Major in Mathematics
Department website: https://www.neiu.edu/academics/colleges-departments/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics
Mathematics Major Overview:
The B.A. program in Mathematics has been designed to train students in foundational areas of Mathematics, followed by advanced study through a broad range of upper-division requirements and elective courses. Students in our program develop their logical, computational, and analytical skills, as well as learning to use technology appropriately to leverage those skills. Upon completing the major in Mathematics, students graduate from NEIU well equipped to pursue a variety of careers, including Secondary Education Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics graduate studies, and myriad other careers requiring highly developed quantitative skills. To earn a B.A. in Mathematics, students complete a minimum of 43 credit hours over 13 courses in Mathematics or related fields, in addition to their University requirements.
Path through the Major:
Mathematics majors take thirteen courses to complete the major. They have a set of six specific required courses, three area requirements that can be satisfied by a choice of one course for each area, three or four electives, and a capstone experience. The number of electives a student takes in the major is determined by their choice of a capstone experience.
Students begin the major in Calculus. It is strongly recommended that students complete the three Calculus courses in successive semesters. After completing MATH 187, Calculus I, students are ready to begin their study of linear maps on finite-dimensional vector spaces with MATH 253, Linear Algebra I. This course has broad applications across both pure and applied Mathematics, so is best taken early in the major.
As early as possible after they complete MATH 187, students should also take our designated WIP (Writing Intensive Program) course, MATH 311, Introduction to Advanced Mathematics. This course develops mathematical reasoning skills through practice constructing proofs, leading to strong logic and communication skills that will serve them in all advanced Mathematics courses. This course is followed by MATH 331, the Abstract Algebra course, a more advanced course in proof writing and logical reasoning, focused on the abstract structures and operations underpinning all of Mathematics.
Once students have completed the Calculus sequence, Linear Algebra, and Introduction to Advanced Mathematics, they are ready to pursue the area requirements of the major. The area requirements include a Probability and Statistics course, a Mathematical Modeling course, and a Programming/Technology course. There are several courses to choose from for each area’s one course requirement.
Students also have at least three 300-level elective courses to take in the major. These electives should be chosen in consultation with the major advisor.
Students complete the major with a capstone experience, which can be satisfied by taking MATH 390, the Capstone Seminar in Mathematics, or choosing one of the other capstone experiences approved by the department: successful completion of an Actuarial Exam, or an internship involving Mathematics. Since the non-course capstone options do not offer college credit for the experience, students who choose one of those options need to take an extra elective math course to meet the credit hour requirements of the major. It is important to note that students choosing the one-credit hour MATH 391 option for their capstone will also need to take an extra elective math course to meet the credit hour requirements of the major. Finally, students who choose a non-course option for the capstone need to be sure to take another Engaged Learning Experience course to fulfill the requirement that would have been satisfied by the Capstone Seminar. Whether students enroll in MATH 390 or not, all senior math majors are offered the chance to join the professional development opportunities provided by the Capstone Seminar.
Accelerated Concentration B.A. Mathematics to M.A.T. Secondary Education:
Students pursuing the Mathematics major who plan to continue on to the MAT in Secondary Education program in the Goodwin College of Education may enroll in an Accelerated Concentration for that program. This concentration provides pathways for qualified undergraduates to move seamlessly into the MAT in Secondary Education while sharing up to 12 credits between their undergraduate and graduate work, thus saving tuition cost and time to degree. These 12 graduate credits count will towards the 120 credit hours required for the bachelor's degree, outside of the coursework required for the major in Mathematics.
Admission to the Mathematics Major:
Although all Mathematics courses have prerequisites, there are no admission requirements to becoming a Mathematics major.
Admission to the Accelerated Concentration B.A. Mathematics to M.A.T. Secondary Education:
To apply for any Accelerated Concentration in Mathematics leading to a graduate degree, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and have earned at least 60 credits toward their bachelor's degree; at least 12 of those credits must have been earned at NEIU. In addition, students must receive approval from their undergraduate advisor in Mathematics, complete the online application for the relevant graduate program and meet all admission requirements for that program. Accepted students may begin the graduate-level shared coursework once they have earned a minimum of 72 undergraduate credits, at least 12 of which were at NEIU.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
Major in Mathematics for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
To fulfill a major in Mathematics, students will complete nine required courses (including six general courses, one course covering probability and/or statistics, one course covering mathematical modeling, and one course covering technology or programming,) three or four 300-level elective courses, and one capstone experience. Because credit hours vary for some of the major requirements, and students may transfer in courses that meet articulation agreements with different numbers of credit hours, the total credit hours for the major is a minimum of 43 credit hours. Students may complete up to 49 credit hours depending on their choice of courses for the thirteen courses in the major.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements (22 credit hours): | ||
| MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH-202 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH-203 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH-253 | Linear Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH-311 | Writing Intensive Program: Introduction To Advanced Mathematics | 4 |
| MATH-331 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Probability and Statistics Requirement (4 credit hours): One of the following (or an equivalent course) | ||
| MATH-305 | Probability And Statistics | 4 |
| MATH-347 | Probability For Actuaries With Actuarial Exam Preparation | 4 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Modeling Requirement (4 credit hours): One of the following (or an equivalent course) | ||
| MATH-370 | Mathematical Modeling In The Natural Sciences | 4 |
| MATH-371 | Mathematical Modeling For Cancer Risk Assessment | 4 |
| MATH-374 | Modeling And Simulations Of Complex Systems Networks | 4 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Programming/Technology Requirement (2 to 4 credit hours): One of the following (or an equivalent course) | ||
| MATH-340 | Computing For Mathematicians | 4 |
| MATH-275 | Applied And Computational Statistics | 4 |
| CS-203 | Introduction To Problem Solving & Computational Thinking | 2 |
| EDFN-342 | Teaching With Technology | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Capstone Experience (0 or 3 credit hours) | ||
| Students should take their Capstone Experience in the last year of their degree, if possible. Students may not take the capstone before completing all their required courses in the major. | ||
| MATH-390 | Capstone Seminar In Mathematics | 3 |
| Note: There are non-credit bearing Capstone Experience options. Students may instead provide evidence of passing one of the Society of Actuary Exams or complete an internship related to Mathematics. Student who pursue a non-course Capstone Experience must (1) have permission of the department to do so, (2) take an extra Mathematics elective to ensure completing sufficient credit hours for the math major, and (3) take an ELE course to meet the University Core Curriculum requirement that would have been met by MATH-390. | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Electives (9-16 credit hours): At least three electives at the 300 level | ||
| Note: MATH-380 and MATH-381 do not count for credit in the Mathematics major. | ||
| Note: If students take MATH-390 or MATH-393 for their capstone, then three elective courses are required. If a student does not take MATH-390 or MATH-393, then four elective courses are required. | ||
| Note: Advanced students may take a 400-level Mathematics course for undergraduate credit, with the approval of the instructor, their major advisor, and the graduate program director. | ||
| MATH-301 | Ordinary Differential Equations I | 4 |
| MATH-302 | Ordinary Differential Equations II | 3 |
| MATH-303 | Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH-304 | Introduction To Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH-305 | Probability And Statistics | 4 |
| MATH-306 | Linear Programming And Extensions | 3 |
| MATH-307 | Introduction To Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| MATH-309 | Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH-312 | Foundations Of Geometry | 3 |
| MATH-315 | Introduction To Applied And Computational Topology | 3 |
| MATH-321 | History Of Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-322 | Number Theory | 3 |
| MATH-324 | Independent Study In Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-326 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| MATH-328 | Complex Variables | 3 |
| MATH-332 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH-334 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| MATH-336 | Statistical Inference | 4 |
| MATH-337 | Theory Of Equations | 3 |
| MATH-338 | Introduction To Real Analysis | 3 |
| MATH-339 | Vector Calculus | 4 |
| MATH-340 | Computing For Mathematicians | 4 |
| MATH-343 | Linear Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH-347 | Probability For Actuaries With Actuarial Exam Preparation | 4 |
| MATH-357 | Financial Mathematics For Actuaries With Actuarial Exam Preparation | 4 |
| MATH-361 | Set Theory | 3 |
| MATH-362 | Metric Spaces And Topology | 3 |
| MATH-365 | Statistical Computer And Data Analysis Packages | 3 |
| MATH-370 | Mathematical Modeling In The Natural Sciences | 4 |
| MATH-371 | Mathematical Modeling For Cancer Risk Assessment | 4 |
| MATH-374 | Modeling And Simulations Of Complex Systems Networks | 4 |
| MATH-376 | Introduction To Risk Analysis | 3 |
Students in the Accelerated Program must maintain a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and earn at least a “B” in all graduate-level courses taken for shared credit. The undergraduate degree must be completed within four (4) semesters of the start of the shared graduate-level courses. However, the Mathematics Department may grant an exception to this requirement under certain circumstances, and such exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Secondary MAT program.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
Applied Mathematics major
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| MATH-173 | College Algebra | 4 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| MATH-175 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL-101 | Writing I | 3 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| MATH-202 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH-311 | Writing Intensive Program: Introduction To Advanced Mathematics | 4 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| MATH-203 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH-253 | Linear Algebra I | 3 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| MATH-340 | Computing For Mathematicians | 4 |
| 300-Level MATH Course | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| MATH-334 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| MATH-339 | Vector Calculus | 4 |
| 300-Level MATH Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| MATH-336 | Statistical Inference | 4 |
| 300-Level MATH Elective | 3 | |
| 300-Level MATH Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours: | 128 | |