Oct 11, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Mathematics - Pure Mathematics Concentration, BS


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Bachelor of Science - Mathematics


The Department offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with three options: Pure Mathematics, Secondary Mathematics Education, and Applied and Computational Mathematics. The agreement with UMDCP recently has been revised to span six (6) years instead of just five (5) years. Under the DDME program, the student attends Bowie State University for the first three academic years, followed by two (three in the case of UMDCP) additional years at the receiving institution.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1.  A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses designated as part of the mathematics major, including all courses in Mathematics, the Natural Sciences, English and Computer Science.
  2.   Math/Education (MAED) majors must pass both parts (Praxis I and Praxis II) of the state- approved teacher competency exams to be eligible for the BS degree, major in mathematics.
  3.   In addition to the above requirements, a number of institutional requirements also must be satisfied. For further information, please consult your advisor.

Degree Requirements

Every student majoring in Mathematics must meet three sets of requirements:

I. General Education and Institutional Requirements


The following list of General Education and Institutional requirements applies only to students in the Pure Mathematics, Applied and Computational Mathematics and Mathematics Education tracks. Students in the Dual Degree Mathematics/Engineering Program are subject to a special set of General Education and Institutional requirements as described further below.

All Tracks Except Dual Degree Math/Engineering


See catalog  for the full list of University General Education and Institutional Requirements.

English Composition (6 semester hours)

Total: 6

Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours)

Total: 6

Total: 6

Sciences (8 semester hours)

Total: 8

Mathematics (3 semester hours)

  • MATH ____ Mathematics Elective*  3 Credits
Total: 3

Technology (3 semester hours)

Total: 4

General Education Electives (9 semester hours)

Total: 9

Institutional Requirements (6 semester hours)

Total: 6

Note:

* Mathematics Education majors must take MATH 450 - Overview of College Math  as their general education mathematics elective.

According to COMAR policy, the Department of  Mathematics reserves the right to specify suitable, program specific,  general education courses.  Students are strongly advised not to deviate from the specified courses.

II. Core Courses for All Mathematics Majors


(27 to 30 semester hours, depending on track)

In addition to the General Education and Institutional Requirements listed above, every Mathematics major (specializing in any track: Pure Mathematics, Applied and Computational Mathematics, or Mathematics Education program) must complete all of the following core requirements (in Mathematics and English), except where indicated with an asterisk (read carefully):

Note:


* Exceptions: MATH 252  is not required for Mathematics Education majors. MATH 320  is not required for Dual Degree Math/Engineering majors. No other exceptions apply.

III. Requirements and Sample Program for Specific Track


Requirements for a Major in Pure Mathematics


(42 semester hours in addition to the course requirements listed above)

Total:12


Other Requirements (15 semester hours)


Competencies (Pure Mathematics Track)


The primary focus of Pure Mathematics is the exploration of mathematical ideas for their own sake, unconstrained by considerations of practical application. Thus, Pure Mathematics qualifies both as an art and a science. Practiced for its distinct beauty, it is capable, nevertheless, of yielding results of great practical significance. At the core of an education in Pure Mathematics is the development of analytical reasoning and the ability to think in the abstract. Possession of these skills enables the Pure Mathematician to probe the limits of pure reason and to explore and solve problems in various scientific fields.

Major in Pure Mathematics Program Goals


  1. To provide a strong foundation for graduate study in mathematics, particularly in the pure areas related to algebra, number theory, and analysis.
  2. To provide a versatile and broad-based background in higher mathematics for students aspiring to pursue careers in industry, government or academia.
  3. To develop and cultivate the rigorous modes of abstract reasoning applicable to any formal system.

Major in Pure Mathematics - Sample Program


Freshman Year


Total: 15

Total: 15

Sophomore Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 15

Junior Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 13

Senior Year


First Semester


Total: 12

Second Semester


Total: 12

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