Mathematics Program Requirements

Mathematical Sciences (MATH)

The purpose of the major in Mathematical Sciences at Barry University is to build a strong foundation for careers in mathematics. The courses of study cover the main areas of algebra, analysis, probability, statistics, numerical analysis and topology. Co-requisites in physics and computer science are also required.

There are three possible concentrations within Mathematical Sciences: General Mathematics, Statistics/Actuarial Science and Computational Mathematics. A core of courses is required from all Math majors and, according to each specialization, a number of recommended courses is offered each semester on a rotational basis.

The curriculum for the Mathematics major consists of the following components:

Mathematics Core27 credits
Mathematics Specialization12 credits
Computer Science8 credits
Physics 8 credits
Minor20 credits
General Education42 credits
General Elective3 credits
Total120 credits

The academic requirements for the mathematics major are the following:

Core courses (27 credits):

MAT-211Calculus I
MAT-212Calculus II
MAT-213Calculus III
MAT-253Discrete Mathematics I
MAT-314Differential Equations
MAT-332Linear Algebra
MAT-456Numerical Analysis
MAT-487Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar

Co-requisites (16 credits):

Eight credits in physics: PHY 211 and PHY 212 or PHY 201 and PHY 202.

Eight credits in computer science: CS 231 and CS 232 or CS 211 and CS 212.

Electives:

at least four upper division courses according to the desired specialization.

1. Specialization in General Mathematics
Suggested electives:

MAT-310 Advanced Calculus I
MAT-311Advanced Calculus II
MAT-331Algebraic Structures
MAT-356Statistics for Science
MAT-395 Research
MAT-416Introduction to Complex Analysis
MAT-451Probability Theory
MAT-452Mathematical Statistics
MAT-495Research

2. Specialization in Statistics-Actuarial Science
Suggested electives:

MAT-214Introduction to Financial Mathematics
MAT-230 Statistical Methods I
MAT-317Introduction to Actuarial Mathematics
MAT-330Statistical Methods II
MAT-356Statistics for Science
MAT-395Research
MAT-451Probability Theory
MAT-452Mathematical Statistics
MAT-495Research

For students interested in Actuarial Science, it is recommended that as part of the general electives they take the following courses (15 credits):

ACC-201Financial Accounting I
ECO-201Introductory Macroeconomics
ECO-202Introductory Microeconomics
FIN-319Managerial Finance
FIN-419Financial Policy and Strategy

3. Specialization in Computational Mathematics
Suggested electives:

MAT-254 Discrete Mathematics II
MAT-356Statistics for Science
MAT-395Research
MAT-451Probability Theory
CS-331Data Structures and Algorithms
CS-431Concepts of Programming Languages
MAT-495Research

Mathematical Sciences Minor: A minor in Mathematical Sciences consists of at least 20 credits in approved courses, and must include MAT 211, MAT 212, either MAT 213 or MAT 253 and at least one 300-level course.

Acceptance into the major

In order to be provisionally accepted as a Mathematical Sciences major, a student must meet the following criteria:
a) 970 SAT or 20 ACT scores, with at least 500 in the SAT math section
b) At least 2.7 GPA from high school or college
c) At least 4 units of H.S. mathematics in algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
A student will be fully accepted as a major in Mathematical Sciences after successful completion with a grade of C or above in MAT 211 (Calculus I) and MAT 253 (Discrete Mathematics I).