This major trains students in the analytic thinking characteristic of pure and applied mathematics and provides familiarity with rigorous methods of mathematical proof. In addition to the standard mathematics major, the department offers a number of specialized undergraduate tracks for students interested in pursuing careers in bioinformatics or in preparing for teaching: the concentration Quantitative Biology, and the concentration Preparation for Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). The department also offers a BA in Adolescent Mathematics, Grades 7-12.
The study of statistics provides the student with analytical tools that may find application in various fields within the sciences and social sciences. Bioinformatics is a rapidly developing area open to students in statistics with a working knowledge of computing and biological sciences. Actuarial science is one area open to students in statistics who also have backgrounds in such subjects as computer science, mathematics and economics. The BA/MA in Statistics and Applied Mathematics offered by the department provides enrichment for undergraduate statistics majors.
Students intending to pursue research careers in biomedical sciences can select a Statistics Major with a concentration in Quantitative Biology.
The BA/MA program offers promising students the opportunity to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements with a minimum of 120 credits. Requirements are the same as those for a major in the department, plus 30 credits at the graduate level. Interested students should contact the appropriate graduate advisor for further information regarding eligibility and curriculum requirements.
Option 1: BA/MA in Mathematics
Students complete the BA with a standard mathematics major, with 30 additional credits at the graduate level in mathematics following the Master of Arts in Pure Mathematics. Choice of courses are approved by the departmental graduate advisor.
Option 2: BA/MA Program in Statistics and Applied Mathematics
Students complete the BA with a standard major in statistics or mathematics, with 30 additional credits at the graduate level in Statistics and Mathematics, following the sequence of courses for one of the five available tracks: Statistics is Track I, Applied Mathematics is Track II, Biostatistics is Track III, Mathematical Finance is Track IV, and Statistical Data Science is Track V. The final choice of courses for each student is approved by the appropriate departmental graduate advisor. Students in Option 2 must complete a faculty supervised project.
Students interested in secondary school teaching may pursue a combined BA/MA program in teaching. This program requires a minimum of 141 credits.
Admission Requirements for the BA/MA in Teaching:
Degree Requirements for the BA/MA in Teaching
The BA/MA program in the teaching of mathematics includes 48 credits in mathematics (in addition to the year of calculus described above) and 27 credits in teacher education courses, some of them taken at the undergraduate level and some at the graduate level. The required math/stat courses are:
Also required is passing a comprehensive examination in mathematics consisting of three parts covering the material in MATH 620, 630, and 633. Students may sit for the comprehensive examination only after having taken all three courses. Students who fail any part of the examination need only retake that part of the examination. A student can take any part of the comprehensive exam in mathematics twice; after that, a committee formed by the Mathematics/Statistics Chairperson and consisting of members from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Curriculum and Teaching will decide if the student can take the exam a third and final time.
The student should consult the School of Education section of the graduate college catalog for the sequence of teacher education courses.
A minor in mathematics consists of a minimum of 12 credits selected from any of the following courses offered by the department:
Students should consult the catalog to determine prerequisites necessary for them to enroll in courses that count toward the minor. It is recommended that prospective mathematics minors consult with an undergraduate mathematics adviser concerning course selection.
A minor in statistics consists of at least 12 credits selected from STAT courses offered by the department. Students should consult the catalog to determine the prerequisites necessary for them to enroll in courses that count toward the minor. It is recommended that prospective statistics minors consult with an undergraduate statistics advisor concerning course selection.
Currently, logic is studied by three distinct disciplines–computer science, mathematics and philosophy. This minor is interdisciplinary and will introduce students to the questions about logic that these disciplines raise, their methods for investigating these questions, and applications these disciplines may find for logic. Symbolic Logic is the foundational course and prerequisite for the current three advanced-level courses. Students must take this course prior to declaring the minor in logic. Each of the three disciplines is represented by an advanced-level course.
The following four cross-listed courses are required for this minor:
A student interested in actuarial work should take MATH 150, 155, 250, 260, STAT 311 and 313. Students are also encouraged to take courses in accounting, economics and computer science. For information concerning examinations and prizes given to undergraduates by the Society of Actuaries, consult the departmental advisor.
There are opportunities to receive complimentary memberships in the American Mathematical Society (AMS), the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), or the American Statistical Association (ASA). This includes free journals.
Qualified students may be selected by the Department for Pi Mu Epsilon, the national undergraduate mathematics honor society. Members of Pi Mu Epsilon may present talks at the annual summer meeting of the MAA.
The Math Club
The math club is organized and run by mathematics and statistics majors. It provides opportunities for academic and social interaction. The club sponsors problem solving contests, pizza lunches, math movies, and occasional speakers.
Mathematical Competitions
Each year some majors participate in the six-hour William Lowell Putnam Competition, one of the nation’s most difficult and prestigious mathematics competitions. Undergraduates also participate in the year-long Problem Solving Competition, a national event conducted locally at Hunter; the winner can take part in the championship final at the summer semi-annual meeting of the Mathematical Association of America.
