Department of Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Major in Mathematics + Application Area

This option is designed for students who want to major in mathematics with a clear specialization in some area of application. Certain courses in the area of application are counted towards the mathematics degree. This also facilitates double majors or major/minor combinations.

The major in mathematics + application area is not recommended for students who plan to continue with graduate school in mathematics. It can be very appropriate for students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in the application area.

In consultation with a mathematics faculty advisor, the student prepares a program of study tailor-made to his/her future plans or career needs. A number of templates have already been designed and pre-approved (see below). Deviations from the templates or alternate programs of study may be proposed, and must be approved by the Mathematics Department Undergraduate Committee.

Programs of study in mathematics + bioinformatics or computational biology, mathematics + financial statistics, or mathematics + secondary licensure (for middle and high school teaching) are specifically excluded from this list because of existing degree programs in these areas.

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General Program of Study for Math + Application Area

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 301 or 414 - Abstract Algebra I or Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two additional Math courses at the 300 level or higher

Application Electives (5 courses)

Up to two of these courses could be from Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science. At least three courses should be from the application area.

Communication Proficiency Requirement

The mathematics department requires a grade of C or better in each of Engl 150 and 250 (or 250H) and an upper-level communication skills requirement that may be met by writing an acceptable undergraduate thesis (Math 491) or by taking at least one of Engl 302, 305, 314 or Jl MC 201. A grade of C- or better is required.

College Requirements

For additional college requirements, see Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum.

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Application Areas

Sample programs of study exist in the following areas:

Actuarial Sciences - Economics - Finance - Aerospace Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Computer Science - Chemistry - Physics

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Mathematics + Actuarial Science

There is no degree in actuarial science at ISU. Even if there was, it would not make you an actuary. You become an actuary by passing the actuarial exams administered by professional organizations. The typical career path begins with a college degree, often in mathematics or business, followed by the first actuary exam. The employer will typically pay for on-the-job training and further exams. For more details, see http://www.beanactuary.org/.

Math + actuarial science is one of the options in the mathematics plus application area program of study, where the application electives and further recommended courses have been selected to help you prepare for the actuarial exams.

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra
• Math 414 - Analysis I

Math Electives (2 courses)

• Math/Stat 341, 342 - Intro to Theory of Probability and Statistics I, II

Application Electives (5 courses)

• Math 373 - Intro to Scientific Computation
• Math 415 - Analysis II
• Fin 301 - Principles of Finance
• Stat 401 - Statistical Methods for Research Workers
• Stat 451 - Advanced Statistical Methods for Research Workers

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Further Recommended Courses (to prepare for actuarial exam)

• Stat 101L - Principles of Statistics (see note)
• Com S 207, 208 - Programming I, II
• Econ 301, 302 - Intermediate Micro/Macroeconomics
• Mkt 340 - Principles of Marketing
• Fin 361 or 462 - Personal (or Corporate) Risk Management and Insurance
• Econ 353 - Money, Banking, and Financial Institutions
• Econ 431 - Managerial Economics
• Stat 480 - Statistical Computing Applications

Note

Take Stat 101L instead of Stat 226 as a prerequisite for the other Stat courses.

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Mathematics + Economics

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra
• Math 414 - Analysis I

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math 304 - Introductory Combinatorics
• Math/Stat 341 - Intro to Theory of Probability and Statistics I
• Math/Stat 342 - Intro to Theory of Probability and Statistics II
• Math 373 or Math 471 - Intro to Scientific Computation or Numerical Linear Algebra
• Math 385 - Intro to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 415 - Analysis II
• Math 439 - Fractals and Chaos

Application Electives (5 courses)

• Econ 301 - Intermediate Microeconomics

Four of the following courses. Courses marked with a * contain more mathematics than the others:

• Econ 302 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Econ 308 - Agent-Based Computational Economics
• Econ 371 - Introductory Econometrics
• Econ 401 - Topics in Microeconomics
• Econ 402 - Topics in Macroeconomics
• Econ 415 - *Firms, Markets and Industry Structure
• Econ 416 - *Industrial Organization
• Econ 418 - Game Theory
• Econ 437 - Applied Commodity Marketing and Risk
• Econ 455 - *International Trade
• Econ 457 - International Finance
• Econ 480 - *Intermediate Environmental and Resource Economics
• Econ 501 - Microeconomics

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Note

The Department of Economics also offers a math-intensive version of an economics degree. Talk to your advisor about details.

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Mathematics + Finance

It is recommended to combine this degree option with a minor in business. This will help insure that you will be able to enroll in the required business courses.

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 301 or 414 - Abstract Algebra I or Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math/Stat 341 - Intro to Theory of Probability and Statistics I
• Math/Stat 342 - Intro to Theory of Probability and Statistics II
• Math 373 - Intro to Scientific Computation
• Math 385 - Intro to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 415 - Analysis II

Application Electives (5 courses)

The following list of classes is required for a minor in business, and is also recommended for the math + finance program of study:

• Acct 284 - Financial Accounting

One of the following courses:

• Acct 215 - Legal Environment of Business
• Acct 285 - Managerial Accounting
• Intro to Business (new class)

Any 9 credit hours from the following courses:

• Fin 301 - Principles of Finance
• Mgmt 370 - Management of Organizations
• MIS 330 - Management Information Systems
• Mkt 340 - Principles of Marketing
• LSCM 360 - Business Logistics
• OSCM 320 - Production/Operations Management

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Further Recommended Courses (optional)

• Fin 361 - Personal Risk Management and Insurance
• Fin 424 - Financial Futures and Options
• Fin 462 - Corporate Risk Management and Insurance

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Mathematics + Aerospace Engineering

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 414 - Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math 373 or (471 and/or 481) - Intro to Scientific Computation, Computational Linear Algebra, Numerical ODEs (see note)
• Math 385 - Intro to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 415 - Analysis II

Application Electives (5 courses)

• Aero E 243 - Aerodynamics I
• Aero E 311 - Gas Dynamics
• Aero E 331 - Flight Control Systems I
• Aero E 343 - Aerodynamics II
• Aero E 355 - Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Notes

• For double majors: The engineering college requires 15 credit hours beyond the requirements of the engineering major for a second major outside of their college. Mathematics fall into that category. Talk to your advisor about details.
• Math 373 is a one-semester course which covers the same topics as Math 471, 481 together. You can take any one of these courses (481 does not require 471), or both 471 and 481, but no other combination.

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Mathematics + Chemical Engineering

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 301 or 414 - Abstract Algebra I or Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math 302 - Abstract Algebra II
• Math 373 or (471 and/or 481) - Intro to Scientific Computation, Computational Linear Algebra, Numerical ODEs (see note)
• Math 385 - Intro to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 415 - Analysis II

Application Electives (5 courses)

Five of the following courses:

• Chem E 310 - Computational Methods in Chemical Engineering (see note)
• Chem E 356 - Transport Phenomena I
• Chem E 357 - Transport Phenomena II
• Chem E 358 - Separations
• Chem E 408 - Surface and Colloid Chemistry
• Chem E 421 - Process Control

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Notes

• For double majors: The engineering college requires 15 credit hours beyond the requirements of the engineering major for a second major outside of their college. Mathematics fall into that category. Talk to your advisor about details.
• Math 373 is a one-semester course which covers the same topics as Math 471, 481 together, which is also the same material as Chem E 310. You can take any one of these courses (Math 481 does not require 471), or both Math 471 and 481, but no other combination.

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Mathematics + Electrical Engineering

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 301 or 414 - Abstract Algebra I or Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math 302 - Abstract Algebra II
• Math 304 - Introductory Combinatorics
• Math 314 - Graphs and Networks
• Math 350 - Number Theory
• Math 373 or (471 and/or 481) - Intro to Scientific Computation, Computational Linear Algebra, Numerical ODEs (see note)
• Math 365 - Complex Variables
• Math 415 - Analysis II

Application Electives (5 courses)

Five of the following courses:

• E E 224 - Signals and Systems I
• E E 311 - Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
• E E/Stat 322 - Probabilistic Methods for Electrical Engineers
• E E 324 - Signals and Systems II
• E E 421 - Communication Systems I
• E E 422 - Communication Systems II
• E E 424 - Intro to Digital Signal Processing

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Notes

• For double majors: The engineering college requires 15 credit hours beyond the requirements of the engineering major for a second major outside of their college. Mathematics fall into that category. Talk to your advisor about details.
• Math 373 is a one-semester course which covers the same topics as Math 471, 481 together. You can take any one of these courses (481 does not require 471), or both 471 and 481, but no other combination.

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Mathematics + Computer Science

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 301 or 414 - Abstract Algebra I or Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

 

Two of the following courses, at least one of which must be either Math 304 or Math 314:

• Math 302 - Abstract Algebra II
• Math 304 - Introductory Combinatorics
• Math 314 - Graphs and Networks
• Math 350 - Number Theory
• Math 373 or 471 or 481 - Intro to Scientific Computation, Computational Linear Algebra, or Numerical ODEs
• Math 415 - Analysis II
• Math 439 - Mathematics of Fractals and Chaos

Application Electives (5 courses)

• Com S 227 - Intro to Object-Oriented Programming
• Com S 228 - Intro to Data Structures
• Com S 311 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Two courses from the following list, at least one of which requires substantial programming:

• Com S 309 - Software Development Practices
• Com S 319 - Software Construction and User Interfaces
• Com S/Ling 331 - Theory of Computing
• Com S 363 - Intro to Databases Management Systems
• any Com S course at the 400 level or higher

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

Notes:

• Com S 330 (Discrete Computational Structures) is a prerequisite for many of the listed Com S courses, but should not be necessary for math majors. Petition the Com S Department to accept Math 201 and Math 304 together as a substitute.
• Among the listed 300-level electives, Com S 309, 319 and 363 qualify as requiring substantial programming. Com S/Ling 331 is the only one that does not.

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Mathematics + Chemistry

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 266 or 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 301 or 414 - Abstract Algebra I or Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math 302 - Abstract Algebra II
• Math 304 - Introductory Combinatorics
• Math 314 - Graphs and Networks
• Math/Stat 341 - Intro to Theory of Probability and Statistics I
• Math 365 - Complex Variables
• Math 385 - Intro to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 415 - Analysis II

Application Electives (5 courses)

One additional course of the math electives listed above

Four of the following courses. The two courses marked with a * are especially recommended:

• Chem 301 - Inorganic Chemistry
• Chem 324 - *Intro to Quantum Mechanics
• Chem 325 - *Chemical Thermodynamics
• Chem 331 - Organic Chemistry I (enrollment in lab highly recommended)
• Chem 332 - Organic Chemistry II (enrollment in lab highly recommended)
• Chem E 408 - Surface and Colloid Chemistry

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.

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Mathematics + Physics

Math Core Courses (7 courses)

• Math 165, 166, 265 - Calculus I, II, III
• Math 267 - Elementary Differential Equations
• Math 201 - Intro to Proofs
• Math 414 - Analysis I
• Math 317 - Theory of Linear Algebra

Math Electives (2 courses)

Two of the following courses:

• Math 301 - Abstract Algebra I
• Math 302 - Abstract Algebra II
• Math 350 - Number Theory
• Math 365 - Complex Variables
• Math 385 - Intro to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 439 - Mathematics of Fractals and Chaos

Application Electives (5 courses)

• Math 415 - Analysis II

Four of the following courses (including at least three physics courses):

• Math 426 - Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences
• Math 373 or 471 or 481 - Intro to Scientific Computation or Computational Linear Algebra or Numerical ODEs
• Phys 304 - Thermal Physics
• Phys 306 - Physics of Wave Motion
• Phys 321 - Intro to Modern Physics I
• Phys 361 - Classical Mechanics
• Phys 362 - Intermediate Mechanics
• Phys 364 - Electricity and Magnetism I
• Phys 365 - Electricity and Magnetism II
• Phys 480- Quantum Mechanics I
• Phys 481- Quantum Mechanics II

Other Requirements

See general program of study for details on the Communication Proficiency requirement, and LAS College requirements.