2011-2012 Graduate Catalog

School of Mathematical Sciences

Director: Dean E. Allison, Ph.D.

Mathematical Sciences

Location: Ross Hall 2239

Telephone: 970.351.2820

Faculty: Dean E. Allison, Ph.D.; William L. Blubaugh, Ph.D.; Cathleen Craviotto, Ph.D.; Ricardo L. Diaz, Ph.D.;Anton Dzhamay, Ph.D.; Nancy Geisendorfer, M.A.;Richard M. Grassl, Ph.D.; Robert L. Heiny, Ph.D.; Gulden Karakok, Ph.D. Steven C. Leth, Ph.D.; Nathaniel G. Miller, Ph.D.; Jodie Dawn Novak, Ph.D.; Michael Oehrtman, Ph.D. Michael K. Petrie, M.A.; Robert A. Powers, Ed.D.; Terry A. Scott, Ph.D.; Hortensia Soto-Johnson, Ph.D.;Stacy Swinburn, M.S.; Igor N. Szczyrba, Ph.D.; Angela (Tisi) Steele, M.A.

Emeritus Faculty : William W. Bosch, Ph.D.; Donald D. Elliott, Ph.D.; Jeffrey D. Farmer, Ph.D.; Samuel R. Houston, Ph.D.; Charles R. McNerney, Ph.D.; William D. Popejoy, Ed.D.; John Schmid, Ph.D.; Donald L. Schmidt, Ph.D.; Rex. R. Scorers, M.A.; Donald T. Searls, Ph.D.; Robert A. Tolar, Ph.D.

Mathematics and related areas have been important human endeavors since ancient times. Mathematics is a discipline with its own questions, methods and content. It has also been used as a tool to explain the natural world for centuries. Mathematics, statistics and computer science have become essential to almost every other discipline such as the natural sciences, the social sciences, business, and economics.

The School of Mathematical Sciences has faculty in mathematics, mathematics education, statistics and computer science. We offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in these areas. In addition, courses and minors that we offer can be used as important components of a variety of other programs across the university.

Mathematics M.A.

Students must have:

  • an undergraduate major in mathematics
  • an essay of approximately 500 words addressing their interest in the Master of Arts in Mathematics degree program and their educational goals.

Generally a B.S. in mathematics or mathematics education with strong mathematics courses is required for admission to this program. Students without the B.S. in mathematics are advised to consult the school for a list of recommended undergraduate courses they should take before entering the program.

Liberal Arts Emphasis

Applications are not being accepted into the Liberal Arts Emphasis at this time.

The foci of this program are the core areas of algebra and analysis with specialization or breadth available through electives.

A graduate of this program may continue graduate work in mathematics or some other discipline such as statistics. A graduate may also enter a career making use of the knowledge and skills developed in the selected courses; career potential exists in industrial settings, business and governmental service.

 

For degree and program requirements, see:

Mathematics M.A. — Liberal Arts Emphasis 

Teaching Emphasis

This program is designed to prepare teachers to be experts in their own classroom. Upon finishing this program they should be able to teach the content of mathematics, assume leadership roles in mathematics curriculum within their schools, and read and understand the professional literature relating to the teaching and learning of their discipline. The emphasis is on preparing teachers for the 21st century with a dynamic and individualized program of study.

 

For degree and program requirements, see:

Mathematics M.A. — Teaching Emphasis  

Educational Mathematics Ph.D.

This program offers an innovative approach to mathematical pedagogy. A basic tenet of the program is that mathematical content is fundamental to methods, research and reform in mathematics education. The program has three major strands: mathematics, mathematics education, and cognition.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead the reform of mathematics education. They will be able to teach mathematics at several levels; perform research; and administer and supervise the reform of mathematics education.

Admission. Applicants should possess a master’s degree in mathematics or mathematics education, or a strong bachelor’s degree in mathematics. It is expected that students will have had a senior level or beginning graduate level course in each of abstract algebra, linear algebra, point-set topology, and real or complex analysis. Applicants not having this preparation may be required to take additional courses to prepare them for the coursework in the program. Also required is an essay of approximately 500 words addressing the applicant’s interest in the Doctor of Philosophy in the Educational Mathematics program and the applicant’s educational goals.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Educational Mathematics Ph.D.