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MATHEMATICS

Mathematics (B.S.)
Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)
Minor in Mathematics

Mathematics (B.S.)

The study of mathematics introduces students to mathematical abstraction as well as how mathematics can be used to solve practical problems. Many courses in this discipline provide the basic foundations necessary to support study in all majors. Whenever possible, Mathematics courses introduce concepts using applications, analytical solutions (equation solving), numerical approximations, and graphical interpretations. Graphing calculators and computer algebra software facilitate these efforts. In addition, Mathematics majors and minors learn how to prove mathematical statements in a variety of areas in the discipline. A major in Mathematics provides students with a strong foundation for careers in secondary mathematics education, actuarial science, business and research, as well as for further studies in mathematics and related fields.

Freshman Mathematics majors are encouraged to explore:

Students who have successfully completed MA 142, MA 181, MA 182, or MA 221 may not subsequently register for a lower-numbered course in this sequence.

Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- in any course that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.

Suggested degree plan

Year One

Fall

  • MA 181 Calculus I §*
  • CS 110 Programming I in Java §
  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • ECO/POL/PSY/SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • MA 182 Calculus II §
  • CS 111 Programming II in Java or elective
  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • Health elective*
  • Social Sciences elective (ECO 199 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECO 210 Principles of Microeconomics recommended)*

Year Two

Fall

  • MA 150 Discrete Mathematical
  • Structures I §
  • Mathematics 200-level course requirement §**
  • PHYS 171 General Physics I §*
  • Humanities elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*

Spring

  • 2 Mathematics 200-level course requirements §**
  • PHYS 172 General Physics II §
  • Humanities elective*
  • Social Sciences 300/400-level elective*

Year Three

Fall

  • Mathematics 200-level course requirement §**
  • Mathematics 300/400-level course §***
  • MA 420 Abstract Algebra or MA 425 Real Analysis §
  • Writing elective*
  • Elective or course in minor

Spring

  • Mathematics 200-level course requirement §**
  • MA 420 Abstract Algebra or MA 425 Real Analysis §
  • Humanities elective*
  • 2 electives or courses in minor

Year Four

Fall

  • MA 400 Internship §
  • MA 433 Research (recommended) or elective
  • Humanities elective*
  • Elective or course in minor

Spring

  • 2 Humanities electives*
  • 2-3 electives or courses in minor*

§ Requirement for the major. (Students needing preparation for MA 181 Calculus I should plan to complete that preparation during the freshman year.)
*See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
**Choose from MA 215 Linear Algebra, MA 221 Calculus III, MA 225 Differential Equations, MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference, MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques based on course offering schedule.
***Choose from MA 390A-D Topics in Mathematics series, MA 391A-D Topics in Computational Mathematics series, MA 427 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries based on course offering schedule.

Mathematics with Secondary-level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)

This program of studies allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in Mathematics and also be licensed to teach secondary Mathematics at the end of four years. Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure, including field experience and student teaching.

Admission Requirements: Students in this program must seek admission to the teacher licensure program and apply for student teaching. See Education section admission requirements and procedures.

Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses specified in the degree plan to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. See an Education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further information.

Suggested degree plan

Year Four

Fall

  • MA 181 Calculus I §*
  • CS 110 Programming I in Java §
  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • ECO/POL/SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • MA 182 Calculus II §
  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • Humanities (History) elective*
  • PH 101 Logic*
  • Health elective*

Year Two

Fall

  • MA 150 Discrete Mathematical
  • Structures I §
  • Mathematics 200-level course requirement §**
  • PHYS 171 General Physics I §*
  • Humanities (Theology/Religious Studies) elective*
  • Social Sciences (Economics, Politics, or Sociology) elective*

Spring

  • 2 Mathematics 200-level course requirements §**
  • ED 245S Educational Foundations for Secondary Teachers
  • PSY 312 Adolescent Psychology*
  • PHYS 172 General Physics II §

Year Three

Fall

  • Mathematics 200-level course requirement §**
  • 2 Mathematics 300/400-level courses §***
  • ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education
  • PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Exceptionalities*

Spring

  • Mathematics 200-level course requirement §**
  • ED 337 Reading in the Content Areas
  • EN 301 The Writing Process: Theory and Practice*
  • Humanities (English Literature) elective*
  • Humanities elective*

Year Four

Fall

  • MA 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Math
  • Mathematics 300/400-level course §***
  • MA 425 Real Analysis or elective
  • 2 electives*

Spring

  • ED 360S Student Teaching §
  • Humanities elective*
  • Elective

§ Requirement for the major. (Students needing preparation for MA 181 Calculus I should plan to complete that preparation during the freshman year.)
*See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
**Choose from MA 215 Linear Algebra, MA 221 Calculus III, MA 225 Differential Equations, MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference, MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques based on course offering schedule.
***Choose from MA 330 History of Mathematics, MA 420 Abstract Algebra, and MA 427 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries based on course offering schedule.

Minor in Mathematics

Minor Requirements