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Dec 04, 2024
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2023-2024 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mathematics, B.A.
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 Return to: Areas of Study
FACULTY:
Pamela Pierce, Chair
Jennifer Bowen
Colby Long
Drew Pasteur
The study of mathematics develops the ability to think carefully - it sharpens analytical and problem-solving skills and trains the mind to reason logically and with precision. The program in Mathematics serves students from many majors, with a variety of academic goals. For the benefit of both majors and non-majors, the course offerings include an array of topics from both pure and applied mathematics. Some courses are theoretical, stressing communication and the development of rigorous, well-written mathematical proofs, while others are computational, using appropriate software as an aid. In preparation for Senior Independent Study, there is an emphasis on clear and precise written and oral communication of mathematical concepts. Most upper-level courses culminate in a final paper, project, or presentation.
First-year and transfer students are given a recommended placement in mathematics based upon their previous records, their scores on the SAT and/or ACT, and their performance on a placement exam offered the summer before enrolling. In some cases, incoming students have multiple options from which to choose their first mathematics course at Wooster.
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Major in Mathematics
Consists of 13 credits:
Special Notes
- Junior Independent Study: In lieu of a MATH 40100 course, the College requirement of a third unit of Independent Study is satisfied through the independent work done as part of the courses numbered above 20000 which are taken to fulfill the requirements of the major.
- Advanced Placement: At most two courses of advanced placement may be counted toward a major or minor. Advanced Placement of one or two courses in Mathematics is available to students who have taken an Advanced Placement Calculus examination or International Baccalaureate examination. Placement (without Wooster credit) out of one or more Wooster mathematics courses may also be achieved through a calculus placement examination offered by the department. Full detail on the advanced placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Academic Policies.
- Majors are encouraged to pursue a minor and/or second major in related fields. Mathematics majors may not concurrently major in Statistical and Data Sciences, but may minor in that field. Double majors often write an interdisciplinary Independent Study thesis, typically using mathematics as a tool to better understand a problem in the other field. Students considering a Mathematics major should discuss their plans with a member of the department, ideally during their first year as a student.
- MATH 21500 is a prerequisite for almost all 300-level courses. Majors are strongly encouraged to take this course before the end of their sophomore year to help develop the writing skills necessary in advanced mathematics.
- Majors must complete the core requirements of the major (MATH 11000, MATH 11500, MATH 12000, MATH 12500, MATH 21100 , MATH 21200 and MATH 21500 ) and at least one additional course in mathematics before beginning Senior Independent Study.
- DATA 23000 , DATA 23100 , and/or DATA 32500 may be counted toward the five elective courses for the major.
- Students needing Calculus for their major/minor: A number of programs require students to complete one or more Calculus courses. If a student has a low placement score, it may be helpful for the student to take a College Algebra or a Pre-Calculus course at another institution before enrolling in MATH 10500 at Wooster.
- Mathematics Study Abroad: The College has direct connections with the overseas program Budapest Semesters in Mathematics in Budapest, Hungary. This program is designed for American and Canadian undergraduate mathematics students interested in a one-semester overseas study experience in which they continue their study of mathematics. The program is primarily for junior mathematics students with a strong mathematics background. All courses are taught in English by Hungarian mathematicians, most of whom have spent some time teaching in the U.S. or Canada. Courses taken in Budapest appear on the student’s transcript, but grades do not count toward the student’s grade point average. Only courses receiving a grade of C or above will receive Wooster credit. Most financial aid is applicable to the program, but students with financial aid should consult directly with the Director of Financial Aid.
- Teaching Licensure (Early Childhood): Students who are planning to receive Ohio licensure in early childhood education are required to take EDUC 26000 - Curriculum: Math/Science/Social Studies, In the Early Childhood Years. No mathematics beyond this course is required to fulfill the State requirement; however, MATH 10000 would be an excellent choice to help meet Wooster’s Learning Across the Disciplines requirements. Any student wishing to pursue licensure in early childhood education should plan a program carefully with the Department of Education.
- Teaching Licensure (Middle School or Adolescent to Young Adult/ Secondary): For Ohio licensure in middle school or adolescent to young adult/secondary teaching of mathematics, State requirements call for at least a minor in Mathematics. Because specific courses in Education and Mathematics are required for licensure, Mathematics majors seeking licensure for teaching middle school or adolescent to young adult/secondary mathematics should plan their program early, in consultation with the Department of Education. These students may choose to write a Senior Independent Study Thesis on a topic related to the teaching of middle school or adolescent to young adult/ secondary mathematics.
- Combined programs of liberal arts and engineering are available. (See Pre- Professional and Dual Degree Programs: Pre-Engineering.)
- Students wishing to pursue the 3-2 program in Engineering with a major in mathematics will need to complete all of the requirements for the mathematics major with the exception of 2 electives and 2 courses in Senior I.S.(Math 451 and Math 451) before transferring to an appropriate Engineering School in the fourth year. Thus, an appropriate plan for such a student would include Math 110, 115, 120, 125 and a CS course in the first year; Math 211, 212, and 215 in the second year; and three electives numbered above 215 in the third year. Pre-engineering students should meet with the pre-engineering advisor as soon as possible.
- Only grades of C- or better are acceptable in courses for the major or minor.
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