Mathematics

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Chairperson:  Dr. Liz Brown

Department Office: Root Hall, A-115
Web site: mathcs.indstate.edu/dept/
E-mail: mathcs@indstate.edu

The Department of Mathematics offers students the opportunity to major or minor in mathematics or to major in mathematics teaching or middle school mathematics teaching. In addition, we offer a Middle School Mathematics minor for Elementary Education majors.  In support of the liberal arts and sciences mission of the college and Indiana State University, the department participates in the Foundational Studies Program, particularly through offering courses in Quantitative Literacy.  The department also participates in the University Honors Program. Students must take the placement examination in order to register for an initial MATH class.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 

Degrees Offered

The undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department of Mathematics include a bachelor of science in mathematics, a bachelor of arts in mathematics, a bachelor of science in mathematics teaching, a bachelor of science in middle school mathematics teaching. Candidates for any of these degrees must successfully complete the University requirement of a minimum of 120 credits, including Foundational Studies course work, as well as the requirements for the major. 

It is expected that students entering departmental degree programs will have completed the following high school mathematics courses: two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of pre-calculus. All prerequisite MATH courses must be completed with a grade of C or better before a student can enroll in any course in the major.

Mathematics 

Mathematics is among the most fascinating of all intellectual disciplines, the purest of all art forms, and the most challenging of games. The study of mathematics is not only exciting, but important; mathematicians have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society by helping to solve problems in diverse fields. The degree programs in mathematics provides students with a thorough knowledge of basic theoretical mathematics, as well as initial training in applied areas such as combinatorics, statistics, or actuarial science. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics prepares students for fascinating jobs in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, and cryptography, as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in mathematics or statistics. Major employers of mathematicians include the Department of Defense and other agencies in federal and state governments. Private sector employers include research and testing services, educational services, security and commodity exchanges, management and public relations services, the pharmaceutical industry, banks, insurance companies, and public utilities. A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for research in many areas of computer science, social science, and engineering. Majors complete a culminating experiential learning requirement. 

Mathematics Teaching

Course work in mathematics teaching is based on national standards and designed to help future teachers find creative solutions to the challenges they face in the classroom. Mathematics education students learn the mathematics content needed to be effective teachers in middle and high schools, as well as learn to teach in the larger contexts of mathematics, science, and society. The program gives students many opportunities to practice what they are learning both by working collaboratively with their peers in university courses and through early experiences in schools.  Mathematics teaching majors complete a culminating experiential learning experience through student teaching. Student teaching courses include CIMT 401 and MATH 402. This is a 16-week full-time experience in both a middle school and high school setting. Licensure to teach mathematics in grades 5-12 is granted after successfully completing the two classes successfully and passing the state licensing exams for secondary mathematics.  Students completing the Middle School Mathematics Teaching major and passing the state licensing exams for middle school mathematics can gain licensure to teach mathematics in grades 5-8.

In addition to the Mathematics Teaching Major, the Department offers a Middle School Mathematics Minor for Elementary Education majors.  This minor, in conjunction with the Elementary Education Major and completion of state licensing exams leads to a license to teach mathematics in grades 6-8. 

Departmental Opportunities 

The college, in consultation with departments, assigns each student a faculty academic advisor. Majors and minors in the Department of Mathematics are encouraged to maintain good contact with their advisor, and are expected to work with their advisor prior to registration each semester. Students who do so are more likely to meet their goals and achieve academic success. Students can find their assigned advisor by consulting the college, the department, or their portal.

The Department also manages the Math Lab, a free tutoring resource for ISU students enrolled in freshman level mathematics and quantitative literacy classes.  Many of the math coaches employed in the Math Lab are majors and minors from the Department.

Students majoring in mathematics and mathematics education can join and participate in the student chapter of the honorary mathematics fraternity, Pi Mu Epsilon. 

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