Mathematical Sciences
Location: Ross Hall 2239
Telephone: 970.351.2820
Faculty: Dean E. Allison, Ph.D.; Spencer Bagley, Ph.D.; William L. Blubaugh, Ph.D.; Ricardo L. Diaz, Ph.D.; Anton Dzhamay, Ph.D.; Nathaniel Eldredge, Ph.D.; Nancy Geisendorfer, M.A.; Robert L. Heiny, Ph.D.; Gulden Karakok, Ph.D. Steven C. Leth, Ph.D.; Oscar Levin, Ph.D.; Nathaniel G. Miller, Ph.D.; Katherine Morrison, Ph.D.; Mehrgan Mostowfi, Ph.D.; Jodie Dawn Novak, Ph.D.; Catherine "Frieda" Parker, Ph.D.; Michael K. Petrie, M.A.; Robert A. Powers, Ed.D.; Hortensia Soto-Johnson, Ph.D.; Igor N. Szczyrba, Ph.D.; Angela (Tisi) Steele, M.A.; Dean Zeller, M.S.
Emeritus Faculty : William W. Bosch, Ph.D.; Donald D. Elliott, Ph.D.; Jeffrey D. Farmer, Ph.D.; Richard M. Grassl, Ph.D.; Samuel R. Houston, Ph.D.; William D. Popejoy, Ed.D.; Donald L. Schmidt, Ph.D.; Terry A. Scott, Ph.D.; 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.
We offer the Mathematics M.A. with two emphases. The Liberal Arts Emphasis is a traditional, on-campus program intended for students who are planning to continue into our Ph.D. program in Educational Mathematics. The Teaching Emphasis is designed for current in-service secondary mathematics teachers, and combines online classes during the academic year with a mixture of online and face-to-face classes during the summer.
Generally, a Bachelor's degree in mathematics or mathematics education with strong mathematics courses is required for admission to these programs. Students without a Bachelor's degree in mathematics are advised to consult the school for a list of recommended undergraduate courses they should take before applying.
Liberal Arts Emphasis
This program is intended for students who do not already possess a Master's degree and wish to continue into the Ph.D. program in Educational Mathematics. It is not intended as a stand alone program. Students who complete this program and are deemed to be making good progress are automatically admitted to continue with the Ph.D. program.
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.