minor in mathematics/statistics. In addition, it supports a double major in mathematics and computer science. To complete a major in mathematics, students take nine required courses that provide a thorough foundation in several central areas of mathematics, a computer science course that emphasizes the design of algorithms, and a minimum of three advanced courses chosen to give special depth in at least one area. The two minor programs require students to take six mathematics courses that coherently complement their particular major.
Because of the sequential nature of the study of mathematics, students should meet with the department’s advisement coordinator as soon as possible to declare a major or minor, be assigned a departmental advisor, and plan an academic program.
Major in Mathematics (40 credits)
Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in mathematics and four credits in computer science, as follows:
| Number | Class | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Required MTH courses (27 credits) | 27 | |
| MTH 201, 202, 203 | Calculus I, II, III | 9 |
| MTH 281 | Discrete Mathematics I | 3 |
| MTH 346, 446 | Probability and Statistics I, II | 6 |
| MTH 424 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MTH 425 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MTH 457 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| 2. Elective courses (9 credits) | 9 | |
| Nine credits in mathematics, by advisement, from courses numbered MTH 399 or higher. CSC 483 may be substituted for one of these MTH courses. | ||
| 3. Computer science course: CSC 203 Fundamentals of Computer Science I. | 4 | |
| Total: | 40 | |
Notes:
- Students intending to obtain secondary education certification in mathematics must complete MTH 432.
- At least three 400-level MTH courses must be taken at SUNY Brockport, including at least one of the following: MTH 425, 446, or 457.
- Students receiving elementary certification may substitute MTH 314 for one of the Mathematics electives.
Students who have successfully completed a calculus course in high school may qualify for college credit for MTH 201 and 202. Qualifying students must contact the department before they register for their first calculus course at SUNY Brockport.
More details concerning the mathematics major, including sample programs of study and information on advisement for majors, student awards, computing facilities, library holdings, the Mathematics Club, and the Student Chapter of the Mathematical Association of America, can be found in the Mathematics Majors Handbook. Copies are available in the department office.
Minor in Mathematics (18 credits)
Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits in mathematics, as follows:
- Required courses: MTH 201 and 202, Calculus I and II.
- Elective courses: 12 credits in mathematics, chosen from MTH 203 or courses numbered MTH 243 or higher. Students should choose these electives after consultation with an advisor from their major department as well as with a mathematics faculty member.
At least nine credits toward the minor must be completed at SUNY Brockport.
Minor in Mathematics/Statistics (18 credits)
Students must complete either sequence A or B below.
A.
| Number | Class |
|---|---|
| MTH 201 | Calculus I |
| MTH 202 | Calculus II |
| MTH 203 | Calculus III |
| MTH 245 | Finite Mathematics |
| OR | |
| MTH 281 | Discrete Mathematics I |
| MTH 346 | Probability and Statistics I |
| MTH 446 | Probability and Statistics II |
| Number | Class |
|---|---|
| MTH 201 | Calculus I |
| MTH 202 | Calculus II |
| MTH 245 | Finite Mathematics |
| OR | |
| MTH 281 | Discrete Mathematics I |
| MTH 346 | Probability and Statistics II |
| MTH 441 | Statistical Methods I |
| MTH 442 | Statistical Methods II |
At least nine credits toward the minor must be completed at SUNY Brockport.
Secondary Certification in Mathematics
Students who wish to teach mathematics at the secondary level can pursue a program
at SUNY Brockport that leads to provisional certification. The program requires completion
of a major in mathematics, including a geometry course, and a prescribed group of
professional courses offered chiefly by the Department of Education and Human Development.
Students seeking certification should contact the Department of Education and Human
Development as soon as possible.