Description
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 in mathematics is 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, actuarial science and medicine. A study of mathematics is a natural adjunct to the study of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, business, economics, computer science, and the social sciences.
To complete a major in mathematics, students take 10 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.
More details concerning the mathematics major, including sample programs of study and information on advisement for majors, student awards, computing facilities, library holdings, and the Mathematics Club, can be found in the department website.
What can I do with a Mathematics major?
Admission to the Program
Any undergraduate student can declare the major in mathematics.
Students who have successfully completed a calculus course in high school may qualify for college credit for MTH 201. Qualifying students should contact the department if they have questions before they register for their first calculus course at Brockport.
Program Requirements
Students in the mathematics major pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete the corresponding degree's requirements.
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 the major, be assigned a departmental advisor, and plan an academic program.
Traditional Major in Mathematics
General Education Requirements (44* credits)
Major program Requirements (47 credits)
Required Courses (34 credits)
- MTH 201 Calculus I
- MTH 202 Calculus II
- MTH 203 Calculus III
- MTH 255 Differential Equations
- MTH 281 Discrete Mathematics I
- MTH 324 Linear Algebra
- MTH 346 Probability and Statistics I
- MTH 425 Abstract Algebra
- MTH 457 Real Analysis
- ONE of the following courses:
-
- MTH 430 Topology
- MTH 432 College Geometry
Mathematics Elective Courses (9 credits)
Nine credits in mathematics from courses numbered MTH 400 or higher by advisement, excluding MTH 492.
CSC 483 may be substituted for one of these math courses.
Cognate Requirements (4 credits)
- CSC 203 Problem Solving with Objects
Prerequisite Requirements (0 – 11 credits)
- MTH 111 College Algebra
- MTH 122 Pre-Calculus (or placement by math placement coordinator)*
- CSC 120 Introduction to Computing
* Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Electives (18-29 credits)
Total Credits (120 credits)
ACTUARIAL TRACK
General Education Requirements (44* credits)
Major Program Requirements (56 credits)
Required Courses (46 credits)
- MTH 201 Calculus I
- MTH 202 Calculus II
- MTH 203 Calculus III
- MTH 255 Differential Equations
- MTH 281 Discrete Mathematics I
- MTH 324 Linear Algebra
- MTH 346 Probability and Statistics I
- MTH 441 Statistical Methods
- MTH 442 Statistical Computing
- MTH 446 Probability and Statistics II
- MTH 447 Time Series
- MTH 452 Financial Mathematics
- MTH 453 Actuarial Mathematics
- MTH 457 Real Analysis
Cognate Requirements (10 credits)
- CSC 203 Problem Solving with Objetcs
- ECN 201 PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS – MICRO
- ECN 202 PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS – MACR0
Prerequisite Requirements (0 – 11 credits)
- MTH 111 College Algebra
- MTH 122 Pre-Calculus (or placement by math placement coordinator)*
- CSC 120 Introduction to Computing
* Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Electives (9-20 credits)
Total Credits (120 credits)
STATISTICS TRACK
General Education Requirements (44* credits)
Major program Requirements (47 credits)
Required Courses (40 credits)
- MTH 201 Calculus I
- MTH 202 Calculus II
- MTH 203 Calculus III
- MTH 255 Differential Equations
- MTH 281 Discrete Mathematics I
- MTH 324 Linear Algebra
- MTH 346 Probability and Statistics I
- MTH 441 Statistical Methods
- MTH 442 Statistical Computing
- MTH 446 Probability and Statistics II
- MTH 447 Time Series
- MTH 457 Real Analysis
Mathematics Elective Courses (3 credits)
- Three credits in mathematics from courses numbered MTH 400 or higher by advisement, excluding MTH 492. CSC 483 may be substituted for this math course.
Cognate Requirement (4 credits)
- CSC 203 Problem Solving with Objects
Prerequisite Requirements (0 – 11 credits)
- MTH 111 College Algebra
- MTH 122 Pre-Calculus (or placement by math placement coordinator)*
- CSC 120 Introduction to Computing
* Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Electives (23 – 37 credits)
Total credits (120 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements (for the traditional major and both tracks)
- Mathematics majors are required to pass the following four courses with a minimum grade of "C": MTH 201, MTH 202, MTH 281, and MTH 324.
- Students pursuing Adolescence Education Certification are required by the New York State Department of Education to complete a geometry course; thus, such students are recommended to select the option MTH 432 College Geometry.
- At least fifteen major credits must be taken at Brockport. At least nine math credits at the 400 level must be completed at Brockport. Also at least one of the following mathematics courses must be taken at Brockport: MTH 425, 430, 432, 446, 457.
- Students receiving elementary education certification may substitute MTH 114 for one of the mathematics electives.
- If a Brockport student wishes to fill some requirement of the major through coursework at an institution other than Brockport, the student must first obtain the approval of the department chairperson.
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
- Completion of all college-wide degree requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Discuss and utilize mathematics as an intellectual discipline, including its problems, algorithms, and applications.
- Carry out the creative and explorative processes of mathematics, including conjecture, generalization, and the construction of mathematically rigorous proofs.
- Use mathematics to model and analyze real world problems, and utilize technology as appropriate to help solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of results.
- Communicate mathematics effectively.
- Actively engage with mathematics beyond the classroom.