Undergraduate Programs
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The Mathematics Department awards both a
Bachelor of Science Degree and the
Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Both make excellent independent courses of study and can be taken
simultaneously and conviently with a major in most other subjects.
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The BS degree in Mathematics is particularly appropriate for students who wish to proceed toward careers in industry concentrating on analytical problem solving or proceed toward graduate schools in any mathematical science area. The BS degree is attractive as a second major for students whose primary interest is in computer science, economics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, management science, physics, and chemistry.
The BA degree in Mathematics is designed for students who need a traditional mathematics degree leading to careers in teaching, industry, business, and government. It is attractive as a second major for students whose primary interest is in the social sciences, business, humanities or fine arts.
The Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics has an excellent brochure describing jobs and careers for those with degrees in mathematics.
Within the mathematics major, there are a variety of specializations. The courses in these specializations are taken mainly in the junior and senior years. Each is intended to give students a deeper view of a particular area of mathematics based on the broad introductory courses of the first two years. In all cases, the student is required to take two courses at the senior/graduate level.
Specializations are available in applied and/or numerical mathematics, pure mathematics, computer science, engineering, operations research, and statistics. In the last four cases the specialization includes the study of some courses offered by other departments at SMU.
To get more information about majoring in mathematics, please contact Professor Rich Haberman (Director of Undergraduate Mathematics) in Room 209D Clements Hall or at rhaberma@smu.edu.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree
| Fundamental Mathematics | Math 1337 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I Math 1338 Calculus with Analytical Geometry II Math 2339 Calculus with Analytical Geometry III Math 2343 Elementary Differential Equations |
| Natural Science | Two courses chosen from Phys 1303/1304, Chem 1303/1304, Biol 1401/1402, one Geol 1300 level course. |
| Computer Science | CSE 1341 Principles of Computer Science or CSE 1342 Programming Concepts |
| Statistics | Stat 4340 (Cross-listed as CSE 4340 and EMIS 4340)
(can also substitute Stat 5340 or EMIS 5370 or EE 3360). |
| Specializations |
Applied and/or Numerical Mathematics At least five courses must be taken in the chosen specialization with at least two courses at the 4000+ level, including at least one Math 4000+ course. |
| Advanced Elective | Any Math 3000+ course. |
| Total | Major requires 33 semester hours in mathematics with 9 semester hours of supporting course work. |
Applied and/or Numerical Mathematics Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) |
| Sample Program | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and Engineering Math 3353 Introduction to Linear Algebra Math 5315 Introduction to Numerical Analysis Math 5331 Functions of a Complex Variable |
Pure Mathematics Specialization
| Requirements |
Five from Math 3308, 3337, 3353, 4338, 4351, 4355, 5331, 5332, 5353, 5381, with at least two 4000+ level courses. Math 3315 is recommended for the advanced mathematics elective. |
| Sample Program | Math 3308 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and Engineering Math 3353 Introduction to Linear Algebra Math 4338 Analysis Math 5331 Functions of a Complex Variable |
Civil Engineering Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) |
| Sample Program | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and Engineering Math 5334 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations CEE 5361 Matrix Structural Analysis ME 5322 Vibrations |
Computer Science and Computer Engineering Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) |
| Sample Program | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
CSE 4381 Digital Computer Design Math 3353 Introduction to Linear Algebra Math 5315 Introduction to Numerical Analysis Math 5316 Numerical Linear Algebra |
Engineering Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) |
| Sample Program (EE) | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and Engineering Math 5331 Functions of a Complex Variable EE 3372 Introduction to Signal Processing EE 5360 Control Systems I |
| Sample Program (ME) | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and Engineering Math 5334 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations ME 4360 Design and Control of Mechanical Systems ME 5322 Vibrations |
Environmental Engineering Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) |
| Sample Program | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and Engineering Math 5334 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations ME 5336 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics CE 5332 Groundwater Hydrology |
Operations Research Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) |
| Sample Program | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3353 Introduction to Linear Algebra Math 5315 Introduction to Numerical Analysis EMIS 3360 Operations Research Stat 5344 Statistical Quality Control |
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics are the same as for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics except that there is no Natural Science requirement. The BA degree requires a minimum of 33 semester hours in mathematics with three hours of computer science. In exceptional circumstances, the Department of Mathematics may choose to waive one course (three credit hours) in mathematics.
Sample Degree Plan for a Mathematics Major
This sample degree plan is for a student taking a BS in mathematics with an applied and/or numerical specialization. Actual courses taken during each semester will vary depending on the specialization, advanced placement credit, and choice of natural science courses (physics is recommended). It is also possible to change the order in which the computer science and natural science courses are taken.
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First Year | |
| Fall Semester | Math 1337 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I
CSE 1341 Principles of Computer Science (or CSE 1342) |
| Spring Semester | Math 1338 Calculus with Analytical Geometry II
Phys 1303 (or Chem 1303 or Biol 1401) |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | Math 2339 Calculus with Analytical Geometry III
Phys 1304 (or Chem 1304 or Biol 1402 or Geol 1301) |
| Spring Semester | Math 2343 Elementary Differential Equations
Math 3353 Introduction to Linear Algebra |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Math 3337 Advanced Math for Science and
Engineering Stat 4340 Statistical Methods for Engineers and Applied Scientists |
| Spring Semester | Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing
Math 3308 Introduction to Discrete Methods (advanced elective) |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | Math 5334 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations |
| Spring Semester | Math 5316 Numerical Linear Algebra |
Graduation Requirements
A candidate for a degree in Dedman College at Southern Methodist University:
- Must attain a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.00 on all work attempted at SMU.
- Must receive a grade of at least C- in all mathematics courses taken in fulfillment of the major or minor requirements.
- Must complete a minumum of 18 hours of advanced work (3000+ courses) in the major in residence. This means that six out of the seven advanced mathematics courses must be taken at SMU.
Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics
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Calculus |
Math 1337 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I |
| Advanced Courses | Three courses selected from mathematics courses at the advanced (3000+) level. Math 2343 Elementary Differential Equations may replace an advanced level mathematics course. |
| Sample Advanced Program | Math 2343 Elementary Differential Equations
Math 3315 Introduction to Scientific Computing Math 3353 Introduction to Linear Algebra |
| Total | Minor requires 18 semester hours in mathematics. |
A candidate for a mathematics minor must attain a minimum grade of C- in all mathematics courses taken in fulfillment of the minor requirements. A candidate for a minor must also complete 50 percent of the advanced work required in the minor at SMU. This means only one advanced course in the minor may be taken at another university.
To get more information about a mathematics minor, contact Professor Johannes Tausch (Advisor for the Mathematics Minor) in Room 209A Clements Hall or at tausch@smu.edu.
Merit Scholarships
The Department of Mathematics offers merit (partial tuition) scholarships for students with an outstanding record in mathematics and an interest in pursuing a mathematics major. The Carrie and Edwin Mouzon Mathematics Scholarships are given to incoming first year students that have an excellent mathematics background and an interest and potential in mathematics. This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Edwin Mouzon, a distinguished SMU Department of Mathematics faculty professor from 1922-1971, who served as department chair from 1934-1963. Students that receive merit scholarships upon admittance to SMU can receive the scholarship for eight regular semesters or until they graduate, whichever comes first.
The Robert W. Strow Mathematics Scholarships are given to current SMU students that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their first and second year mathematics courses and have decided to pursue a mathematics major. This scholarship was established by Robert Strow, a SMU Department of Mathematics professor from 1946-1982, who continued as a part-time instructor until 1994. Students that receive scholarships after being enrolled at SMU should develop a plan to complete the mathematics major in consultation with the mathematics advisor. The merit scholarship typically covers the regular semesters required to complete the plan.
All students in receipt of a mathematics scholarship must:
- Maintain SMU scholarship status including a 3.00 cumulative SMU grade-point average.
- Maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA in their mathematics courses (courses labeled Math XXXX).
- Be enrolled in at least one course in the mathematics department each semester.
- Declare a mathematics major at the earliest opportunity (normally at the beginning of the sophomore year).
- Maintain progress toward a B.S. degree in mathematics in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Mathematics.
Additional information including the application process can be found at Dedman College Merit Scholarships or please contact Professor Richard Haberman (Director of Undergraduate Mathematics) at rhaberma@smu.edu or visit him at his office in Room 209D Clements Hall.