Selected Educational Outcomes
- Students will explain and produce mathematical proofs in set theory, algebra, and analysis to indicate that they have acquired the necessary logical reasoning, reading, and writing skills.
- Students will prove statements, produce examples, and apply the appropriate theoretical results to a given problem to show understanding of various algebraic structures, including, but not limited to, groups, fields, rings, and vector spaces.
- Students will prove statements, produce examples, and apply the appropriate theoretical results to a given problem to demonstrate understanding of the analytic structure necessary for the classical (real-valued function) calculus and its generalization.
- Students will synthesize the results and techniques of the major branches of mathematics, demonstrated by presentation of mathematics in written and oral form.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
The department assesses the extent to which the program requirements create the desired outcomes by a variety of techniques. Examples of these assessments include the following:
- The capstone courses are used to assess student progress since taking Area F courses. They determine if students have mastered effective oral and written communication skills, acquired critical analysis skills, and learned to use the library and technological resources in solving non-routine problems. Assessment methods include student projects and presentations.
- Student examinations and samples of student work are kept in the department and are examined by the faculty to assess student content knowledge.
- Available student and alumni survey data collected by the University will be examined to determine student satisfaction with their undergraduate preparation for further education or employment.
In addition to the assessments for students enrolled in the B.A. in mathematics, students in the teacher certification track will:
- demonstrate content knowledge by passing the state-required content assessment.
- demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge and knowledge of evidence-based strategies through development of lesson plans employing research-validated procedures and effective content pedadgogy.
- demonstrate skills in assessment, instructional strategies, use of technology, and monitoring/modifying instruction during observed teaching episodes evaluated by a university professor and a P-12 mentor teacher.
- demonstrate through a Teacher Work Sample (TWS) their ability to positively impact P-12 learning.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Mathematics
| Core Curriculum | 60 | |
| Core Curriculum Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum) | 42 | |
| Mathematics majors are required to take MATH 1112 or MATH 1113 or MATH 2261 in Area A and MATH 2261 or MATH 2262 in Area D. | ||
| Core Curriculum Area F | ||
| MATH 2261 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I ( “spillover” from Area D ) | 1 |
| MATH 2262 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2263 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 4 |
| CS 1010 | Algorithmic Problem Solving (1 credit spills over into “Supporting Courses”) | 3 |
| or CS 1301 | Principles of Programming I | |
| or CS 1340 | Computing for Scientists | |
| Part of 3-course sequence in any foreign language | 6 | |
| Senior College Curriculum | 60 | |
| MATH 2150 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 3600 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 4621 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| MATH 3040 | Set Theory | 3 |
| MATH 3340 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 4150 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 4260 | Mathematical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 4081 | Modern Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH 4980 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| History of Mathematics | ||
| Foundations of Geometry | ||
| Modern Algebra II | ||
| Number Theory | ||
| Functions of a Complex Variable | ||
| Topology | ||
| Supporting Courses | ||
| Principles of Programming I ( “spillover” from Area F ) | ||
Electives (must include at least 9 hours of courses numbered 3000 or above with at least 6 hours in a single discipline outside the major) | ||
| Total hours required for the degree | 120 | |
Additional Requirements and Notes
- The foreign language courses in Area F must meet Arts and Sciences guidelines for the B.A. degree; furthermore, these courses, along with an additional language course either in Area C or in Electives, must constitute a 3-course sequence in any foreign language. Minimum acceptable grades in the language courses are the same as minimum acceptable grades in the Core Curriculum.
- If taken, a grade of “C” or better is required in MATH 1111, MATH 1112, MATH 1113, MATH 2150, MATH 2261, MATH 2262, MATH 2263, CS 1010, CS 1301, and CS 1340.
