Mathematics (BS)
Math is everywhere, from the simplest counting tasks to the most complex social, scientific and engineering problems. By embarking on a mathematical journey, students will gain the strong quantitative and analytical skills that are needed in an increasingly data and technologically driven world. Simply put, math is a key that opens many doors to future professional explorations. Our graduates enter a myriad of fields and industries, spanning the spectrum from politics to engineering, and from medicine to business. The skills that students develop through a mathematical education will continue to be in high demand in a changing world—even in future fields that may not exist today.
The Mathematics major is designed to build strong backgrounds in many mathematical areas: pure and applied, discrete and continuous, stochastic and deterministic. This major will prepare students for a graduate study in Mathematics and related fields, if they choose that path. Students will also gain the habits of mind that will lead to success in any career, whether or not “math” appears in the job title. Our majors also take Statistics and Computer Science courses, which prepares them to hit the ground running in data and technology jobs.
In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills, the supportive environment in the department helps students to gain and foster confidence not only to be successful in future careers, but to grow into leaders ready to tackle new challenges, no matter how big or complex.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics and in elementary statistics;
- Understanding of the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics and in elementary statistics and ability to translate that theory to other disciplines;
- Ability to apply the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics and in elementary statistics to solve routine homework problems;
- Ability to use logical reasoning and analysis to solve more complex problems, including the ability to select from, use and interpret various mathematical approaches.
- Ability to communicate mathematical and statistical ideas clearly and precisely, including the ability to develop and write rigorous mathematical proofs.
- Ability to read and learn mathematics independently.
- Ability to program in a high level programming language.
Program Requirements
The major in Mathematics begins with:
(Most students with prior full-year Calculus experience will start in Math 123, while those without will take Math 120-121 before going on to Math 220. The Math/Stats placement test will place students in the appropriate Calculus section: Math 120, Math 121, Math 123, or Math 220. Students are strongly encouraged to start their Calculus sequences during their first semester at Simmons.)
Required Courses:
MATH 211: normally taken in the sophomore year
STAT 118: sophomore or junior year
MATH 310, MATH 321: junior or senior year
CS 112: may be taken as early as the first year; students should plan on taking it in the first two years. With the approval of the department, another programming course may be substituted for CS 112.
In addition, Mathematics majors must take either
as an elective
Three courses from those below, at least two of which are at the 300 level:
Finally, 4-8 semester hours of independent learning (for students entering prior to September 2014) or the Capstone (for students entering September 2014 or later) must be completed for the Mathematics major.
MATH 390 may be used to satisfy the Capstone requirement. It is Division policy that courses required for a major or minor may not be taken pass/fail.