Mathematics Fact Sheet

Minard Hall
Room 300

Minard Hall is located on the south end of campus on Albrecht Boulevard (Campus Map)

Mathematics

Mathematics is the language of science and technology. Its explosive development during the 20th century and its history as the oldest and most highly developed discipline make math one of the most exciting and rewarding areas of study for the 21st century.

Background Information

In the past few years a tremendous increase has occurred in the need for mathematics and mathematicians. In such fields as actuarial science, computer science, statistics, engineering, economics and commerce, mathematical training is in high demand.

If you enjoy mathematics and are good at it, you will find both challenges and opportunities in the Department of Mathematics. Your adviser, a faculty member in the department, will provide you with information concerning courses, curricula and the many exciting and rewarding careers open to mathematics graduates. The Cooperative Education Program offers the possibility of academic credit for on-the-job training. The student mathematics organization, Math Club, brings in both academic and nonacademic speakers who explore career possibilities and fascinating topics in mathematics at club meetings. Opportunities for paper grading and tutoring are available which allow students to deepen their understanding by assisting others in learning mathematics.

Our faculty members contribute research findings in a variety of areas in theoretical and applied mathematics to internationally known journals. This wide variety of areas of specialization and expertise of faculty members in the department means that you will probably find someone both interested and knowledgeable in any area of mathematics that might fascinate you.

The Program

The Department of Mathematics offers a broad and balanced curriculum of courses taught by a faculty of 15. A student may choose to major in mathematics or mathematics education. Minors in related areas are encouraged. These choices may be made immediately or deferred until the basic course work is completed. In addition to the B.S. degree, the department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Career Opportunities

Our students have been very successful in finding employment. Graduates are working in a wide variety of corporations, agencies, universities and school systems. A number continue on for advanced degrees.

The Faculty

M.A. Alfonseca, Ph.D., Madrid, 2003
N. Barabanov, Ph.D., Kiev, 1979
M. Bocea, Ph.D., Pennsylvania, 2004
C. Ciuperca, Ph.D., Kansas, 2001
D. Comez, Ph.D., Toronto, 1983
J. Coykendall, Ph.D., Cornell, 1995
B. Duncan, Ph.D., Nebraska, 2004
A. Hodge Ph.D., Purdue, 2007
F. Littmann, Ph.D., Illinois, 2003
W. Martin, Ph.D., Wisconsin, 1993
J. Olsen, Ph.D., Minnesota, 1968
C. Popovici, Ph.D., Pennsylvania, 2005
Satner-Wagstaff, Ph.D., Utah, 2000
W. Shreve, Ph.D., Nebraska, 1967
A. Ungar, Ph.D., Tel Aviv, 1973

The Curriculum

For a mathematics major, 41 credits (from required and elective mathematics courses) are required. The mathematics education major requires 37 credits and emphasizes those areas of mathematics and related disciplines that have proven most useful for secondary school teachers. In addition, there are cooperative double majors in mathematics and computer science, mathematics and physics, and mathematics and statistics which take advantage of the overlap of requirements and give the student a broader background, thus opening a wider range of career possibilities. Advisers in the Department of Mathematics can furnish details about these and other programs, such as an emphasis in actuarial mathematics. A minor in mathematics consists of 12 credits in calculus plus 9 credits of approved electives.

Sample Curriculum

Mathematics Major

First YearF S

Comm. 110 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking - 3
CSci. 160 - Computer Science I, II 4 -
Engl. 110, 120 - College Composition I, II 3 3
Math. 165, 166 - Calculus I, II 4 4
Univ. 189 - Skills for Academic Success 1 -
Electives* 3 6
Totals15 16

Second YearF S

Math. 265 - Calculus III 4 -
Math. 266 - Introduction to Differential Equations - 3
Math. 270 - Introduction to Abstract Mathematics** 3 -
Math. 429 - Linear Algebra - 3
Phys. 251, 251L - University Physics I and Lab*** 5 -
Phys. 252, 252L - University Physics II and Lab*** - 5
Wellness - 2
Electives* 3 3
Totals15 16

Third YearF S

Math. 420, 421 - Abstract Algebra I, II 3 3
Math. 436 - Combinatorics**** - 3
Math. 452 - Complex Analysis**** 3 -
Math. 480 - Applied Differential Equations**** 3 -
Math. 481 - Fourier Analysis**** - 3
Math. 483 - Partial Differential Equations**** - 3
Stats. 467 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I**** 3 -
Electives* 3 3
Totals15 15

Fourth YearF S

CSci. 453 - Linear Programming and Network Flows**** 3 -
Math. 430 - Graph Theory**** - 3
Math. 440 - Axoimatic Geometry**** - 3
Math. 445 - Differential Geometry**** 3 -
Math. 450, 451 - Real Analysis I, II 3 3
Math. 488, 489 - Numerical Analysis I, II**** 3 3
Math. 491 - Senior Seminar - 1
Electives* 3 3
Totals15 16
CURRICULUM TOTALS 125

*In choosing electives, a student must satisfy the general education requirements for a B.A. or B.S. Degree

**The Physics 251, 251L and 252, 252L laboratory sequence is one of six approved laboratory sequences (including biology,chemistry, computer science, and microbiology) for this major. For more details on other approved laboratory sequence, students should contact the Department of Mathematics.

***Mathematics electives may be chosen to emphasize pure, applied, computational or actuarial mathematics interests. At least one approved upper-division one-year sequence must be elected and at least one course must be chosen from each of lists A and B. Special double-major options with computer science, statistics and physics are available.

A. Math. 374 - Special Problems in Mathematics, Math. 430 - Graph Theory, Math. 436 - Combinatorics, Math. 440 - Axiomatic Geometry, Math. 445 - Differential Geometry, Math. 446 - Introduction to Topology, Math. 452 - Complex Analysis, Math. 472 - Number Theory.

B. Math. 435 - Math Models of Biological Processes, Math. 480 - Applied Differential Equations, Math. 481 - Fourier Analysis, Math. 482 - Survey of Mathematical Models, Math. 483 - Partial Differential Equations, Math. 488, 489 - Numerical Analysis I, II, Stat. 467 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics I, CSci. 453 - Linear Programming and Network Flows, Math. 447 - Molecular Topology.

Mathematics Education Major

Third YearF S

Math. 420, 421 - Abstract Algebra I, II 3 3
Math. 445 - Axiomatic Geometry 3 -
Math. 472 - Number Theory - 3
Stat. 367, 368 - Probability, Statistics 3 3
Professional Education 3 3
Electives**** 4 3
Totals16 16

Fourth YearF S

Math. 374 - Special Problems in Mathematics 1 -
Math. 378 - History of Mathematics 3 -
Professional Education 3 -
Student Teaching - 12
Electives**** 9 -
Totals16 12
CURRICULUM TOTALS 123

****Students planning on a mathematics education major are strongly advised to take Educ. 321, 322, 381 and 389 in their first two years, as these courses are required for admission into the School of Education.

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Mathematics, Chair

North Dakota State University
Minard Hall 300
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8171
Fax: (701) 231-7598
Email: NDSU.Math@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/math

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(6/07)

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Department of Mathematics