Why study mathematics at CMU?

These programs offer students a comprehensive training in thinking, reasoning, and problem solving, all of which will strengthen skills for many careers in business, industry, government, and more. Consider some key features of these programs:

• Flexible course work in mathematics, education, statistics, actuarial science, and computer science/mathematics
• Commitment to the latest technology
• Professional development, resources, and contacts through student organizations such as the Kappa Mu Epsilon mathematics honors society
• Free tutoring in mathematics and statistics at the Mathematics Assistance Center

Career outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:

• Employment of actuaries is expected to grow 18 to 26 percent.
• Computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations.
• Employment among scientists and database administrators is expected to grow 27 percent or more.
• The most common fields mathematicians find work in are computer science and software development, physics, engineering, and operations research.

Career options

Graduates of the mathematics and statistics programs will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.

• Actuary
• Applied Mathematician
• Business Administrator
• Computer Scientist
• Database Manager
• Elementary, Middle, or High School Teacher
• Information Specialist
• Mathematician
• Statistician
• University or College Professor

 

Program Overview

The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.

(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)

Mathematics Major

Total: 36 semester hours Note to students with Mathematics major and Statistics minor or Statistics major and Mathematics minor: these combinations are permitted only if another major or minor is also obtained. Note to students with Actuarial Science major and Mathematics major or Mathematics minor: for this combination, student must take 6 hours of MTH or STA courses numbered 300 or above which are not counted toward the Actuarial Science major. Note to student with Mathematics major and Statistics major with Mathematics track: on the Mathematics major, at least 9 hours at the 300 level or above must not be counted on the Statistics major. Also, student must have an outside major or minor. Note to students with Statistics major with Application track: Student must have a minor in an area other than Mathematics or another major.

Required Courses I

(24 hours)

MTH 132

Calculus I

4

Limits, continuity, interpretations of the derivative, differentiation of elementary functions, applications of derivatives, antiderivatives, Riemann sums, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: MTH 106, 107; or MTH 130. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)

MTH 133

Calculus II

4

Techniques of integration, applications of definite integrals, improper integrals, elementary differential equations, infinite series, Taylor series, and polar coordinates. Prerequisite: MTH 132.

MTH 223

Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory

3

Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vectors, vector spaces, eigenvalues, linear transformations, applications and numerical methods. Prerequisite: MTH 132.

MTH 233

Calculus III

4

Vectors and surfaces in R3, vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial differentiation and some applications, multiple integrals, vector calculus. Prerequisites: MTH 133. Pre/Co-Requisites: MTH 223 or 232.

MTH 332

Introduction to Mathematical Proof

3

Study of several basic concepts in mathematics including logic, set theory, relations and functions, cardinality, number systems, sequences. Pre/Co-requisites: MTH 175, 351; or one of: MTH 223, 232.

MTH 499

Capstone Course in Mathematics

3

Material in core mathematics courses is unified through study of subject matter excluded from regular mathematics courses, in the areas of classical and applied mathematics. Prerequisites: MTH 133, MTH 332; permission of instructor.

MTH 523

Modern Algebra I

3

Groups, rings, integral domains, fields, and fundamental homomorphism theorems. Prerequisite: MTH 332 or graduate status.

Required Courses II

(3 hours)

Select one of the following:

MTH 532

Advanced Calculus I

3

Rigorous development of calculus for functions of one variable. Sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, exponential and logarithmic functions, arc length, series. Credits will not count towards M.A. or Ph.D. degree requirements in mathematics. Prerequisites: MTH 233 and MTH 332, or graduate status.

MTH 545

Introduction to Point-Set Topology

3

Development of elementary point-set topology. Sets, functions, metric spaces, topological spaces, quotient surfaces, compactness, and connectedness. Prerequisite: MTH 332 or graduate status.

Electives

(9 hours)

Nine or more hours of electives are to be selected from MTH, STA, or CPS in consultation with and approved by a mathematics advisor and must be numbered MTH 296 or higher, STA 382QR or higher, or CPS 181 or higher. See notes on double counting below. MTH 175 (3) Discrete Mathematics may be included as an elective. If MTH 175 is included, then at least 33 hours of the total hours must be in mathematics or statistics.