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Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Dr. David C. Carothers, Head
Phone: (540) 568-6184
E-mail: carothdc@jmu.edu
Web site: www.math.jmu.edu
Professors
C. Chiang, D. Carothers, R. Domangue, C. Droms, J. Hanson, J. Klippert,
J. Liu, C. Lyons, D. Pruett, G. Parker, G. Peterson, C. Smith, J. Sochacki
Associate Professors
J. Fitzgerald, S. Garren, H. Hamdan, P. Kohn, R. Lee, J. Marafino, L.
VanWyk, D. Warne, P. Warne, Y. Yesilcay
Assistant Professors
E. Arnold, E. Brown, A. Casiple, N. Jahan, J. Kidd, K. Nashimoto, J.
Rosenhouse, S. Safi, L. Taalman, Y. Tomita, A. Tongen, D. Walton, L.
Xu
Instructor
A. Casiple, J. Phillippi, C. Watson
Mission Statement
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics provides a program of
study in the mathematical sciences which meets the needs of a wide variety
of students and makes a continuing contribution to the advancement of
mathematical and statistical knowledge and its dissemination. The program
provides opportunities for in-depth study that can lead to careers as
mathematicians and statisticians in private and public sectors, teachers
of mathematics and further study in graduate school. The program provides
support for the mathematical and statistical needs of students in the
natural sciences, integrated sciences, social sciences and professional
and pre-professional programs. The program meets the general education
needs of all students, providing an understanding of mathematical and
statistical thinking and approaches to problem solving. We are committed
to promoting mathematics and statistics as an art of human endeavor
as well as a fundamental method of inquiry into the sciences and a vast
array of other disciplines. We are committed to encouraging an attitude
of appreciation and support for mathematics and statistics in current
university students and, through them, the next generation of citizens.
We are also committed to fostering an appreciation for the effective
use of applied mathematics and statistics in connection with and support
of other disciplines for those students majoring in other subjects.
Goals and Objectives
As a major in mathematics or statistics a student can expect to use
and build on skills such as
- Thinking critically,
- Formulating and solving problems, and
- Communicating solutions clearly, both orally and in writing
which have been gained in previous courses in mathematics, statistics and other areas. As the breadth of knowledge of the subject grows, students gain an increased understanding and appreciation of the fact that mathematics is truly a universal language whose creation and applications cut across all boundaries of race, class, culture and time. There also will be opportunities for students to experience the challenge and rewards of faculty-mentored research, individually or as a member of a team, as they investigate mathematical and statistical problems that extend beyond those normally encountered in the classroom. Students increase their abilities to prove theorems, understand complex structures and apply mathematics and statistics in many real-world settings. The program students choose will make it possible for them to acquire strong preparation for graduate work or for professional applications in mathematics and statistics, teaching, natural and social sciences or other technical areas.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers the B.A. and B.S. degrees with a major in mathematics and the B.S. degree with a major in statistics. Within the mathematics major, concentrations are available in actuarial/financial mathematics, computational and applied mathematics, computational sciences, pure mathematics and statistics. In addition, there is a program for a major in mathematics that qualifies a student for initial teaching licensure. Minors are offered in mathematics and statistics.
The department also recognizes the importance of providing courses for non-specialists who need to make effective use of mathematics or statistics in their chosen careers.
The university is an institutional/educational member of the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the numerous undergraduate research opportunities as well as individual and small group projects available in the department. Opportunities exist through the Center for Mathematical Modeling, the Office of Statistical Services and honors theses and independent studies with individual faculty mentors.
Majors in the department are expected to participate in assessment activities. Assessment information is used to assist faculty members in modifying curricula.
Degree and Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Degree Requirements
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
General Education1,2 |
41 |
Foreign Language classes (Intermediate level required)
|
0-14 |
Philosophy course (In addition to General Education) |
3 |
University electives |
21-35 |
Major requirements (listed below) |
41 |
|
| |
120 |
1 MATH 235, Calculus I, must be included and students
seeking secondary teaching licensure must include GPSYC 160.
2 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each
student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill
these requirements may vary.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Degree Requirements
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
General Education1,2
|
41 |
Scientific Literacy requirement (In addition to General
Education) |
3-4 |
University electives
|
34-35 |
Major requirements (listed below)
|
41 |
|
| |
120 |
1 MATH 235. Calculus I, must be included and students seeking
secondary teaching licensure must include GPSYC 160.
2 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each
student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill
these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
Mathematics requirements depend on whether or not the student is seeking secondary teaching licensure. All students must complete 29 credit hours of the following required core mathematics courses and 12 credit hours of mathematics courses beyond the core.
Core Courses Required of All Majors |
Credit Hours |
MATH 236 - 237. Calculus II - III |
8 |
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
MATH 245. Discrete Mathematics
|
3 |
MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms
|
4 |
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics
|
4 |
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus I
|
3 |
MATH 430. Abstract Algebra I
|
3 |
|
| |
29 |
Additional Requirements for Students Seeking Secondary Teaching Licensure
Students seeking secondary teaching licensure must (in addition to the required core courses):
- Include GPSYC 160 under their General Education requirements,
- Complete the 31 credit hours of pre-professional education requirements
in the secondary education minor, and
- Complete 12 credit hours of mathematics courses as follows:
One
of MATH 310 or
MATH 315
MATH 415
MATH 475
One mathematics elective course numbered 310 or above
It is suggested that students with expectations of teaching AP Calculus
take MATH 411 and those with expectations of teaching AP Statistics
take either MATH 321 or MATH 322 for the above mathematics elective.
Students seeking secondary teaching licensure earn the Bachelor of Arts
or Bachelor of Sciences degree and then complete the Master of Arts
in Teaching degree. It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education
program prior to enrolling in pre-professional education courses. For
a full description of the program in secondary education, refer to the
College of Education.
Additional Requirements for Students Not Seeking Secondary Teaching Licensure
Students not seeking secondary teaching licensure track must (in addition to the required core courses) complete one of the following options, each consisting of 12 credit hours of mathematics courses:
- One of MATH 411, MATH 431, or MATH 435, and 9 hours of mathematics
electives numbered 310 or above.
- One of the pairs of courses MATH 426 and 427, MATH 440 and 441,
or MATH 448 and 449, and 6 hours of mathematics electives numbered
310 or above.
The option chosen and the courses chosen to satisfy an option by a student are made in consultation with the student's adviser and are dependent upon the student's interests and career objectives. Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in mathematics are strongly urged to complete both MATH 411 and MATH 431.
Recommended Schedule for Majors Seeking Secondary Licensure
First Year |
Credit Hours |
Skills for the 21st Century (Cluster One)
|
9-12 |
MATH 235 - 236. Calculus I - II |
8 |
MATH 245. Discrete Mathematics |
3 |
| General Education courses
|
6-9 |
|
| |
30 |
Second Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 237. Calculus III
|
4 |
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms |
4 |
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics
|
4 |
Pre-professional education requirements
|
9 |
General Education courses/electives
|
5 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
Third Year |
Credit Hours |
| MATH 430. Abstract Algebra I
|
3 |
Choose two of the following: |
6 |
MATH 310. Elementary Theory of Numbers
MATH 315. The Real Number System
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus I
MATH 415. History of Mathematics
MATH 475. Fundamental Concepts of Geometry
Mathematics electives numbered 310 or above
|
|
Pre-professional education requirements |
11 |
General Education courses/electives |
10 |
|
| |
30 |
Fourth Year |
Credit Hours |
Choose three from the following:
|
9 |
MATH 310. Elementary Theory of Numbers
MATH 315. The Real Number System
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus
MATH 415. History of Mathematics
MATH 475. Fundamental Concepts of Geometry
Mathematics elective(s) numbered at or above MATH 310
|
|
Pre-professional education requirements |
11 |
General Education courses/electives |
10 |
|
| |
30 |
Recommended Schedule for Majors Not Seeking Secondary Licensure
First Year |
Credit Hours |
Skills for the 21st Century (Cluster One)
|
9-12 |
MATH 235 - 236. Calculus I - II |
8 |
MATH 245. Discrete Mathematics |
3 |
| General Education courses
|
6-9 |
|
| |
30 |
Second Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 237. Calculus III
|
4 |
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms |
4 |
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics
|
4 |
General Education courses/electives
|
14 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
Third Year |
Credit Hours |
Choose one of the following: |
3 |
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus I
MATH 430. Abstract Algebra I
|
|
General Education courses/electives |
18-21 |
Mathematics required or elective courses numbered 310
or above |
6-9 |
|
| |
30 |
Fourth Year |
Credit Hours |
Choose one of the following:
|
3 |
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus I
MATH 430. Abstract Algebra I
|
|
Mathematics required or elective courses numbered 310
or above |
6-9 |
Electives |
18-21 |
|
| |
30 |
Computational Sciences Concentration
For students majoring in mathematics or physics, the Departments of Mathematics and Physics offer a coordinated sequence of courses that prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding field of computer modeling of complex systems. This program is structured so that students can earn a major in one department and a minor in the other. Students need not decide on a major field until their junior year.
The computational sciences concentration will prepare students to design and use computer models in any of those areas in which applied mathematics is used to understand complex systems (meterology, astronomy, geology/geophysics, oceanography, physics, etc.). The preparation is appropriate for both those students who plan to enter the work force after graduation and those who plan to enter graduate school in applied mathematics, physics, or one of the other fields mentioned above.
Students should complete the following courses during the first two years of the program:
MATH 235-237. Calculus I-III
MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms
MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations, or
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations
PHYS 140L-150L. General Physics Laboratory I-II
PHYS 240-260. University Physics I-III
MATH/PHYS 265. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
During their junior and senior years, students will normally complete the necessary course work for their major and minor. Mathematics majors will take PHYS 340. Mechanics, and MATH/PHYS 365. Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics, counted as a physics course to complete their physics minor. Physics majors will take MATH/PHYS 365 counted as a mathematics course and either MATH 337, Methods of Applied Calculus, or MATH 387, Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equations, to complete their mathematics minor. Seniors in either major must complete at least one topics or independent study/research course that involves computer modeling.
Bachelor of Science in Statistics
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a major in statistics
to meet the needs of both the public and the private sectors for graduates
with degrees in statistics. The program has two tracks, Applied Statistics
and Mathematical Statistics, one of which must be chosen by each student
completing the major. Students interested in the applications of statistics
and planning to seek immediate employment as practicing statisticians
upon graduation are advised to choose the Applied Statistics
track. Emphasis in this track is on the applications of statistics to
various fields of study. Students in this track will take courses on
the design and analysis of experiments, regression analysis and sample
surveys, as well as other courses in applied and theoretical statistics,
probability and mathematics. Students who choose the applied statistics
track are encouraged to take as many elective courses as possible in
applied fields of their choice.
The Mathematical Statistics track is designed for students
who have an interest in the mathematics of statistics or plan to go
to graduate school in statistics. Students in this track will see more
emphasis on probability and the theory of statistics. These students
will also have a chance to take additional courses in applied and theoretical
statistics as well as courses in mathematics. Students in this track
are recommended to take elective courses from the statistics and mathematics
courses offered by the department that will prepare them for graduate
studies.
Students of statistics are advised to choose between the two tracks
by the end of their sophomore year. However, there are a large number
of courses common to both tracks, so students may be able to change
tracks later in their academic career with little loss of time.
Bachelor of Science in Statistics: Applied Statistics Track
Degree Requirements
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
General Education1 |
37 |
Scientific Literacy requirement (In addition to
General Education) |
3-4 |
University electives
|
33-36 |
Major requirements (listed below)
|
50-53 |
|
| |
120 |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
Minimum requirements for a B.S. degree with a major in statistics, applied statistics track, are 47 credit hours in statistics and cognate mathematics courses which must include one of the electives in statistics listed below:
|
Credit Hours |
Statistics Courses
|
29-31 |
MATH 220 1. Elementary Statistics |
3 |
MATH 280. SAS Programming and Data Management |
3 |
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics
|
4 |
MATH 321. Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design |
3 |
MATH 322. Applied Linear Regression |
3 |
MATH 324. Applied Nonparametric Statistics |
3 |
MATH 325. Survey Sampling Methods |
3 |
| MATH 421. Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis
|
3 |
|
MATH 426. Probability and Mathematical Statistics
I
|
3
|
| MATH 429. Research Project in Statistics
|
1-3 |
| Choose one of the following electives in statistics:
|
3 |
MATH 327. Categorical Data Analysis
MATH 328. Time Series Analysis
MATH 423. Stochastic Processes
MATH 424. Statistical Decision Theory
MATH 427. Probability and Mathematical Statistics II
|
|
| Mathematics Cognates:
|
15-16 |
MATH 235 - 237. Calculus I - III
MATH 300. Linear Algebra2
|
12 3-4 |
1 Waived for those who have C or better in MATH 318.
No additional course will be required to substitute for MATH 220 in
this program.
2 MATH 238 (Linear Algebra with Differential Equations) may be substituted.
In addition to elective statistics courses offered by the department, students in this track are strongly recommended to take as many elective courses as possible from fields of application such as management, business administration, economics, biology, or health sciences in which they are interested and in which they might like to be employed.
Recommended Schedule for Statistics Major, Applied Statistics Track
First Year |
Credit Hours |
Skills for the 21st Century (Cluster One)
|
9 |
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics |
3 |
MATH 280. SAS Programming and Data Management |
3 |
| MATH 235. Calculus I
|
4 |
| General education courses
|
11 |
|
| |
30 |
Second Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 236 - 237. Calculus II-III
|
8 |
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
4 |
MATH 325. Survey Sampling Methods |
3 |
General education courses/electives
|
15 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
Third Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 321. Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design
|
3 |
|
MATH 322. Applied Linear Regression
|
3 |
MATH 324. Applied Nonparametric Statistics |
3 |
MATH 300. Linear Algebra |
3 |
MATH 426. Probability and Mathematical Statistics I |
3 |
General education courses/electives |
15 |
|
| |
30 |
Fourth Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 421. Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis
|
3 |
|
MATH 429. Research Projects in Statistics
|
1-3 |
Elective in Statistics |
3 |
Electives |
21-23 |
|
| |
30 |
Bachelor of Science in Statistics: Mathematical Statistics Track
Degree Requirements
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
General Education1 |
37 |
Scientific Literacy requirement (In addition to
General Education) |
3-4 |
University electives
|
33-36 |
Major requirements (listed below)
|
55-56 |
|
| |
120 |
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
Minimum requirements for a B.S. degree with a major in statistics, mathematical statistics track, are 52 credit hours in statistics and cognate mathematics courses:
|
Credit Hours |
Statistics Courses:
|
28 |
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics 1 3
MATH 280. SAS Programming and Data Management 3
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics 4
MATH 321. Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design 3
MATH 322. Applied Linear Regression 3
MATH 324. Applied Nonparametric Statistics 3
MATH 421. Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis 3
MATH 426 - 427. Probability and Mathematical Statistics I-II
|
3 3 4 3 3 3 3 6 |
Choose one of the following electives in statistics: |
3 |
| MATH 328. Time Series Analysis
MATH 423. Stochastic Processes
MATH 424. Statistical Decision Theory
|
|
Mathematics Cognates: |
21-22 |
| MATH 235 - 237. Calculus I - III
12
MATH 300. Linear Algebra2 3-4
MATH 312. Discrete Mathematics 3
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus I
|
12 3-4 3 3 |
|
| |
120 |
1 Waived for those who have "C" or better in MATH 318. No additional course will be required to substitute for MATH 220 in this program.
2 MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations, may be substituted.
In addition to elective statistics courses, students in this track are recommended to take elective courses from the
mathematics courses offered by the department that will prepare them to continue in their studies toward an M.S. and/or a Ph.D. degree in statistics.
Recommended Schedule for Statistics Major, Mathematical Statistics Track
First Year |
Credit Hours |
Skills for the 21st Century (Cluster One)
|
9 |
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics |
3 |
MATH 280. SAS Programming and Data Management |
3 |
| MATH 235. Calculus I
|
4 |
| General education courses
|
11 |
|
| |
30 |
Second Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 236 - 237. Calculus II-III
|
8 |
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
4 |
MATH 321. Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design
|
3 |
General education courses/electives
|
15 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
Third Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 322. Applied Linear Regression |
3 |
| MATH 300. Linear Algebra1
|
3 |
MATH 312. Discrete Mathematics |
3 |
MATH 426-427. Probability and Mathematical Statistics
I-II |
6 |
General education courses/electives |
15 |
|
| |
30 |
Fourth Year |
Credit Hours |
MATH 324. Applied Nonparametric Statistics
|
3 |
| MATH 421. Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis
|
3 |
MATH 410. Advanced Calculus I |
3 |
Elective in Statistics |
3 |
Electives |
18 |
|
| |
30 |
1 MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations, may be substituted.
Minor Requirements
Mathematics Minor
The mathematics minor is open to students not majoring in mathematics or statistics. Each student must obtain prior approval of all courses to be counted in the minor from the mathematics adviser, Dr. Peter D. Kohn, or from the department head.
A minor in mathematics requires a minimum of 18 credit hours.
|
Credit Hours |
MATH 235 - 236. Calculus I - II
|
8 |
Mathematics courses numbered 237 or above, 10
excluding mathematics courses numbered 301 - 309
|
10 |
|
| |
18 |
Statistics Minor
The minor in statistics is open to any student not majoring in mathematics or statistics. Each student must obtain prior approval of the courses to be counted in the minor from the statistics minor adviser Dr. R. Edwin Lee.
A minor in statistics requires a minimum of 18 credit hours.
|
Credit Hours |
MATH 322. Applied Linear Regression
|
3 |
Choose one of the following: |
3-4 |
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics
MATH 318. Introduction to Probability and Statistics or equivalent
|
|
| Choose four of the following: |
12 |
MATH 280. SAS Programming and Data Management
MATH 321. Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design
MATH 324. Applied Nonparametric Statistics
MATH 325. Survey Sampling Methods
MATH 326. Statistical Quality Control
MATH 327. Categorical Data Analysis
MATH 328. Time Series Analysis
MATH 421. Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis
MATH 423. Stochastic Processes
MATH 424. Statistical Decision Theory
MATH 426. Probability and Mathematical Statistics I
MATH 427. Probability and Mathematical Statistics II
MATH 485. Selected Topics in Statistics
|
|
|
| |
18-19 |
Credit By Examination
The Department of Mathematics offers credit by examination for some of the courses taught in the department. Students who want to take an examination must apply to the department head. Upon application students will receive details regarding approval to take the examination.