Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Fairfax, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
USD 4,897 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for International student | Domestic student is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
Earn your BS through a strong and flexible program in both applied and theoretical mathematics.
BS majors will choose to concentrate on traditional pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or in training for a career in actuarial mathematics. You will gain a solid grounding in mathematics and use computational tools where appropriate.
Students are encouraged to select an optional concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM), Applied Mathematics (AMT), or Mathematical Statistics (MTHS). Students who do not select a concentration study traditional mathematics.
Research Opportunities
There have been several research opportunities for undergraduate mathematics majors in recent years, through the GMU Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program, NSF-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs, and NSF-supported CSUMS and EXTREEMS programs for research in computational and data-enabled mathematics. Additionally, students can intern at the Mason Experimental Geometry Lab working on experimental pure mathematics and visualization projects. Qualified students also have the option of writing an honors thesis on a variety of topics in pure and applied mathematics under the supervision of a mathematics faculty.
Concentrations
- Traditional concentration: Classical training in analytic reasoning and mathematics with exposure to the natural sciences.
- Concentration in Actuarial Mathematics: Students will receive training to become an actuary, with exposure to the natural sciences. Expertise in this field leads directly to a career as a practicing actuary with an insurance company, consulting firm, or in government employment.
- Concentration in Applied Mathematics: Training in analytic reasoning along with computational skills, with exposure to the natural sciences. The concentration prepares numerical analysts able to deal with real-world applications in science and engineering.
- Concentration in Mathematical Statistics: Students will receive additional knowledge of probability and mathematical statistics. The concentration prepares data analysts able to deal with real-world applications in science and engineering.
Career Opportunities
Recent undergraduates have found jobs in a variety of fields, such as Actuary, Operations Research Analysis, Data Analytics Expert, Software Developer, Math Teacher, Accountant, Financial Analyst, Web Developer, Statistician, and Market Researcher, to name a few examples.
Organizations that typically hire Mathematics graduates include the U.S. Census Bureau, SAIC, Mitre, Google, NSA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NIST, TRW, EDS, CIGNA, ANSER, and many others. Many of our students move on to graduate school in mathematics, statistics, engineering, and related fields.
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
In addition to the mathematics core, science, and computational skills requirements, students may select an optional concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM), Applied Mathematics (AMT), Data Science (DSCI), or Mathematical Statistics (MTHS).
Mathematics Core
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4
- MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
- MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core) 3
- MATH 203 Linear Algebra 3
- MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III 3 or MATH 215 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (Honors)
- MATH 214 Elementary Differential Equations 3 or MATH 216 Theory of Differential Equations
- MATH 300 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics 1 3
- MATH 322 Advanced Linear Algebra 3
Total Credits 26
Science
Select a one-year sequence of laboratory science from the following courses: 8-9
Biology Sequence:
- BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function
Choose one from the following:
- BIOL 300 BioDiversity
- BIOL 308 Foundations of Ecology and Evolution
- BIOL 311 General Genetics
Chemistry Sequence:
- CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core)
- CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core)
Geology Sequence:
- GEOL 101 & GEOL 103 Physical Geology (Mason Core) and Physical Geology Lab
- GEOL 102 & GEOL 104 Historical Geology (Mason Core) and Historical Geology Laboratory (Mason Core)
Physics Sequence:
- PHYS 160 & PHYS 161 University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core)
- PHYS 260 & PHYS 261 University Physics II (Mason Core) and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core)
Total Credits 8-9
Computational Skills
- CS 112 Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core) 4
Total Credits 4
BS without Concentration
Students who are not choosing a concentration must complete the following coursework:
Traditional Mathematics
- MATH 315 Advanced Calculus I 3
- MATH 316 Advanced Calculus II 3
- MATH 321 Abstract Algebra 3 or MATH 431 Topology
Select 12 additional credits of MATH courses numbered above 300 1,3 12
Additional Science
Select additional science credits from one of the following options: 4-9
1. A second sequence from the choices under "Science" above
2. 6 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 2
3. The 4-credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263
4. Choose two courses from the following:
- CDS 230 Modeling and Simulation I
- CDS 301 Scientific Information and Data Visualization
- CS 211 Object-Oriented Programming
- CS 310 Data Structures
- CS 330 Formal Methods and Models
- CS 483 Analysis of Algorithms
Total Credits 25-30
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses1. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Without concentration: 51-57 credits
- ACTM concentration: 45-46 credits
- AMT concentration: 48-54 credits
- DSCI concentration: 52-55 credits
- MTHS concentration: 50-52 credits
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40
Admissions
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English Language Requirements
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