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Mathematics

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The program in mathematics offers training for students planning to work in mathematics and computation for industry, to continue their studies in graduate school, or to enter secondary education teaching. Students may satisfy the major requirements in several ways, which are designed to meet these various career objectives.

Student Learning Outcomes

Our graduates will

  • Understand the fundamentals of a broad range of areas of mathematics, including algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, geometry, and numerical analysis.
  • Demonstrate problem solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning as applied to mathematical problems and modeling.
  • Construct and effectively communicate rigorous arguments to demonstrate mathematical facts in oral, written, and electronic formats.
  • Participate in meaningful learning experiences, recognize the central role of mathematics in our society, and develop an appreciation for mathematics as a fundamental intellectual pursuit.

Curriculum

As majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Math students must meet College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University-wide requirements for graduation in addition to those stated below for the major.

Mathematics Core

All Math majors are required to earn credit for the following core courses:

MATH 1010Orientation in Mathematics1
MATH 1650Calculus I4
MATH 1660Calculus II4
MATH 2010Introduction to Proofs3
MATH 2650Calculus III4
One of the following:3-4
Theory of Linear Algebra
Applied Linear Algebra
Total Credits19-20

To complete the major, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, students must choose from one of the following four pathways:

Standard Mathematics Major

This degree program is designed for students planning to work in industry or those who plan to continue their studies mathematics at the graduate level. Students are required to earn credit for the following courses:

One of the following:3-4
Elementary Differential Equations
Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms
MATH 3010Abstract Algebra I3
MATH 4140Analysis I3
Additional MATH courses at the 3000, 4000, or 5000 level15
Total Credits24-25

Additionally, the courses must include one of the following sequences:

MATH 3010
MATH 4030
Abstract Algebra I
and Intermediate Abstract Algebra
6
MATH 3040
MATH 3140
Combinatorics
and Graph Theory
6
MATH 3730
MATH 4810
Introduction to Scientific Computing
and Numerical Methods for Differential Equations
6
MATH 4140
MATH 4150
Analysis I
and Analysis II
6
MATH 4350
MATH 4360
Geometry I
and Geometry II
6

Mathematics Major with Actuarial Science Certificate

This degree program is designed for students pursuing a career as an actuary or in the financial sector. Students are required to earn credit for the following courses:

MATH 2400Mathematics of Investment and Credit3
MATH 3410Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I4
MATH 4140Analysis I3
MATH 4410Life Contingencies I3
MATH 4420Life Contingencies II3
Total Credits16

Additionally, students must meet the requirements for the Actuarial Science Certificate (see www.catalog.iastate.edu/collegeofbusiness/actuarialscience/#certificatetext).

Mathematics Major with Applications

This degree program is for students who want to specialize in the application of mathematics to an area of study. It is recommended for those who plan to work in industry or those who plan to continue studying their specialization area at the graduate level. Students are required to earn credit for the following courses:

One of the following:3-4
Elementary Differential Equations
Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms
Four of the following:12-13
Abstract Algebra I
Combinatorics
Graph Theory
Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I
Number Theory
Complex Variables with Applications
Introduction to Scientific Computing
Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
Analysis I
Logic for Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematical Modeling in Biology
Introduction to High Performance Computing
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Numerical Methods for Differential Equations
Courses at the 3000, 4000, or 5000 level from the following designations: AERE ABE, ASTRO, BBMB, BCB, BCBIO, BIOL, BME, BMS, CHE, CHEM, CE, CPRE, COMS, CONE, DS, ECON, EE, EM, ENSCI, FIN, GEN, GEOL, IE, MATE, ME, MIS,MTEOR, MICRO, NUCE, PHIL, PYSCH, PHYS, SE, SOC, STAT12
Total Credits27-29

Mathematics Major for Teacher Preparation

This degree program prepares students for a career in secondary education.

All students preparing to become teachers need to complete the core Math classes required of all Math majors, the courses laid out below, and the requirements of the Secondary Major in Education including Student Teaching.  Note: Teacher license requirements are established by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and are subject to change. Recent changes may not be reflected in this catalog, but advisers and faculty will be aware.

COMS 1070Windows Application Programming3-4
or COMS 2070 Fundamentals of Computer Programming
or COMS 2270 Object-oriented Programming
STAT 2010Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods4
MATH 2660Elementary Differential Equations3-4
or MATH 2670 Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms
MATH 3010Abstract Algebra I3
MATH 3410Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I4
MATH 4140Analysis I3
MATH 4350Geometry I3
MATH 4360Geometry II3
MATH 3970Teaching Secondary Mathematics Using University Mathematics3
MATH 4970Teaching Secondary School Mathematics3
Total Credits32-34

Complementary Coursework for Teacher Preparation

In addition to the courses required for the Math Major and those required for the Secondary Major in Education, the complementary coursework below is required for those seeking licensure in mathematics. Some of these courses, and some of the required coursework for the Secondary Major in Education, can also apply to LAS general education requirements.

PSYCH 2300Developmental Psychology3
or HDFS 1020 Human Development
EDUC 2800JPre-Student Teaching Experience I: Mathematics Clinic1
EDUC 4800CPre-Student Teaching Experience III: Mathematics0.5-2
And one course in American History or Government3
Total Credits7.5-9

University and College Requirements

In addition to the core and pathway courses, students are also required to earn credit for the following courses:

Courses from General Education Area I - Arts and Humanities 112
Courses from General Education Area IIB - Natural Sciences 18
Courses from General Education Area III - Social Sciences 19
LAS Career Proficiency Requirement (LAS 2030)1
Courses meeting the international perspectives requirement 23
Courses meeting the U.S. cultures and communities (formerly U.S. diversity) requirement 23
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition 33
One of the following: 43
Business Communication
Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines
Creative Writing: Nonfiction
Proposal and Report Writing
Technical Communication
Undergraduate Thesis 5
1

Possible choices can be found here: https://las.iastate.edu/students/academics/general-education/

2

Courses used to meet the U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspectives requirements can also be used to fulfill general education requirements.

3

Students must earn a grade of C or better.

4

Students must earn a grade of C- or better.

5

With departmental approval.

Furthermore, students must earn a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, and including at least 8 credits in the major at the 3000/4000 level with a grade of C or better. At least 55 of these credits must be earned at a four-year institution, and the last 32 credits must be earned at Iowa State University. A maximum of 16 technical credits are allowed, and a maximum of 9 P-NP credits of free electives may apply. Students must also meet the LAS World Language requirement and have a minimum 2.00 ISU cumulative Grade Point Average.

Four Year Plans

Mathematics Major

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 10101MATH 16604
MATH 16504Arts & Humanities Choice3
ENGL 15003Natural Science Choice4
LIB 16001Social Science Choice3
Natural Science Choice4 
Electives3 
 16 14
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 20103MATH 2660 or 26703-4
MATH 26504MATH 31704
Arts & Humanities Choice3ENGL 25003
Social Science Choice3Social Science Choice3
Electives3LAS 20301
 16 14-15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH Sequence Course I3MATH Sequence Course II3
MATH 3010 or 41403MATH 4140 or 30103
Arts & Humanities Choice3Communication Choice3
Electives/World Language6Electives/World Language6
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 3000+3MATH 3000+6
Arts & Humanities Choice3Electives9
Electives9 
 15 15
Total Credits: 120-121

Mathematics Major with Actuarial Science Certificate

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 10101MATH 16604
MATH 16504ECON 10203
ENGL 15003STAT 22603
LIB 16001ACCT 28403
ECON 10103Electives3
Electives3 
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 20103MATH 24003
MATH 26504MATH 31704
FIN 30103ENGL 25003
Arts & Humanities Choice3FIN 32003
Electives3Arts & Humanities Choice3
LAS 20301 
 17 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 34104FIN 42403
STAT 3010 or 32603-4STAT 34204
Natural Science Choice4Communication Choice3
Electives/World Language3Natural Science Choice4
 Electives/World Language3
 14-15 17
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 41403MATH 44203
MATH 44103Social Science Choice3
Arts & Humanities Choice3Electives9
Electives6 
 15 15
Total Credits: 125-126

Mathematics Major with Applications

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 10101MATH 16604
MATH 16504Arts & Humanities Choice3
ENGL 15003Natural Science Choice4
LIB 16001Social Science Choice3
Natural Science Choice4Specialization Area Prereq.3
Specialization Area Prereq.3 
 16 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 20103MATH 2660 or 26703-4
MATH 26504MATH 31704
Arts & Humanities Choice3ENGL 25003
Social Science Choice3Social Science Choice3
Specialization Area Prereq.3LAS 20301
 16 14-15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 3000+ or MATH 30403MATH 3000+ or MATH 31403
Specialization Area 3000+3Specialization Area 3000+3
Arts & Humanities Choice3Communication Choice3
Electives/World Language6Electives/World Language6
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 3000+3MATH 3000+3
Specialization Area 3000+3Specialization Area 3000+3
Arts & Humanities Choice3Electives9
Electives6 
 15 15
Total Credits: 123-124

Mathematics Major for Teacher Preparation

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 10101MATH 16604
MATH 16504STAT 20104
ENGL 15003EDUC 21901
LIB 16001EDUC 2800J1
PSYCH 2300 or HDFS 10203EDUC 20203
Arts & Humanities Choice3Arts & Humanities Choice3
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 20103MATH 2660 or 26703-4
MATH 26504MATH 31704
ENGL 25003PSYCH 33303
EDUC 20403COMS 1070, 2070, or 22703-4
Natural Science Choice4Natural Science Choice4
LAS 20301 
 18 17-19
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 30103MATH 39703
MATH 34104MATH 43603
MATH 43503EDUC 2800A1-2
EDUC 40603SPED 40103
Communication Choice3Social Sciences Choice3
 Arts & Humanities Choice3
 16 16-17
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 41403EDUC 4170C16
MATH 49703 
EDUC 39503 
EDUC 4800C0.5-2 
Arts & Humanities Choice3 
 12.5-14 16
Total Credits: 126.5-131

Undergraduate Minor

The department offers a minor in mathematics. The minor requires at least 16 credits, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at Iowa State University. At least 9 credits must apply exclusively towards the minor and cannot be used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Students are required to earn credit for the following courses:

MATH 2010Introduction to Proofs3
MATH 2650Calculus III4
One of the following:3-4
Elementary Differential Equations
Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms
One of the following:3-4
Theory of Linear Algebra
Applied Linear Algebra
One of the following:3-4
Abstract Algebra I
Combinatorics
Graph Theory
Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I
Number Theory
Complex Variables with Applications
Introduction to Scientific Computing
Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
Analysis I
Logic for Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematical Modeling in Biology
Geometry I
Geometry II
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Total Credits16-19

Graduate Study

The department offers programs leading to a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree in mathematics or applied mathematics, as well as minor work for students whose major is in another department. 

Students desiring to undertake graduate work leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree should prepare themselves by taking several upper division mathematics courses.

The M.S. degree requires a student to take at least 30 credit hours and to write a creative component or thesis. Additionally, students must pass a comprehensive oral examination over their coursework and their creative component or thesis. See the online Mathematics Graduate Handbook for specific requirements.

The Ph.D. degree requires a student to take 42 credit hours of coursework in addition to research hours, pass written qualifying examinations, pass an oral preliminary exam, and perform an original research project culminating in a dissertation which is defended by an oral exam. Ph.D. candidates must have at least one year of supervised teaching experience. See the online Mathematics Graduate Handbook for specific requirements.