Department of Mathematical Sciences

Undergraduate Degrees & Certificates

Bachelor of Science

Programs leading to the bachelor of science degree help prepare you for employment in business and industry, teaching in secondary schools, or study for advanced degrees. As a mathematics major you may choose one of six options: actuarial science, computing, mathematics, mathematics teaching, operations research, or statistics.

To earn a B.S. with a major in mathematics, you must satisfy the requirements of IPFW, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. To become certified to teach secondary school mathematics, you must also satisfy the requirements of the Indiana Department of Education as prescribed by the IPFW School of Education.

Mathematics majors are required to earn 11 credits in the physical or natural sciences, including two laboratory courses. The science courses should be selected from a list of courses approved by the department.

Mathematics Requirements

As a mathematics major, you must take the following core of mathematical sciences courses. In addition, you must complete the course requirements in one of six options which are described below: actuarial science, computing, mathematics, mathematics teaching, operations research, and statistics. Of the mathematics courses numbered below 261, only 163, 164, and 175 apply toward the degree; statistics courses must be numbered 490 or higher to be counted. You must have a grade average of C or better with at most one D in courses used to fulfill the following requirements:

Course	Credits
CS 160 - Introduction to Computer Science I	3
MA 163-164 - Integrated Calculus and Analytic Geometry I-II	10
MA 175 - Discrete Mathematics	3
MA 263 - Multivariate and Vector Calculus	4
MA 351 - Elementary Linear Algebra	3
Total	23

Actuarial Science Option

This option has been designed in consultation with professionals from the insurance industry and includes courses that help you prepare for a variety of positions in that field. In particular, it helps you prepare for the first two of the series of examinations by the Society of Actuaries. Additional information is available in the department office.

Course	Credits
CS 384 - Numerical Analysis	3
STAT 511 - Statistical Methods	3
STAT 512 - Applied Regression Analysis	3
STAT 516 - Basic Probability and Applications	3
STAT 517 - Statistical Inference	3
Two electives selected from a list approved by the Department	6
Total	21

Required Courses in Related Fields

Course	Credits
BUS A201-A202 - Introduction to Accounting I, II	6
ECON E201 - Introduction to Microeconomics	3
ECON E202 - Introduction to Macroeconomics	3
BUS F301 - Financial Management	3
Free Electives	16-19
Total	31-34

Two additional finance courses, BUS F302 and F420, are highly recommended as electives. Before enrolling in BUS F 301, you must complete the following with grades of C or better: BUS A201-202, CS 160, ECON E201-E202, MA 163, and STAT 511.

Computing Option

This option helps you prepare for computer-related careers for which a strong mathematical background is advantageous.

Course	Credits
CS161 - Introduction to Computer Science II	3
CS260 - Data Structures	3
CS384 - Numerical Analysis	3
MA314 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling	3
MA510 - Vector calculus, or MA511 - Linear Algebra with Applications	3
STAT511 - Statistical Methods, or STAT516 - Basic Probability and Applications	3
Courses selected from a list approved by the Department	6
Free Electives	28-31
Total	52-55

Mathematics Option

This option helps you prepare for graduate study in the mathematical sciences or for work in fields where a strong mathematical background is required.

Course	Credits
MA305 - Foundations of Higher Mathematics	3
MA363 - Differential Equations	3
MA441 - Real Analysis	3
MA453 - Algebra I	3
STAT511 - Statistical Methods, or STAT516 - Basic Probability and Applications	3
Courses selected from a list approved by the Department	6
Free Electives	28-31
Total	52-55

Mathematics Teaching Option

This option provides the mathematical preparation necessary for teaching secondary school mathematics in Indiana. Information on additional requirements for teacher certification is available in the department office. You are encouraged to choose and complete a teaching minor.

Course	Credits
MA305 - Foundations of Higher Mathematics	3
MA453 - Algebra I	3
MA560 - Fundamental Concepts of Geometry	3
STAT511 - Statistical Methods, or STAT516 - Basic Probability and Applications	3
Courses selected from a list approved by the Department	6
Free Electives	34-37
Total	52-55

Operations Resesarch Option

This option helps you prepare for careers in business and industry. It emphasizes the use of mathematical techniques in planning and optimizing operations.

Course	Credits
CS384 - Numerical Analysis	3
CS543 - Discrete Systems Simulation	3
MA314 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling	3
MA417 - Mathematical Programming	3
MA418 - Computations Laboratory for MA417	1
STAT511 - Statistical Methods	3
STAT512 - Applied Regression Analysis	3
Courses selected from a list approved by the Department	6
Free Electives	27-30
Total	52-55

Statistics Option

This option helps you prepare for careers in business and industry and emphasizes the statistical methods used in decision-making. It also provides entry-level preparation for an actuarial career.

Course	Credits
STAT511 - Statistical Methods	3
STAT512 - Applied Regression Analysis	3
STAT514 - Design of Experiments	3
STAT516 - Basic Probability and Applications	3
STAT517 - Statistical Inference	3
Courses selected from a list approved by the Department	6
Free Electives	31-34
Total	52-55