Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)
The primary objective of the mathematics program is to provide a thorough background in both the theoretical and real-world applications of mathematics. The curriculum and instructional strategies are designed to encourage and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the articulation of mathematical ideas and the effective use of calculator and computer technology.
Bloomsburg's mathematics program enjoys a strong reputation in both business and the academic community and offers 100 percent placement rates in business and graduate programs. Among career paths chosen by mathematics majors are actuarial science, statistical analysis, operations research analysis, software engineering, industrial engineering, numerical analysis, cryptology, systems analysis, decision analysis and teaching.
Bloomsburg's program is rigorous and demanding. In addition to strong verbal skills, potential students with scores in excess of 500 on SATs are traditionally competitive, but those in excess of 600 generally do best.
For admission to the major in mathematics, a student should have a thorough preparation in high school mathematics. Students who complete the Advanced Placement Examination with a score of 3 or higher may earn university credit for the first calculus course, 53.125 Analysis I.
The course sequence in all of the degree programs in mathematics is essentially the same through the first two years. The bachelor of arts program in mathematics offers a more flexible curriculum designed to accommodate varied career objectives while the bachelor of science program is specifically applications-oriented with more required courses in mathematical analysis and science. In the bachelor of science program, students select an area of concentration in their junior year to develop proficiency in an area of applied mathematics.
All mathematics majors take core courses that include four semesters of calculus, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, abstract and linear algebra, mathematical modeling and object-oriented programming with Java.
As a bachelor of science student, you'll then study differential equations, modern geometry, statistical methods, number theory, group theory, advanced calculus, complex variables and topology.
Those pursuing a bachelor of arts degree will study computer science, and choose two courses from differential equations, modern geometry, statistical methods, number theory, group theory, advanced calculus, complex variables, and topology. Then you'll work with your adviser to choose courses in a discipline to which mathematics is traditionally applied.
In a bachelor of arts statistics track, which prepares students for a variety of careers in statistics in research, industry and government and provides a base for work at the graduate level, you'll study statistics, object-oriented programming with Java, graphical user interfaces in Java, calculus, discrete mathematics and statistical methods, probability and statistics, linear algebra, statistical software, design and analysis of experiments, and applied regresssion analysis. You can then choose from electives in calculus, nonparametric statistics, numerical methods, discrete systems simulation, mathematics and sports, probability models and applications, mathematical statistics, and then courses in areas where statistics is applied -- such as biology, economics, geography geology, or psychology.
Many students choose a joint program in mathematics and computer science, mathematics and statistics, or mathematics and an area of business or physical sciences. A student majoring in education who chooses an area of concentration in mathematics essentially follows the bachelor of arts program in mathematics. The department strongly supports the implementation of mathematical and statistical software throughout all the mathematical programs. Students who complete a degree program in mathematics are prepared to continue their studies of mathematics on the graduate level or to enter industry in an area where mathematics is used.
Also available: minor in mathematics, minor in statistics, minor in computer science and minor in computer science web design.