Department of Mathematics and Philosophy
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
Degree Overview
Mathematics, literally knowledge, study, learning, investigates the logic of structure, quantity, and change, developing concepts that provide the foundations and landscape of many fields of knowledge. Mathematicians engage in determining exact explanations for the truth of subtle and complex propositions. Mathematical ideas, studies, and findings range from abstract and theoretical to applied and practical. Applied mathematics and statistics lend effectiveness to study of many fields such as sciences, engineering, economics, finance, and risk management.
The mathematics program is flexible and allows students to tailor their education in one of four options:
- Mathematics
- Mathematics - Teacher Education
- Data Science and Statistics
- Actuarial Science
View the specific degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Benefits
- Students can individualize their plan to prepare for careers in Education, Data Science and Statistics, Actuarial Science, or prepare for Graduate School.
- The Integrated Degree Program allows qualifying students the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate and master’s degree in just five years saving time and money.
- Faculty are actively engaged in research and are available for Independent Study courses, Honors projects, and Undergraduate Research Day projects.
- Small upper division class sizes allow one-on-one interactions with the professors.
Integrated Bachelor/Master of Science
The integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program provides an opportunity for academically strong undergraduate Mathematics majors to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. The program is designed to provide an accelerated alternative to traditional programs by preparing students who would pursue a career in business, industry, or government, as well as to train mathematicians who would pursue further study toward a doctoral degree in mathematics. View the Graduate Catalog for program details.
Careers
Our graduates have been successful in pursuing interesting and rewarding careers. They established themselves as scientists and programmers, analysis, data managers, and database specialists, software engineers, statistical analysts, actuaries, etc. Alumni are working in industry with such companies as Caterpillar, Inc., Deere and Company, McDonnell-Douglas; in business for such companies as IBM, Arthur Andersen, Hewitt Associates, CNA Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allstate, State Farm.
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Mathematics
Students are exposed to a rich combination of mathematical areas in pure and applied mathematics. Additionally, students are given an opportunity to deepen their understanding in areas complementing mathematics major, such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or economics. This option is well suited for students interested in a graduate degree in mathematics or statistics as well as those seeking mathematics related jobs in non-academic settings.
This option includes a sequence of three directed elective courses aimed at developing an in depth understanding in a single focus area. The focus areas include, but are not limited to 1) General Mathematics, 2) Applied Mathematics and Statistics 3) Natural Sciences, Computer Science, or Economics.
General Mathematics Focus
This focus is geared toward graduate studies in mathematics. Focus area courses include any 300-400 level mathematics courses that encourage the development of a rigorous mathematics foundation for graduate education.
Applied Mathematics and Statistics Focus
These two focus areas cover the conventional applied mathematics and statistic concentrations and are for students who seek graduate degrees in applied mathematics/statistics or research related careers. Most jobs entitled mathematician or statistician outside of academics are application driven, and many such jobs require graduate education. Option A, accomplished through either of these two focus areas covers almost all the necessary foundation for related graduate education to become a mathematician or statistician. Focus courses are typically selected from mathematics, statistics, or decision science.
Natural Science, Computer Science, or Economics
It is practical for a math major to develop a base knowledge in another field related to mathematics. Option A provides a rich mathematical training for any science major. In fact, this focus encourages double majoring in Mathematics. Related minor courses will be guided to complete the prerequisite requirements for each focus.
Mathematics - Teacher Education
Students in this comprehensive major earn a degree in mathematics and obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License to teach mathematics in grades 9-12. The program produces teachers who can find employment and share their knowledge and appreciation of mathematics with the youth of Illinois and other states. Some students choose to continue on to graduate school and then may teach mathematics at the community college, college, or university level. In all cases, the graduates of this program have the opportunity to impact and inspire future generations by exposing them to the beauty and power of mathematics.
Students are well trained in a variety of fundamental mathematical areas. In addition to studying pure and applied mathematics and statistics, students in this option obtain professional skills in education courses as well as student teaching. Our program is designed to uphold the highest standards of State of Illinois educational requirements. As a result, students that obtained B. S. degree with our department pass the Illinois Professional Educator License test at the rate of 100%.
Highlights
- Opportunity to teach an intermediate algebra lab twice per week under mathematics faculty supervision. This paid on-campus experience is in addition to teaching experiences out in the schools.
- Requirements are sufficiently flexible to allow for individual interests and some specialization based on career goals.
- Our Mathematics Education program is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
- The Mathematics Resource Office (MRO) provides hands-on learning materials, lesson planning resources, tables for student work, and an iPad mini-lab.
- Students attend professional teacher conferences with area teachers.
Data Science and Statistics
Students are rigorously trained in mathematics, statistics, decision and computer sciences. Data Science is one of the most attractive options that combines data analysis with mathematics. If you are seeking a career in computational mathematics or data science this option is for you.
Data Science is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field, exploiting both theory and experimentation in data analysis. It is now clearly recognized as a distinct intellectual and technological discipline lying at the intersection of applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Data Science is, in part, data management and computationally-intensive data analysis based on scientific computing methods. There has been a significant growth in the volume of scientific data from experiments and observations, large-scale simulations, and large networks of sensors. Incorporating vast amounts of data into scientific applications often relies on mathematics, computer science, and statistics techniques, which have become essential tools in computational and data sciences.
Our Data Science and Statistics Option provides the mathematics and computer science foundation to professional development, as well as training in Probability and Statistics, Modeling and Simulations, Numerical methods, Data Mining, predictive Analytics, Database Applications and Management, basics of Experimental Design.
Learn More About Data Science
Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is the field of study related to the quantification of risk using math, probability and statistics. It is a popular choice among math-loving students looking for ways to use their skills after college.
Students are rigorously trained in mathematics and statistics, as well as in economics, accounting, and finance. The highly specialized skills are primarily used in the insurance industry to provide insurance companies with financial stability now and for future decades.
The Actuarial Science option features courses approved by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) that fulfill all three Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits. As students progress through our program, they have the opportunity to earn an SOA micro-credential in Pre-Actuarial Foundations, showcasing their significant strides towards attaining an Associate of Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation to prospective employers.
Actuary Careers
- Get paid to use math, probability and statistics, and it will keep you thinking and problem solving every day.
- The 2021 median pay is $105,900, and even more with experience.
- The job is fairly low stress; actuarial science is consistently rated one of the best jobs, with unemployment as low as 1.4%.
- Actuary jobs are expected to grow as much as 21% during 2021-2031.
Learn more about Actuaries at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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