Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
OVERVIEW
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is Wright State University's standard college mathematics program. It should be selected by students who wish to study mathematics per se, rather than statistics, computing, or applications of mathematics. It is also the program of choice for those who intend to pursue mathematics (or closely related disciplines) at the graduate level. Students who wish to prepare for entry into the job market can do so in this program by wisely choosing among the many available electives.
Modern mathematics has several major branches. The three most commonly studied by undergraduate mathematics majors are algebra, geometry and topology, and analysis. Well-prepared freshmen will have sampled parts of the first two of these in high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. In college, mathematics majors encounter the beginning topic in the third branch--analysis--in their calculus classes.
The core courses in the B.S. in Mathematics program for the junior and senior years are two year-long sequences in algebra and analysis. Several characteristics distinguish these and other advanced courses from more elementary ones. Generally speaking, computation becomes less important and logical reasoning becomes more important. Ideas and objects (e.g., number, set, function, matrix) are discussed in a deeper, more precise way. Careful justification, in the form of deductive proof, is given for the facts, or theorems, which are presented. The reliance upon deductive proof as the basis of truth and the tendency toward abstraction are two fundamental characteristics of present-day mathematics. Students in the Pure Mathematics Concentration will be thoroughly exposed to both during their junior and senior years.
Important: The above checklist should be used only with consultation with your department advisor to ensure that you meet all requirements for graduation.
