Print this page.About the Program
The Department of Mathematics is fast evolving into one of the premier centers in the Southeast for mathematics research and education. By combining a comprehensive education in mathematics with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, we provide a variety of educational experiences in pure, applied, and computational mathematics. The department offers a bachelor of science degree as well as a five-year program that leads to the bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Graduate studies in mathematics lead to the Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Mathematics, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate in mathematics, you’ll find a variety of employment opportunities in wide-ranging career fields. Many positions require some graduate study. Here a just a few of the possibilities:
• teaching
• computer industries, computer-aided manufacturing and design
• mathematics/statistical data analysis and processing, insurance and financial industries
• defense industries, engineering firms, and research laboratories
• federal, state, and local agencies at all levels
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you must meet all University admission requirements. For freshmen these include a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Programs of Study (128 hours)
Studies in mathematics will be structured around 43–54 credit hours in courses that fulfill the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, 24–37 credit hours in courses that make up the major, 12–18 credit hours in a cognate or minor, and electives (variable hours). The first two years will concentrate on general education requirements such as English, history, foreign languages, mathematical sciences, fine arts, and laboratory sciences. Students must also complete five core courses in abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, differential equations, linear algebra, and mathematical analysis. A calculus sequence and introductory courses in computer science and statistics are pre-major requirements. Mathematics majors select one of four tracks, as follows. As a general mathematics major, you’ll complete 24–26 semester hours of mathematics courses beyond calculus, comprising the required core of 15 semester hours and nine semester hours of mathematics electives. Applied mathematics majors will specialize in applied or computational mathematics and is most appropriate for students interested in the sciences, engineering, business, or other fields that make significant use of mathematics. A one-semester-hour computational lab is added to the 15-semester-hour core and nine hours of mathematics electives required in such disciplines as numerical analysis, optimization, and partial differential equations. You’ll also be encouraged to select a cognate in computer science or statistics. Actuarial mathematics is highly recommended if you intend to pursue a career in the actuarial profession in the insurance and financial securities industries. In addition to the required courses in mathematics, you are also required to take a minimum of 24 semester hours in business administration and statistics. A minor in risk management and insurance is also available in conjunction with this major. You may also choose an intensive major in mathematics. This requires at least 36 semester hours of advanced mathematics courses beyond calculus, and is for students pursuing graduate studies. If you are interested in the teaching profession, you may opt for a teacher preparation course of study, which leads to a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a 12-semester-hour education component. This major would often be followed by the Master of Teaching in Secondary Education.
Of Special Interest
Exciting research and education opportunities are available through the department’s Industrial Mathematics Institute. The institute exists within the Department of Mathematics for the purposes of fostering advanced research in areas of mathematics having the potential for industrial application and facilitating the transfer of research results and expertise between the academic and industrial sectors. The research initiatives of the institute have attracted multi-agency funding and international attention. Mathematics majors have access to excellent library and computing facilities. The Mathematics Library houses some 18,000 volumes in a spacious, modern facility. The department’s Computation Center supports the research computing needs of faculty and students with a state-of-the-art network of servers and more than 100 workstations.