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Program Description
Mathematics is an academic discipline that is committed to developing the critical thinking and problem solving skills of students at Winston-Salem State University both within the major and within the General Education courses. Mathematicians are qualified for a large and diverse set of careers including both the academic and private sectors. Common career paths include employment in analytics, statistics, computer science, cryptology, engineering, etc. Students learn techniques for solving complex and important problems and to communicate solutions in an effective, logical manner. WSSU offers both a B.S. Mathematics degree and a B.S. Mathematics degree with a concentration in Statistics.
Students enrolled in mathematics degree program will be prepared for careers and future study in mathematical sciences by developing critical thinking and problem solving skills in particular.
Mission
The Department of Mathematics is committed to the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and service. We strive to enhance students’ abilities to reason mathematically and to communicate mathematical ideas effectively, as well as to instill in students a desire to continue their involvement in mathematics. We strive to extend mathematical knowledge, to support quality undergraduate and graduate programs, and to disseminate the diversity, coherence, and accomplishments in the discipline.
Departmental Goals
The Department of Mathematics will
- Prepare students for careers and future study in the mathematical sciences.
- Enhance the goals of liberal education through general education and major course offerings.
- Develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills of students throughout the university.
- Maintain a high level of scholarship and research.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate
- Familiarity and skill with the objects of modern mathematics.
- An appreciation for the efficacy of mathematics.
- The ability to solve multifaceted problems in innovative and comprehensive ways.
- The ability to think critically about problems and their solutions.
- The ability to communicate with clarity and accuracy.
- The ability to use technology as a tool in applications.
General Major Requirements
Completion of the B.S. Mathematics program requires completion of the general education course requirements, the required courses as outlined below, and electives for a minimum total of 120 semester hours (SH). A minimum of 21 SH are required in the Foundation courses in the major, 12 SH of Breadth courses, and 12 SH of Depth courses. Students are required to completes these with a grade of C- or higher. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) can additionally be used to fulfill general education requirements. Students are also required to complete 4 SH of a laboratory science course and 3 SH of computer programming by completing CSC 1310. These hours can count towards the fulfillment of the general education requirements. Please see below for the list of approved laboratory science courses.
Students who wish to earn a B.S. Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics will complete the same requirements for the B.S. Mathematics but are required to take courses marked with (**) among their courses.
Please note that students wishing to major in mathematics, who are not prepared to enter MAT 2317 Calculus I, should begin with MAT 1401 as part of the general education curriculum.
Majors may, through the department chair, petition for an examination to be exempted from a non-laboratory mathematics course. A student must present sufficient documentation to support the petition. Proficiency exams are administered during the final examination period only. Credit, but no grade, will be granted for courses that the department determines may be bypassed as a result of exemption by the examination.
Foundation Courses – 28 Hours
The foundation of mathematics is comprised of several areas, including calculus, algebra, computer programming, and differential equations. The following courses are required at WSSU to assist the student foundational for further study in the breadth and depth of Mathematics.
MAT 2321 Foundations of Modern Mathematics
MAT 2317 Calculus I (General Education Course)
MAT 2318 Calculus II (General Education Course)
MAT 3316 Calculus III
MAT 3317 Calculus IV
MAT 2316 Linear Algebra
MAT 4301 Differential Equations I
Lab Science (General Education Courses)
Approved Lab Science Courses:
PHY 2331/2131 General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory
PHY 1321/1121 College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory
BIO 1301/1101 Biological Concepts and Biological Concepts Laboratory
CHE 1313/1113 General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory
Other courses which include a laboratory component may be considered at the discretion of the department.
CSC 1310 Computer Programming I*
Breadth Courses – 12 hours
Within the expansive field of mathematics, multiple pathways allow WSSU students to explore courses in both theoretical and applied mathematics including analysis, modern algebra, differential equations, and statistics. Please note that students fulfilling the Statistics concentrations must take the courses designated **.
MAT 3312 Biostatistics**
MAT 3320 Introduction to Number Theory
MAT 3326 Geometry
MAT 3340 Introduction to Numerical Analysis
MAT 3341 Algebraic Structures I
MAT 3350 Linear Programming
MAT 3318 Introduction to Biomathematics
MAT 4302 Differential Equations II
MAT 4304 History of Mathematics
MAT 4311 Real Variables I1
MAT 4315 Advanced Calculus1
MAT 4332 Introduction to Statistical Methods
MAT 4333 Methods of Regression/Analysis of Variance**
MAT 4355 Operations Research
MAT 4318 Topics in Biomathematics
MAT 4360 Introduction to Survey Sampling
MAT 4365 Applied Nonparametric Methods
1 Credit is not allowed for more than one of MAT 4311 and MAT 4315
Depth Courses – 12 Hours
The mathematics program allows for students the opportunity to go in depth within the discipline by taking more profound courses in the area of analysis, algebra, and statistics. The student may also chose to work with faculty members in their chosen pathway through seminar courses.
MAT 3342 Algebraic Structures II
MAT 4312 Topology
MAT 4313 Real Variables II
MAT 4387 Senior Seminar I
MAT 4388 Senior Seminar II
MAT 4330 Directed Study Seminar
MAT 4356 Mathematical Statistics I**
MAT 4357 Mathematical Statistics II**
MAT 4370 Introduction to Experimental Design**
Mathematics Minor
Objectives:
1. To develop problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
2. To provide the basic mathematical foundation for further study in mathematics and related fields.
3. To prepare minors for career requiring a high degree of mathematical proficiency.
Course Requirements:
A program of study for the mathematics minor requires a minimum of 18 semester hours of mathematics, beginning with Calculus I. In addition to Calculus I, students are required to complete Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and six hours of mathematics courses at the sophomore level or higher with a grade of C- or higher. MAT 2326 and MAT 2333 do not satisfy the requirements for the mathematics minor. The courses required of mathematics minors are as follows:
MAT 2317 Calculus I
MAT 2318 Calculus II
MAT 3316 Calculus III
MAT 2316 Linear Algebra
MAT x3xx Mathematics Elective (sophomore, junior, or senior level)
MAT x3xx Mathematics Elective (sophomore, junior, or senior level)
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