To the uninformed it is surprising to learn of the variety of careers that
can, and have been, pursued by those whose undergraduate major is mathematics.
We all know that most mathematics teachers have studied mathematics for their
bachelor's degree. However, few realize that a significant proportion of those
whose careers are in other areas of science and engineering also majored in
mathematics.
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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 Douglas Reinelt (Director of Undergraduate Mathematics) in Room 233
Clements Hall or at reinelt@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, and Geol 1300/1301. |
| Computer Science |
CSE 1340 Introduction to Computing Concepts or CSE
1341 Principles of Computer Science I |
| Statistics |
Stat 4340 (Cross-listed as CSE 4340 and EMIS 4340)
(can also substitute Stat 5340 or CSE 5370). |
| Specializations |
Applied and/or Numerical Mathematics Pure Mathematics Computer
Science and Computer Engineering Engineering (Electrical or
Mechanical) Operations Research
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. |
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Applied and/or Numerical Mathematics Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) Four from Math 3334, 3337, 3353, 4335,
5315, 5316, 5331, 5332, 5334, 5353, EMIS 3360, with at least two
4000+ level courses. |
| 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 |
Computer Science and Computer Engineering Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) CSE 4381 (mandatory)
Three from Math 3353, 5315, 5316, 5332. |
| 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) Math 3337 (mandatory)
One from Group I: Math 5315, 5331, 5332, 5334, Electrical
Engineering: Two from Group II; EE 3322, 3330, 3372, 5330, 5332,
5360, 5362, 5372, Mechanical Engineering: Two from Group II; ME
4360, 5302, 5320, 5322, 5336 (Math 6336), 5361, 5386, with at
least two 4000+ courses. |
| 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 |
Operations Research Specialization
| Requirements |
Math 3315 (CSE 3365) (mandatory) EMIS 3360 (mandatory)
Two from Group I: Math 3353, 5315, 5316, 5332, 5353, One from Group
II: EMIS 5361, 5362, 5369, Stat 5344. |
| 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 |
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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.
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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.
|
First Year |
| Fall Semester |
Math 1337 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I
CSE 1340 Introduction to Computing Concepts (or CSE 1341) |
| 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
|
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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.
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Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics
|
Calculus |
Math 1337 Calculus with Analytical Geometry I Math 1338 Calculus
with Analytical Geometry II Math 2339 Calculus with Analytical
Geometry III |
| 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 Richard
Williams (Advisor for the Mathematics Minor) in Room 133 Clements Hall or at
richardw@smu.edu.
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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. Mouzon Scholarship recipients must maintain
progress toward a B.S. degree in Mathematics either in the applied mathematics
or the pure mathematics specialization.
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. Strow Scholarship recipients must maintain progress
toward a B.S. degree in Mathematics in any of the specializations.
All students in receipt of a mathematics scholarship must:
- Maintain SMU scholarship status.
- Declare a mathematics major at the earliest opportunity (normally at the
beginning of the sophomore year).
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in their mathematics courses.
- Maintain progress toward a B.S. in Mathematics (Mouzon requires applied or
pure mathematics specialization). Progress is defined as taking at least two
courses each semester that count toward the major until only Math 4000+
courses remain. At least one mathematics course must be taken each semester
(see sample degree program ).
If you need additional information, please contact Professor Douglas Reinelt
(Director of Undergraduate Mathematics) at reinelt@smu.edu or visit him at his office
in Room 233 Clements Hall.
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