The goal of the bachelor s degree program is to provide each graduate with the foundation needed to pursue a professional career in mathematics through advanced study or employment. Graduates should be well-qualified to enter strong graduate programs to prepare for teaching, research, or other professional employment. The major includes an extensive core of traditional and contemporary courses capped by four elective courses which enable a student to develop a concentration which prepares them for a career in statistics, pure, applied, or computational mathematics, or mathematics education. See the Graduate section for the division of Mathematics and Computer Science in this Catalog concerning early admission to Truman s graduate program in mathematics. The program of study for a major in mathematics is based on the University s Liberal Studies Program and includes a substantial component of science, including a year sequence in either General Chemistry or General Physics.
Mathematics majors gain computer programming expertise through at least one computer science course.
The major requirements are based upon a core of classical and contemporary mathematics courses which follow recommendations of the Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics of the Mathematical Association of America. At least one course in Statistics is required. Finally, majors build upon the required core with four elective courses, chosen with the approval of their advisor, to develop a concentration compatible with their interests and career goals. Beginning freshmen take a seminar which provides an opportunity for career exploration and interaction with faculty and other mathematics majors. A senior seminar facilitates the transition from undergraduate to graduate school or to a first position in the work force.