BA in Mathematics
Undergraduate Studies in Mathematics and Statistics at USM
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics. The program is designed to provide students with a broad background in mathematics and statistics. Students may select one of four concentrations: pure mathematics, applied mathematics/ operations research, statistics, or mathematics education. The Department also offers a Master of Science degree in Statistics. By carefully selecting the appropriate courses, one can complete both the Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and the Master of Science degree in Statistics in five years.
A certificate program in applied statistics is also offered for students who wish to pursue a career in the areas of business, industry, government, or education.
The Master of Science degree in Statistics offers concentrations in applied statistics, applied mathematics. operations research, and biostatistics.
Students learn to use computer software packages such as Mathematica, MATLAB, Minitab, and SAS in their mathematics and statistics courses. Collaborative and active learning are encouraged throughout the curriculum.
The Career
A study of mathematics requires both inductive and deductive reasoning, critical analysis of problem solving, abstract symbolic manipulation, geometric visualization, and numerical skills. Careers in mathematics and statistics require precision of thought and expression, and the mathematical skills needed. Statistical techniques and other quantitative methods are needed to produce reliable data, use the correct techniques to analyze such data, and draw practical conclusions from this analysis. A partial list of career opportunities would include fields such as Medicine, Industry, Marketing, Education, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Insurance, Clinical Trials, Epidemiology, Economics, and Manufacturing. In addition, many Federal Government Agencies, such as the Bureau of Census, Bureau of Labor, Department of National Defense, Food and Drug Administration, and Department of Justice make use of statistical techniques and other quantitative methods.
The Preparation
The suggested high school preparation is two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and a precalculus or senior-level course which includes trigonometry.
The Program
Major in Mathematics with concentrations in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics/Operations Resarch, Statistics and Secondary Mathematics Education. Individual course descriptions can be found in the appropriate USM catalog found at http://www.usm.maine.edu/catalogs.
Certificate Program in Applied Statistics
Minor in Mathematics
Minor in Statistics
Master of Science in Statistics (4+1 Program)
The Location
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has faculty and department offices located on two campuses of the University of Southern Maine. The Portland campus office is located in 302 Payson Smith Hall and Gorham campus office in 115 Bailey Hall.
For more information:
Laurie McDermott
Administrative Associate
Dept of Mathematics and Statistics
PO Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300
Ph. 207-780-4608/4246
Fax 207-780-5607
email: math@usm.maine.edu
Courses & Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for a bachelor of arts in mathematics is 45 (30 in foundations and 15 in one of the three concentrations listed below).
A. Foundations
As a mathematics major, a student may select one of the three concentrations described below in section B. For each concentration, all majors are required to complete successfully the foundations sequence as described in this section. Each student must have an accumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in major courses before being considered for a baccalaureate degree in mathematics.
Foundations Sequence Courses
Individual course descriptions can be found in the appropriate USM catalog found at http://www.usm.maine.edu/catalogs.
| MAT 152D | Calculus A | 4 cr |
| MAT 153 | Calculus B | 4 cr |
| MAT 252 | Calculus C | 4 cr |
| MAT 281 | Introduction to Probability | 3 cr |
| MAT 282 | Statistical Inference | 3 cr |
| MAT 290 | Foundations of Mathematics | 4 cr |
| MAT 295 | Linear Algebra | 4 cr |
| COS 160 | Structured Problem Solving: C++ | 3 cr |
| COS 170 | Structured Programming Laboratory | 1 cr |
B. Concentrations
Each mathematics major should choose one of the following concentrations.
1. Pure Mathematics Concentration
Mathematics majors intending to pursue graduate work in mathematics should consider this concentration, and they are urged to take Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology, and one year of French or German. Those intending to teach at the secondary level should choose this concentration. This concentration has the following requirements.
a. Successful completion of three of the courses listed below. Individual course descriptions can be found in the appropriate USM catalog found at http://www.usm.maine.edu/catalogs.
| MAT 352 | Real Analysis |
| MAT 355 | Complex Analysis |
| MAT 395 | Abstract Algebra |
| MAT 490 | Topology |
| MAT 370, 371 |
Non-Euclidean or College Geometry |
b. Successful completion of at least two additional mathematics courses numbered 260 or above.
2. Applied Mathematics/Operations Research Concentration
Those majors intending to enter industry or other applied fields should seriously consider this concentration. Majors who plan to prepare for the actuarial profession should be certain to include in their programs Numerical Analysis and the appropriate courses in the School of Business. Majors intending to pursue graduate work in applied mathematics are urged to take Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra. This concentration has the following requirements.
a. Successful completion of three of the courses listed below. Individual course descriptions can be found in the appropriate USM catalog found at http://www.usm.maine.edu/catalogs.
| MAT 350 | Differential Equations |
| MAT 364 | Numerical Analysis |
| MAT 366 | Deterministic Models in Operations Research |
| MAT 383 | System Modeling and Simulation |
| MAT 460 | Mathematical Modeling |
| MAT 461 | Stochastic Models in Operations Research |
| MAT 492 | Graph Theory and Combinatorics |
b. Successful completion of at least two additional mathematics courses numbered 260 or above.
3. Statistics Concentration
This concentration is aimed at preparing the undergraduate to pursue a career as a statistician in government jobs or industrial jobs or to pursue a higher degree in statistics or allied fields. Majors intending to pursue graduate work in statistics are urged to take Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra.This concentration has the following requirements.
a. Successful completion of three of the courses listed below. Individual course descriptions can be found in the appropriate USM catalog found at http://www.usm.maine.edu/catalogs.
| MAT 383 | System Modeling and Simulation |
| MAT 384 | Non-Parametric Methods |
| MAT 386 | Sampling Techniques |
| MAT 388 | Statistical Quality Control |
| MAT 482 | Introduction to Time Series Analysis |
| MAT 484 | Design and Analysis of Experiments |
| MAT 485 | Introduction to Applied Regression |
b. Successful completion of at least two additional mathematics courses numbered 260 or above.
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