The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers courses in most of the principal branches of mathematics. The primary goal of the program is to prepare students for professional careers and graduate school while creating in each student an awareness, and appreciation of the subject matter through active learning experiences. Faculty members make a concerted effort to show students the beauty and importance of mathematics in all facets of life using innovative and student centered teaching methods throughout the curriculum. The department offers a choice of two degrees. The bachelor of arts degree (BA) provides a core of rigorous fundamental courses, complemented by elective courses, which will prepare the graduate for any number of careers in teaching and industry, or to continue on with graduate studies. The bachelor of science degree (BS) provides the majors with the best possible preparation for graduate school and careers in private industry. Both programs culminate with a capstone course where students work on a research topic with a faculty mentor. Minors in mathematics and statistics are also available. Placement in mathematics courses is based on Basic Skills Placement test scores and high school records. Students who do not demonstrate readiness for calculus are required to take preparatory courses that do not count toward the mathematics major. Students who have taken AP calculus in high school may apply for advanced placement with credit. Students interested in obtaining teacher certification in mathematics must complete additional courses as prescribed by the College of Education (see its website for details). Mathematics majors are encouraged to minor in areas where mathematics has extensive application, such as computer science, biology, physics, chemistry, economics, business administration, psychology, and statistics. All major courses are offered during evening hours by rotation to serve the needs of part-time students. The department has a computer lab for priority use by its majors. In addition, the College of Science and Health has two other computer labs for general use. These labs provide an excellent facility for course work as well as for senior projects and research. Students are expected to use a variety of technologies (such as graphing calculators and computer algebra systems) throughout the mathematics major coursework. The department computers have software such as Mathematica, Matlab, and SAS that are commonly used in higher-level mathematics courses. The mathematical sciences department provides facilities for student organizations such as the Math Club, Women's Math Mentoring Group, Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society, etc. These clubs are very active and organize numerous events. Members participate in the department's annual math fair and math awareness month celebrations. The department also sponsors participation in various math competitions such as the Garden State Undergraduate Mathematics Competition (GSUMC). Furthermore, students can get academic assistance in the department's Math Learning Center where upper level mathematics majors are available to work with students on an individual or group basis. The Math Learning Center provides an excellent setting for majors to interact with each other and with students from other disciplines.
