Mathematics - B.A. and B.S. Download to print

Mathematics provides an excellent means for developing strong analytical and critical-thinking skills which are applicable in a wide range of highly rewarding careers from education to industry.

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics comprises core areas in algebra (number systems, equations, discrete structures), analysis (functions, limits, continuous processes), geometry (space, shape, form) and associated generalizations and abstractions. The major is recommended for students interested in a flexible option of careers or graduate study in mathematics. Coupled with the Education minor, it can lead to Ohio teacher certification.

The Mathematics - Actuarial Mathematics concentration resides within the Bachelor of Science program in Mathematics. It prepares students for the actuarial profession, the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in the insurance and finance industries.

The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics requires fewer analytical and advanced courses than the Bachelor of Science. It can be used as a stand-alone program, although the Bachelor of Science is more recommended and most popular as such, but it is also recommended as a supplement to other programs. For example, as a supplement to the Integrated Mathematics major within Education, it can lead to faster advancement within the secondary education profession.

A degree in mathematics opens the door to a very wide range of satisfying and lucrative career opportunities. Many of them are consistently top-ranked in annual job satisfaction surveys which take into account key components including salary, work environment, job stability, and benefits. For example, a 2009 survey by the Wall Street Journal found that the top three jobs among the 200 they surveyed were Mathematician, Actuary and Statistician. Each of these careers begins with a mathematics degree (and several others in the top ten also pair well with a math minor or double major).

 Indeed, in our technology and information-driven society, the ability to analyze and solve quantitative problems is naturally a key factor which distinguishes the most valuable employees and highest earners. Contrary to a popular misconception (which is not shared worldwide), mathematicians develop problem-solving skills far beyond the domain of textbook problems in arithmetic and algebra—their analytical skills have always been highly valued in the business world. For this reason, mathematics-related careers tend to be less stressful and offer greater work-life balance than most other careers with comparable salaries.

The good news is that earning a degree in mathematics is not as difficult as others would have you believe. It is challenging, yes, but not more so than most science programs; and the long-term rewards speak for themselves!

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
 

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 overall GPA and 2.000 major GPA.

B.S. Mathematics

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Reason in mathematical arguments at a level appropriate to the discipline, including using precise definitions, articulating assumptions, and reasoning logically to conclusions.
2. Engage effectively in problem solving, including exploring examples, devising and testing conjectures, and assessing the correctness of solutions.
3. Approach mathematical problems creatively, including trying multiple approaches and modifying problems when necessary to make them more tractable.
4. Communicate mathematics clearly both orally and in writing.
5. Understand and appreciate connections among different subdisciplines of mathematics.
6. Understand and appreciate connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
7. Be aware of and understand a broad range of mathematical subdisciplines.