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OSU Mathematics Undergraduate Majors and Minors

Attention:  New students interested in becoming a Math or Actuarial Major

or

Don't know what math track to follow?

Due to the great response to our Math Major tracks and the nearly 900 majors in our Dept., the Math Advisors are spending a great amount of time meeting one-on-one discussing the same information over and over again.  We feel that to be more efficient in the dissemination of information, if we would conduct video information sessions to review these tracks.  For all the majors who are interested in adding or switching to a math/actuarial science major, we would prefer that you watch the video and print out your own set of handouts.  See the links below.
Click here for a form suitable for printing of the Math Major Tracks on Semesters Information Session Powerpoint.

Click here for a link to listen to a live Information Session.

 









  • The OSU Department of Mathematics offers Undergraduate Programs in several major and minor areas.  Click the Information Page links below for more information.  Sample schedules with math courses only are provided.
  • For information on Mathematics as a Field of Study, please see an overview of the Mathematics Major.
  • For information on Career Options (including Graduate Study/Careers/Jobs), click here.
  • To begin planning schedules on semesters, click here for the list of courses and sample schedules.
  • Semester transitioning chart for math majors

 

Special notes regarding Majors and Minors in the Mathematics Department


1. Students majoring in math who plan to graduate with Honors in the Arts and Sciences MUST take at least the 161.01H or 190H sequence and one other honors math sequence.

2. Honors students who are planning to do a math minor are required to do an Honors Math Minor.

3. ALERT:  In the courses that constitute the majors or minors, students must have a C- or better and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in these courses.

4. Although the undergraduate 590H sequence uses the same text as the Graduate 670 sequence and the two courses may be taught in the same room at the same time, undergraduates must schedule for the 590H sequence.

5. Departmental majors must embed a minimum of 60 hours of ASC or ASC-approved Upper Division course work. 

6. In addition, students must complete a minimum of 181 credit hours.  Sample programs do not include General Education requirements and do not necessarily add up to 181 credit hours.  Students may need to take additional elective course work to reach the 181 minimum.

 


PROGRAM SELECTION
  • Honors Math Major Program
    The Department of Mathematics offers a strong four-year sequence of honors courses as well as enrichment courses and problem solving seminars. These courses are accelerated, more concept-oriented versions of the regular sequences designed to challenge the well-prepared, highly motivated student, not necessarily a math major.
  • Traditional Math Major Track
    The traditional track is intended for students seeking a strong foundation in classical mathematics, in particular for students intending to pursue graduate study in mathematics.  Students planning to pursue a PhD. in mathematics are strongly encouraged to take the honors version of the math courses listed below, whenever possible.
  • Math Major - Education Track
    The Education Track is designed for students seeking secondary education licensure in mathematics. A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required in the math courses and a minimum 3.0 GPA overall.


  • Actuarial Sciences Major
    Actuaries are experts in the design, financing, and operation of all kinds of insurance and pension plans. This major is designed to prepare a student for actuarial work by providing substantial course work in mathematics and statistics within the framework of a liberal arts education.  Caution:  If you plan to do a double major with the Financial Math Track, there are additional courses that need to be taken.  Please click here for course information.

    NOTE:  Students entering Summer semester 2012 and beyond will be admitted to the pre-Actuarial major.  Click here for draft of criteria.

  • Financial Math Major Track
    The Financial Math Track is designed for students seeking a career in quantitative finance or a related field.  Students planning to pursue graduate studies in financial mathematics are strongly encouraged to take the honors versions of the mathematics courses, whenever possible.  Caution:  If you plan to do a double major with the Actuarial Science major, there are additional courses that need to be taken.  Please click here for course information.
      NOTE:  If you plan to go to Graduate School in Financial Math or Financial Engineering, you may need to take the GRE subject test.  The best track to prepare for the GRE and Grad School is the Honors track, but minimally the Traditional track.
    • Information Page
  • Applied Discrete Math Major Track
    The applied discrete math option is intended for students seeking a career in mathematics focusing on discrete mathematics and computation.  This includes students intending to pursue a PhD in either combinatorics or mathematical logic.  These students are strongly encouraged to take at least two algebra courses, two analysis courses, and the honors options of the courses, whenever possible.
    • Information Page


      • NOTE:  This track will be phased out beginning Summer 2012.  It will not be available for students entering Summer 2012 and beyond.  Those currently following this track prior to Summer 2012 will be able complete it, but will need to see the Math Advisors to plan out a schedule, especially if graduating after Spring 2012.


  • Mathematics Minor
      Mathematical methods are used today in the social sciences as well as the physical and biological sciences. A minor program in mathematics is a useful supplement to a major program in many widely differing areas.

  • Statistics Minor for Math and Actuarial Science Majors
      • Information Page
      • Click here for the form.  Open the form on a in a word processor computer, complete the information, print it out and take it to the Stats Dept.
      • Click here for semester transition information of Stat 420, 421.

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Last updated by devol-bevilacqua.1 on 02/06/12