Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Concentration, B.A.

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The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a B.A. degree in mathematics. The program is designed to provide students with a broad background in mathematics and statistics. Students select one of three concentrations: applied mathematics and operations research, pure mathematics, or statistics. Students who would like to become certified to teach may select the secondary teacher education track. The Department also offers an accelerated graduate pathway, where students can earn both an undergraduate degree and the M.S. degree in statistics in five years by carefully selecting courses.

Mathematics majors intending to pursue graduate work in mathematics should consider the pure mathematics concentration and are urged to take Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology, and one year of French or German. Students intending to teach at the secondary level should choose this concentration and are urged to take Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, and College Geometry.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for a B.A. in mathematics: 49. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in major courses before being considered for a baccalaureate degree in mathematics.

A. Foundations (34 credits)

All students are required to successfully complete the foundations sequence listed below.

MAT 152 - Calculus A Credits: 4
MAT 153 - Calculus B Credits: 4
MAT 252 - Calculus C Credits: 4
MAT 281 - Introduction to Probability Credits: 3
MAT 282 - Statistical Inference Credits: 3
MAT 290 - Foundations of Mathematics Credits: 4
MAT 295 - Linear Algebra Credits: 4
MAT 350 - Differential Equations Credits: 4
COS 160 - Structured Problem Solving Java Credits: 3
COS 170 - Structured Programming Laboratory Credits: 1

B. Concentration (15 credits)

In addition to the requirements listed above, the following items are required for the pure mathematics concentration.

a. Successful completion of three courses listed below:

MAT 352 - Real Analysis Credits: 3
MAT 355 - Complex Analysis Credits: 3
MAT 371 - College Geometry Credits: 3
MAT 392 - Theory of Numbers Credits: 3
MAT 395 - Abstract Algebra Credits: 3
MAT 470 - Non-Euclidean Geometry Credits: 3
MAT 490 - Topology Credits: 3

b. Successful completion of at least two additional mathematics courses numbered 260 or above

Excluding MAT 380 - Probability and Statistics .

USM Core Requirements

The USM Core Curriculum is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal education that enables our graduates to be world-minded, intentional, life-long learners and captures your general education degree requirements.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fufilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.