Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Bulletin 2008-2009 
    
Undergraduate Bulletin 2008-2009 [Archived Catalog]

Mathematics (B.S.)


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Program Offered: B.S.
Department of Mathematical Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 200 ~ 260-481-6821 ~ www.ipfw.edu/math


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

  • Students who complete the undergraduate mathematics major should be able to reason mathematically and should be good problem solvers.  Students should understand the role mathematics has played in solving important problems in a variety of disciplines, e.g. physics, engineering, and business.
  • In addition to 1. above, students who complete the Mathematics option should understand the fundamental concepts in algebra and analysis.  They should understand the value of mathematical proofs and should be able to do simple proofs.
  • In addition to 1. above, students who complete the Actuarial Science option should have had sufficient preparation in calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics to pass the preliminary Actuarial Science examinations.
  • In addition to 1. above, students who complete the Mathematics Teaching option should have mastered the fundamental concepts necessary to obtain certification to teach mathematics in the secondary schools. 

Programs leading to the Bachelor of Science help you prepare for employment in business and industry, teaching in secondary schools, or study for advanced degrees. As a mathematics major you choose one of six options: actuarial science, business, computing, mathematics, mathematics teaching, or statistics. 

To earn a B.S. with a major in mathematics, you must satisfy the requirements of IPFW (see Part 7), the College of Arts and Sciences (see Part 3), and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Required course work appears below.

IPFW General Education Requirements


Area I—Linguistic and Numerical Foundations


  • MA The quantitative-reasoning requirement is satisfied by mathematics courses below. Credits: 0

Area II—Natural and Physical Sciences


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

  • Includes two laboratory courses (The science courses must be selected from a list approved by the department.) Credits: 11

Area III—The Individual, Culture, and Society Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Area V—Creative and Artistic Expression Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Area VI—Inquiry and Analysis (not in MA) Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


English Writing


Foreign Language


Requirements in Arts and Sciences Part B Credits: 8

Core and Concentration (Major) Courses


Of the mathematics courses numbered below 261, only 165, 166, and 175 apply toward the degree; statistics courses must be numbered 490 or higher to be counted. You must have a grade-point average of C or better with at most one D in courses used to fulfill the major requirements.

Option Courses (see below) Credits: 46–56


General Elective Courses


  • Sufficient additional credits, if necessary, to bring the total to 124

Total Credits: 124


Actuarial Science Option


This option, designed in consultation with professionals from the insurance industry, includes courses that help you prepare for a variety of positions in that field. In particular, it helps you prepare for the first of the series of examinations by the Society of Actuaries. Additional information is available from the department.

  • Credits in three electives selected from a list of courses approved by the department Credits: 9
  • Credits in electives (two additional finance courses, BUS F302 and F420 highly recommended) Credits: 13-16

Business Option


This option is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in business or industry. In addition to obtaining useful mathematics and statistics tools, the student who completes this option will also receive a minor in business.

Total Credits: 53-56


Computing Option


This option helps you prepare for computer-related careers for which a strong mathematical background is advantageous. The student who completes this option will also receive a minor in computer science.

Option Specific Courses Credits: 15


Two of the following Credits: 6


  • MA 441, 453, 511, 556, 575, STAT 511, or STAT 516 if not taken to satisfy above requirements.

Two of the following Credits: 6


  • Select two courses from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
  • Credits in electives: 16–19

Total Credits: 53-56


Mathematics Option


This option helps you prepare for graduate study in the mathematical sciences or for work in fields where a strong mathematical background is required.

One of the following Credits: 3


  • Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
  • Credits in electives: 31–34

Total Credits: 52-55


Mathematics Teaching Option


This option provides the mathematical preparation necessary for teaching secondary-school mathematics in Indiana. You are encouraged to choose and complete a teaching minor.

Prior to your junior year, you must successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) before admission to the teacher education program. The Praxis II Specialty Area Exam must be completed before or during the student-teaching semester, normally in your senior year.

Information on additional requirements for teacher certification is available in the department office.

One of the following Credits: 3


  • Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
  • Credits in electives: 34–37

Total Credits: 52–55


Statistics Option


This option helps you prepare for careers in business and industry and emphasizes the statistical methods used in decision making. It also provides entry-level preparation for an actuarial career.

Program Requirements


  • Credits in courses selected from a departmentally approved list Credits: 6
  • Credits in electives: 31–34

Note


The research certificate is described under Arts and Sciences in Part 3 of this Bulletin.

Total Credits: 52-55


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