Mathematics is among the most fascinating of all intellectual disciplines, the purest of all art forms, and the most challenging of games. The study of mathematics is not only exciting, but important; mathematicians have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society by helping to solve problems in diverse fields. The degree program in mathematics provides students with a thorough knowledge of basic theoretical mathematics, as well as initial training in applied areas such as combinatorics, statistics, or actuarial science. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics will prepare students for fascinating jobs in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, and cryptography, as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in mathematics or statistics. Major employers of mathematicians include the Department of Defense and other agencies in federal and state governments. Private sector employers include research and testing services, educational services, security and commodity exchanges, management and public relations services, the pharmaceutical industry, banks, insurance companies, and public utilities. A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for research in many areas of computer science, social science, and engineering.
Mathematics Major (40 semester hours)
Required Mathematics: 131-4hrs., 132-4hrs., 231-4hrs., 333-3hrs., 380-3hrs., 410-3hrs.,413-3hrs., 416-3hrs., 441-4hrs.
Elective Mathematics: 9 hours of directed electives from upper-division mathematics courses, except those not open to liberal arts majors. At least 6 hours must be from 400-level courses.
At least 18 hours of the 40 semester hours of mathematics courses must be taken at Indiana State University. Only in the most exceptional cases will partial exemptions from this requirement be granted.
Mathematics Minor (24 semester hours)
Required Mathematics: 131-4 hrs., 132-4 hrs., 231-4 hrs., 380-3 hrs
Elective Mathematics: 9 hours of directed electives from upper-division mathematics courses, except those not open to liberal arts majors. At least 6 hours must be from 400-level courses.
At least 12 hours of the 24 semester hours of mathematics courses must be taken at Indiana State University. Only in the most exceptional cases will partial exemptions from this requirement be granted.
Master of Arts (32 semester hours minimum)
Research: 695 - 6 hours.
Major: 18 hours of courses in mathematics including Math 530-3 hrs., 531-3 hrs., 616-3 hrs., and 617-3 hrs.
Electives: 8 hours approved by the department.
Culminating Experience: Successful oral defense of the student's thesis administrated by the student's graduate faculty committee.
At least one-half of the credit hours must be in courses numbered 600 or above.
Master of Science (32 semester hours minimum)
Research: 695 - 3 hours.
Major: 18 hours of courses in mathematics, including Math 530-3 hrs., 531-3 hrs., 616-3 hrs., and 617-3 hrs.
Electives: 11 hours approved by the department.
Culminating Experience: Successful oral defense of the student's thesis administered by the student's graduate faculty committee.
At least one-half of the credit hours must be in courses numbered 600 or above.
Computer Science Concentration
Students seeking a computer science concentration must meet the requirements for admission to the graduate program in mathematics and in addition should have completed the equivalent of CS 256, 354, and 365. The concentration consists of 12 hours of computer science courses, at least 3 hours at the 600 level. The computer science concentration may be taken with either the Master of Arts or the Master of Science.
