Department of Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Stan Seltzer, Associate Professor and Chair
The Department of Mathematics offers a curriculum with sufficient depth and flexibility to provide a sound program of study for students with a wide range of mathematical interests. General interest courses are offered for those who want to study mathematics for their own information and enjoyment.
The department offers programs that lead to the bachelor's degree in mathematics, mathematics-computer science, mathematics-economics, mathematics-physics, mathematics with teaching option, and mathematics-computer science with teaching option.
Mathematics, B.A.
Mathematics, B.A. with Teaching Option
Mathematics-Computer Science, B.S.
Mathematics-Computer Science, B.S. with Teaching Option
Mathematics-Economics, B.A.
Mathematics-Physics, B.A.
Minor in Mathematics
Requirements for Honors in Mathematics
Honors in mathematics are awarded in recognition of excellent overall scholarship and the successful completion of an honors-level capstone experience.
Candidates need departmental approval based on mathematical maturity, creativity, and the ability to do independent work in order to register for MATH 49300 Honors. Final approval for honors is decided by a department vote. Honors in mathematics are awarded only on recommendation of the department faculty.
Departmental Policies on Math Placement Groups
Math placement exam: All entering students must take the math placement exam. Based on the results, students are initially assigned to one of the four placement groups. This determines where they may enter the mathematics curriculum.
A prerequisite for entrance into mathematics MATH 10000, MATH 10500, MATH 10600, MATH 10700, MATH 10800, MATH 11100, MATH 13100, MATH 13200, MATH 13500, MATH 14400, MATH 14500, MATH 15200, MATH 15500, MATH 16100, and MATH 18000 is the appropriate classification of the student in group 1, 2, 3, or 4 or successful completion of a prerequisite course.
Group 4: The student must take MATH 10000 Mathematics Fundamentals or MATH 18000 Mathematics Fundamentals with Computers before any other mathematics course. Passing MATH 10000 or MATH 18000 with a C- or better qualifies the student to take courses with a group 3 prerequisite.
Group 3: The student may take mathematics courses MATH 10500, MATH 10600, MATH 10700, MATH 13100, MATH 13500, MATH 15200, and MATH 15500. Completion of MATH 10700 or MATH 13100 with a C- or better qualifies the student to take courses with a group 2 prerequisite.
Group 2: The student may take MATH 10800, MATH 13200, MATH 14400, MATH 14500, and MATH 16100 as well as any course that a group 3 student may take, except MATH 13100. Students are encouraged to take one of the courses listed here. Completion of MATH 13200 with a C- or better qualifies the student to take courses with a group 1 prerequisite.
Group 1: The student may take any course in the mathematics offerings other than MATH 10000, MATH 10700, MATH 13100, MATH 13200, and MATH 18000, provided the course prerequisites are met. Students in group 1 are encouraged to take courses with group 1 or group 2 prerequisites.
Advanced Placement
Students can receive credit for Calculus I (MATH 11100) by receiving a grade of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement calculus AB examination. Students can receive credit for Calculus I (MATH 11100) and Calculus II (MATH 11200) by receiving a grade of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement calculus BC examination. Ithaca College also provides its own placement examination for students who believe they have a knowledge of calculus but have not taken the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.
Students can receive credit for MATH 14400 Statistics for Business, Economics, and Management by receiving a grade of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement statistics examination.
Notes on Prerequisites
A grade of C- or better is required for a course in mathematics to fulfill a prerequisite for another mathematics course.
A student must receive the permission of the mathematics department to take a mathematics course that is a prerequisite for a mathematics course for which he or she has previously received credit.
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics -- B.A.
The mathematics major prepares students for careers -- in industry, government, and education -- that require problem-solving and creative-thinking abilities. The curriculum is based on a core of required courses that provides a foundation leading to a number of upper-level options.
An overall GPA of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics courses that are being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the mathematics major. No more than one passing grade below C- in mathematics courses may be used.
Required courses in the department
| MATH 11100 |
Calculus I |
4 |
| MATH 11200 |
Calculus II |
4 |
| MATH 18500 | Math Experimentation | 3 |
| MATH 21100 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 21400 | Differential Equations or | |
| MATH 21600 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 27000 | Mathematical Reasoning with Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 30300 | Abstract Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 30500 | Introduction to Analysis | 4 |
| MATH 39700 | Junior Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 49800 | Capstone in Mathematics I | 3 |
| MATH 49900 | Capstone in Mathematics II | 1 |
| MATH electives | At least 9 credits at level 3 or above (except for MATH 39100); at least 3 of these credits must be at level 4. | 9 |
| Total, required courses in the department | 47 | |
| Electives | 73 | |
| Total, B.A. in mathematics | 120 |
Requirements for Mathematics -- B.A. with Teaching Option
Required mathematics courses
| MATH 11100 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 11200 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 18500 | Math Experimentation | 3 |
| MATH 21100 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 21600 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 27000 | Mathematical Reasoning with Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 30300 | Abstract Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 30500 | Introduction to Analysis | 4 |
| MATH 36200 | Modern Geometry | 4 |
| MATH 39700 | Junior Seminar | 1 |
| MATH electives | At least 6 credits at level 3 or above (except for MATH 39100). At least 3 of these credits must be at level 4 | 6 |
| Total, required mathematics courses | 44 |
Core education requirements
|
EDUC 21910 |
Early Field Experience: Theory and Practice |
3 |
|
COMP 20100 |
Technology for the Middle/Secondary School Teacher |
2 |
|
EDUC 10100 |
Literacy Education for the Middle/Secondary School Teacher |
2 |
|
EDUC 23900 |
Educating Children with Special Needs |
2 |
|
EDUC 22900 |
Second-Language Acquisition: Its Nature and Meaning for Educators |
2 |
|
PSYC 21010 |
Educational Psychology |
3 |
|
EDUC 34000 |
Social and Cultural Foundations of Education |
3 |
|
EDUC 40810 |
Pedagogy and Practice across the Disciplines |
3 |
|
EDUC 40510 |
Pedagogy and Practice for the Mathematics Teacher |
3 |
|
EDUC 41210 |
Seminar in Reflective Practice |
3 |
|
EDUC 49810 |
Professional Semester in Education |
12 |
|
EDUC 11000 |
Child Abuse Identification and Prevention |
0 |
|
EDUC 11100 |
Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Identification and Prevention |
0 |
|
Total, core education requirements |
38 |
Additional core requirements
- All teaching-option students must successfully complete a year of college-level study in a language other than English. Students may satisfy this requirement by taking the language placement test and placing at level 2 or above.
- All teaching-option students must successfully complete a writing course numbered WRTG 10600 or above.
- All teaching-option students must successfully complete the second-year review and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 in mathematics. If a student receives an unsuccessful review or a review with stipulations, the student must participate in and successfully pass a second review the following year. Unsuccessful reviews and reviews with stipulations will be accompanied by a written statement outlining what must be done before the next review is complete.
- Students must earn a grade of B or better in EDUC 40510 and EDUC 40810 to qualify for student teaching. A grade of B- does not qualify.
- EDUC 49810 Professional Semester in Education and EDUC 41210 Seminar in Reflective Practice constitute a full course load during the student-teaching semester. No additional courses may be taken.
- All candidates for initial certification must successfully complete all three sections of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations: the liberal arts and sciences test, the assessment of teaching skills (written), and the content area exam.
- The mathematics department chair and the education department chair must approve any exceptions to the above requirements.
|
Electives |
38 |
|
Total, B.A. in mathematics with teaching option |
120 |
An overall average of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics courses that are being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the mathematics major. Also, no more than one passing grade below C- in mathematics courses may be used.
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics-Computer Science -- B.S.
This program is designed for students whose educational or career objectives combine mathematics and computer science. It provides the opportunity for and recognition of serious concentration in both fields and prepares students for graduate study or career placement in either field.
Required mathematics courses
| MATH 11100 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 11200 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 18500 | Math Experimentation | 3 |
| MATH 21600 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 27000 | Mathematical Reasoning with Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH electives | Two additional 3- or 4-credit mathematics electives chosen from MATH 21100 and mathematics courses at level 3 or level 4 (excluding MATH 39100) | 6-8 |
| Total, required mathematics courses | 27-29 |
An overall average of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics and computer science courses being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the major. No more than one passing grade below C- in those courses may be used.
Required computer science courses
| COMP 17100 | Principles of Computing Science I | 4 |
| COMP 21000 | Introduction to Computer Organization and Systems | 4 |
| COMP 22000 | Introduction to Data Structures | 4 |
| COMP 31100 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 |
| COMP electives | Three additional computer science electives at level 2 or above (excluding COMP 20100 and COMP 20500), at least one of which must be level 3 or higher | 10-12 |
| Total, required computer science courses | 26-28 |
Senior project or capstone
| COMP 47500 | Senior Project | |
| MATH 49800 | Capstone in Mathematics I | |
| MATH 49900 | Capstone in Mathematics II | |
| Total, senior project or capstone | 3-4 |
Summary
| Requirements in mathematics | 27-29 |
| Requirements in computer science | 26-28 |
| Senior project or capstone | 3-4 |
| Total, requirements in the major | 56-61 |
| Electives required to complete the B.A. | 59-64 |
| Total, B.S. in mathematics-computer science | 120 |
Requirements for Mathematics-Computer Science -- B.S. with Teaching Option
Required mathematics courses
| MATH 11100 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 11200 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 18500 | Math Experimentation | 3 |
| MATH 21600 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 27000 | Mathematical Reasoning with Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 36200 | Modern Geometry | 4 |
| MATH electives | One additional 3 or 4-credit mathematics elective chosen from MATH 21100 and mathematics courses at level 3 or level 4 (excluding MATH 39100) | 3-4 |
| Total, required mathematics courses | 28-29 |
Required computer science courses
| COMP 17100 | Principles of Computing Science I | 4 |
| COMP 21000 | Introduction to Computer Organization and Systems | 4 |
| COMP 22000 | Introduction to Data Structures | 4 |
| COMP 31100 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 |
| COMP electives | Three additional computer science electives at level 2 or above (excluding COMP 20100 and COMP 20500), at least one of which must be level 3 or higher | 10-12 |
| Total, required computer science courses | 26-28 |
Project or research requirement
| COMP 47500 | Senior Project | |
| MATH 39810 | Research Experience in Mathematics | |
| Total, project or research requirement | 3 |
Core education requirements
|
EDUC 21910 |
Early Field Experience: Theory and Practice |
3 |
|
COMP 20100 |
Technology for the Middle/Secondary School Teacher |
2 |
|
EDUC 10100 |
Literacy Education for the Middle/Secondary School Teacher |
2 |
|
EDUC 23900 |
Educating Children with Special Needs |
2 |
|
EDUC 22900 |
Second-Language Acquisition: Its Nature and Meaning for Educators |
2 |
|
PSYC 21010 |
Educational Psychology |
3 |
|
EDUC 34000 |
Social and Cultural Foundations of Education |
3 |
|
EDUC 40810 |
Pedagogy and Practice across the Disciplines |
3 |
|
EDUC 40510 |
Pedagogy and Practice for the Mathematics Teacher |
3 |
|
EDUC 41210 |
Seminar in Reflective Practice |
3 |
|
EDUC 49810 |
Professional Semester in Education |
12 |
|
EDUC 11000 |
Child Abuse Identification and Prevention |
0 |
|
EDUC 11100 |
Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Identification and Prevention |
0 |
|
Total, core education requirements |
38 |
Additional core requirements
- All teaching-option students must successfully complete a year of college-level study in a language other than English. Students may test out of this requirement by taking the language placement test and placing at level 2 or above.
- All teaching-option students must complete a writing course numbered WRTG 10600 or above.
- All teaching-option students must successfully complete the second-year review and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 in both mathematics and computer science courses. If a student receives an unsuccessful review or a review with stipulations, the student must participate in and successfully pass a second review the following year. Unsuccessful reviews and reviews with stipulations will be accompanied by a written statement outlining what must be done before the next review is complete.
- Students must earn a grade of B or better in EDUC 40510 and EDUC 40810 to qualify for student teaching. A grade of B- does not qualify.
- EDUC 49810 Professional Semester in Education and EDUC 41210 Seminar in Reflective Practice constitute a full course load during the student teaching semester. No additional courses may be taken.
- All candidates for initial certification must successfully complete all three sections of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations: the liberal arts and sciences test, the assessment of teaching skills (written), and the content area exam.
- The mathematics department and the education department chair must approve any exceptions to the above requirements.
Summary
| Requirements in mathematics | 28-29 |
| Requirements in computer science | 26-28 |
| Project or research requirement | 3 |
| Core education requirements | 38 |
| Total, requirements in the major | 95-98 |
| Electives required to complete the degree | 22-25 |
| Total, B.S. in mathematics-computer science with teaching option | 120 |
An overall average of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics and computer science courses being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the major. No more than one passing grade below C- in those courses may be used.
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics-Economics -- B.A.
The mathematics-economics program provides quantitative background for students who wish to enter graduate school, industry, and government. It offers the mathematics student applications in the form of economic models and econometric studies, and it offers the economics student the foundations and analysis of mathematics necessary for a cogent exposition of quantitative economics. In general, the program places economics and mathematics into the broad context of rigorous analytical studies.
An overall average of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics and economics courses being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the major. No more than one passing grade below C- in those courses may be used.
Required mathematics/computer science courses
| MATH 11100 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 11200 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 18500 | Math Experimentation or | |
| COMP 17100 | Principles of Computing Science | 3-4 |
| MATH 21100 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 21400 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 21600 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 27000 | Mathematical Reasoning with Discrete Math | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH electives | Select one mathematics elective at level 3 or above (except for MATH 39100) | 3-4 |
| Total, required mathematics/computer science courses | 31-33 |
Required economics courses
| ECON 12100 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 12200 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 32100 | Money and Banking | 3 |
| ECON 33300 | Econometrics I | 3 |
| ECON 33400 | Econometrics II | 3 |
| ECON 34100 | Microanalysis | 3 |
| ECON 34200 | Macroanalysis | 3 |
| ECON 41100 | International Economics | 3 |
| ECON 49200 | Special Problems in Economics (tutorial) | 3 |
| Total, required economics courses | 27 |
Summary
| Total, required mathematics/computer science courses | 27 |
| Total, required economics courses | 31-33 |
| Electives required to compete the degree | 60-62 |
| Total, B.A. in mathematics-economics | 120 |
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics-Physics -- B.A.
The mathematics-physics major provides an option for students who want to concentrate on both areas equally rather than majoring in one or the other. The student can move easily to either mathematics or physics at any time up to the middle of the junior year.
An overall average of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics and physics courses being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the major. No more than one passing grade below C- in mathematics or physics courses may be used.
Required mathematics courses
| MATH 11100 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 11200 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 21100 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 21200 | Calculus IV | 3 |
| MATH 21400 | Differential Equations or | |
| MATH 21600 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 27000 | Mathematical Reasoning with Discrete Math | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 30300 | Abstract Algebra or | |
| MATH 30500 | Introduction to Analysis | 4 |
| MATH electives | One course at level 3 or above (except for MATH 39100) | 3-4 |
| Total, mathematics courses | 32-33 |
Required physics courses
| PHYS 11700 | Principles of Physics I: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 11800 | Principles of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 12000 | Introductory Applied Physics Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 21700 | Principles of Physics III: Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| PHYS 21800 | Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 22500 | DC and AC Circuits | 3 |
| PHYS 30100 | Mathematical Methods of Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 30500 | Electromagnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 31100 | Analytical Mechanics | 3 |
| Total, physics courses | 31 |
Required capstone
| MATH 49800 | Capstone in Mathematics I | 3 |
| MATH 49900 | Capstone in Mathematics II | 1 |
| or | ||
| Approved capstone experience in physics | 4 |
Summary
| Required mathematics courses | 32-33 |
| Required physics courses | 31 |
| Required capstone | 4 |
| Electives required to complete the degree | 52-53 |
| Total, B.A. in mathematics-physics | 120 |
Minor in Mathematics
The mathematics minor program provides an option for nonmajors who wish to take mathematics courses, be guided in course selection, and receive recognition for their studies. Students interested in a mathematics minor should consult a departmental adviser.
An overall average of C (2.00) or above is required in mathematics courses being used to fulfill the minimum course requirements for the minor. No more than one passing grade below C- in mathematics courses may be used.
Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics
| MATH 11100 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 11200 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 18500 | Math Experimentation or | |
| MATH 23100 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 29100 | Sophomore Seminar | 1 |
| MATH electives | 9 additional credits chosen from MATH 21100 or above | 9 |
|
Total, minor in mathematics |
21 |