These opportunities range from the traditional classroom-lecture setting to the highly individualized Honors Tutorial Program. Students considering mathematics as a career should realize that the emphasis in their coursework will shift as their education progresses. Early in their studies, courses have a more computational aspect, whereas later they become somewhat abstract with emphasis on concepts rather than computations. In order to help the student acquire an appreciation for the nature of mathematical studies, introductory courses are offered at the sophomore-junior level in number theory, linear algebra, abstract algebra, and geometry. Regular course offerings at the upper level in analysis topology, algebra, and applied mathematics permit students to pursue studies in pure or applied areas of mathematics, or both.
Many courses are suitable for nonmajors who wish to enrich their backgrounds.
Courses of Study To provide the mathematics student with as much flexibility as possible, the departmental requirements for the A.B. and B.S. degrees, in addition to the general requirements set by the College of Arts and Sciences, are 50 hours in courses numbered 200 and higher, of which 16 hours must be numbered 306 or higher. A student preparing for teacher certification should seek a broad background in various areas of mathematics, including algebra, analysis, geometry, computer science, probability, and statistics. In conjunction with the required professional education courses, the mathematics department offers a course on the teaching of mathematics which includes some classroom teaching experience. There are many possible combinations of courses leading to a degree in mathematics. When planning any program of study it is strongly recommended that the student consult an advisor from the department.