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Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Mathematics

The Mathematics program seeks to provide students with the fundamental understandings of mathematics as a language, as an art, and as a science. The program helps the student develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that play an increasingly important role in a complex technological society. The course offerings in mathematics contribute to the general education of all students, give the necessary skills and understanding for students in related fields, prepare majors for mathematical professions including secondary education, and prepare students for graduate studies in mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

Throughout their program the students demonstrate the accomplishment of the following outcomes:

  1. Develop problem solving and reasoning skills, and analyze conceptual relationships;
  2. Apply disparate knowledge to solve complex problems in various disciplines, and interpret the results in practical terms;
  3. Use mathematical abstraction and symbolism to create generalizations from observed patterns, and develop specific examples from general statements;
  4. Read mathematical literature with increasing confidence, collaborate with others to solve problems, and effectively communicate mathematical concepts and processes;
  5. Appropriately use technological tools, such as graphic calculators and computers, as aids in solving problems, and correctly interpret the results that technology produces;
  6. Develop quantitative literacy by collecting, organizing, and interpreting data, and create models for drawing trustworthy conclusions based on that data.

Major in Applied Mathematics

Students will choose from one of three concentrations: Pre-Engineering, Pre-Actuary, or Data Analytics. Students will complete the core courses plus two additional 400-level mathematics courses, unless otherwise noted.

Students pursuing the Pre-Engineering concentration may enter into a dual degree program with the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). Students complete three years (98 credit hours) at USM and then transfer into the Engineering program at UMKC. Upon successful completion of 30 credits of UMKC Engineering courses, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from USM. After students complete the Engineering Program (approximately two years), they will earn a BS in either Civil or Mechanical Engineering from UMKC.

Students must have cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 to transfer into the dual degree program. Students should not deviate from their three-year plan in order to finish the program within three years.

A second Pre-Engineering concentration is designed for students who will not transfer into UMKC’s dual degree program but are interested in Pre-Engineering. These students will earn a four-year Applied Mathematics degree.

The Pre-Actuary concentration is designed for students who want to pursue a career in Actuarial Science. Actuaries analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. No matter the source, an actuary is consistently rated as one of the best jobs in America. US News and World Report, the Jobs Rated Almanac, CNN Money, and others all agree: few other occupations offer the combination of benefits that an actuarial career can offer. In almost every category, such as work environment, employment outlook, job security, growth opportunity, and salary (especially salary), a career as an actuary is hard to beat.

The Data Analytics concentration integrates applied mathematics and information technology in the creation and application of mathematical modeling and optimization techniques to derive insights and interpretations from data. This field involves collecting and analyzing data, developing decision support software, services, or products, and designing optimal solutions for time, cost, or logistics networks. Data analysts contribute to decision-making processes, policy formulation, and various managerial functions by utilizing advanced analytical methods to extract meaningful information from diverse datasets. This description reflects the evolving nature of the discipline and its focus on leveraging data for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

The core and non-core courses for applied mathematics majors are listed below.

Core courses (26 crs):

MA 243 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4 crs)

MA 244 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4 crs)

MA 272 Mathematical Reasoning (3 crs)

MA 330 Introductory Statistics (3 crs)

MA 345 Calculus III: Multivariable (4 crs)

MA 346 Differential Equations (3 crs)

MA 364 Linear Algebra (3 crs)

MA 597 Senior Seminar (2 crs)

Non-core courses for specific concentrations:

MA 380 Historical Foundations of Mathematics (3 crs)

MA 401 Theory of Interest (3 crs)

MA 403 Discrete Mathematics (3 crs)

MA 437 Probability and Statistics (3 crs)

MA 455 Modern Geometries (3 crs)

MA 463 Abstract Algebra (3 crs)

MA 471 Mathematical Modeling (3 crs)

MA 495 Special Topics in Mathematics (1-3 crs)

Teacher Licensure

Students who plan to become secondary teachers (grades 6-12) should consult the Education section of the catalog and speak with an advisor from teacher education early in the programs. Education programs may include specific content and supporting courses not required of all content majors due to licensure and accreditation requirements. Students must earn a "C" or higher in all content and education coursework.

Mathematics Course Prerequisites and Placement

Scores used to satisfy prerequisites must be completed within the last three years. Students with expired scores or who are unsatisfied with their placement may take the Next Generation Accuplacer exam to determine their eligibility in placing in a higher-level course. Refer to the Undergraduate English and Mathematics Placement section of this catalog for more information.