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Mathematics

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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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

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

MATH 101Orientation in Mathematics1
MATH 165Calculus I4
MATH 166Calculus II4
MATH 201Introduction to Proofs3
MATH 265Calculus 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:

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 301Abstract Algebra I3
MATH 414Analysis I3
MATH 492Undergraduate Seminar2
Additional MATH courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level15
Total Credits26-27

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

MATH 301
MATH 403
Abstract Algebra I
and Intermediate Abstract Algebra
6
MATH 304
MATH 314
Combinatorics
and Graph Theory
6
MATH 373
MATH 481
Introduction to Scientific Computing
and Numerical Methods for Differential Equations
6
MATH 414
MATH 415
Analysis I
and Analysis II
6
MATH 435
MATH 436
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 240Mathematics of Investment and Credit3
MATH 341Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I4
MATH 414Analysis I3
MATH 441Life Contingencies I3
MATH 442Life Contingencies II3
MATH 492Undergraduate Seminar2
Total Credits18

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
One of the following:3
Combinatorics
Graph Theory
Three of the following:9-10
Abstract Algebra I
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
Introduction to High Performance Computing
Numerical Methods for Differential Equations
Courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level from the following designations: AER E, A B E, ASTRO, BBMB, BCB, BCBIO, BIOL, B M E, B M S, CH E, CHEM, C E, CPR E, COM S, CON E, DS, ECON, E E, E M, ENSCI, GEN, GEOL, I E, MAT E, M E, MTEOR, MICRO, NUC E, PHIL, PYSCH, PHYS, S E, SOC, STAT12
MATH 492Undergraduate Seminar2
Total Credits29-31

Mathematics Major for Teacher Preparation

This degree program prepares students for a career in secondary education. Students are required to earn credit for the following courses:

One of the following:3-4
Windows Application Programming
Fundamentals of Computer Programming
Object-oriented Programming
EDUC 203A Connected World: Technology for Learning, Creating, and Collaborating1
EDUC 204Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Secondary3
EDUC 219Orientation to Teacher Education: FCS, History, Math, Science and World Language and Cultures Majors1
EDUC 280APre-Student Teaching Experience1-2
EDUC 280JPre-Student Teaching Experience I: Mathematics Clinic1
EDUC 303Introduction to Educational Technology1
EDUC 395Teaching Disciplinary Literacy3
EDUC 403Intermediate Educational Technology1
EDUC 406Social Justice Education and Teaching: Secondary3
EDUC 417CStudent Teaching: Mathematicsarr †
EDUC 480CPre-Student Teaching Experience III: Mathematics0.5-2
One of the following:3-4
Elementary Differential Equations
Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms
MATH 301Abstract Algebra I3
MATH 341Introduction to the Theory of Probability and Statistics I4
MATH 397Teaching Secondary Mathematics Using University Mathematics3
MATH 414Analysis I3
MATH 435Geometry I3
MATH 436Geometry II3
MATH 497Teaching Secondary School Mathematics3
STAT 201Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods4
SP ED 401Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education3
Total Credits50.5-55 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Additionally, students must meet the professional teaching education requirements established by the University Teacher Education Program (see http://education.iastate.edu/undergraduate-studies/secondary-education/)

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 1,29
Courses meeting the international perspectives requirement 33
Courses meeting the U.S. diversity requirement 33
LIB 160Introduction to College Level Research1
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition 43
One of the following: 53
Business Communication
Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines
Creative Writing: Nonfiction
Proposal and Report Writing
Technical Communication
Undergraduate Thesis 6

Furthermore, students must earn a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300 or 400 level, and including at least 8 credits in the major at the 300/400 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 1011MATH 1664
MATH 1654Arts & Humanities Choice3
ENGL 1503Natural Science Choice4
LIB 1601Social Science Choice3
Natural Science Choice4 
Electives3 
 16 14
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2013MATH 266 or 2673-4
MATH 2654MATH 3174
Arts & Humanities Choice3ENGL 2503
Social Science Choice3Social Science Choice3
Electives3 
 16 13-14
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH Sequence Course I3MATH Sequence Course II3
MATH 301 or 4143MATH 414 or 3013
Arts & Humanities Choice3Communication Choice3
Electives/World Language6Electives/World Language6
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 300+3MATH 300+6
MATH 4922Electives9
Arts & Humanities Choice3 
Electives6 
 14 15

Mathematics Major with Actuarial Science Certificate

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 1011MATH 1664
MATH 1654ECON 1023
ENGL 1503STAT 2263
LIB 1601ACCT 2843
ECON 1013Electives3
Electives3 
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2013MATH 2403
MATH 2654MATH 3174
FIN 3013ENGL 2503
Arts & Humanities Choice3FIN 3203
Electives3Arts & Humanities Choice3
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 3414FIN 4243
STAT 301 or 3263-4STAT 3424
Natural Science Choice4Communication Choice3
Electives/World Language3Natural Science Choice4
 Electives/World Language3
 14-15 17
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 4143MATH 4423
MATH 4413MATH 4922
Arts & Humanities Choice3Social Science Choice3
Electives6Electives6
 15 14

Mathematics Major with Applications

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 1011MATH 1664
MATH 1654Arts & Humanities Choice3
ENGL 1503Natural Science Choice4
LIB 1601Social Science Choice3
Natural Science Choice4Specialization Area Prereq.3
Specialization Area Prereq.3 
 16 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2013MATH 266 or 2673-4
MATH 2654MATH 3174
Arts & Humanities Choice3ENGL 2503
Social Science Choice3Social Science Choice3
Specialization Area Prereq.3 
 16 13-14
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 300+ or MATH 3043MATH 300+ or MATH 3143
Specialization Area 300+3Specialization Area 300+3
Arts & Humanities Choice3Communication Choice3
Electives/World Language6Electives/World Language6
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 300+3MATH 300+3
Specialization Area 300+3MATH 4922
Arts & Humanities Choice3Specialization Area 300+3
Electives6Electives6
 15 14

Mathematics Major for Teacher Preparation

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 1011MATH 1664
MATH 1654STAT 2014
ENGL 1503EDUC 2031
LIB 1601EDUC 2191
PSYCH 230 or HD FS 1023EDUC 280J1
Arts & Humanities Choice3Arts & Humanities Choice6
 15 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2013MATH 266 or 2673-4
MATH 2654MATH 3174
ENGL 2503PSYCH 3333
EDUC 2043COM S 107, 207, or 2273-4
EDUC 3031Natural Science Choice4
Natural Science Choice4 
 18 17-19
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 3013MATH 3973
MATH 3414MATH 4363
MATH 4353EDUC 280A1-2
EDUC 4063EDUC 4031
Communication Choice3SP ED 4013
 Social Sciences Choice3
 16 14-15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 4143EDUC 417C0
MATH 4973 
EDUC 3953 
EDUC 480C0.5-2 
Arts & Humanities Choice3 
 12.5-14 0

Undergraduate Minor

The department offers a minor in mathematics. The minor requires at least 16 credits, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 300 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 201Introduction to Proofs3
MATH 265Calculus 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
Geometry I
Geometry II
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 on-line Mathematics Graduate Handbook for specific requirements.