Mathematical Sciences

• Faculty
• Course Work
• Undergraduate Programs
  • Mathematics, B.A.
  • Mathematics, B.S.
  • Writing-Intensive Requirement
  • Minor in Mathematics
  • Minor in Mathematics for Undergraduates in the School of Management
  • The Math Tutoring Center
  • The Math Literacy Center
  • Teacher Licensure
• Graduate Program
  • Mathematics, M.S.
    • Assistantships/Internships
    • Admission Requirements
    • Degree Requirements

Faculty

Professors: Alligood, Fischer, Kulesza, Levy, Polyak, Sachs (chair), Saperstone, Sauer (CAS Distinguished Scholar), Shapiro, Struppa

Associate professors: Colonna, Gabel, Kiley, B. Lawrence, J. Lawrence, Lim, Lin, Morris, Singman, Walnut, Zoltek

Assistant professors: Anderson, Lamba, Sander

Adjuncts: Ailes, Goellner, Keller, Lieberman, Lightbourne, Orlova, Perencevich, Pilley, Senus, Soltan, Wallace, Wheatley, Zampedro

Visiting instructors: Dick, O'Beirne, O'Brien, Orlova-Shokry

Affiliates: Loustaunau, Peterson

The degree programs in mathematics serve the needs of students with various interests and career goals from business/industry/research to graduate and professional school. Students may pursue the standard program, or they may pursue a program focused either on actuarial mathematics or applied mathematics. Students may complement other interests by taking a double major in mathematics and a related field, such as finance, economics, physics, computer science, or engineering.

Graduating seniors are required to have an exit interview and to take an assessment exam.

Course Work

The Mathematical Sciences Department offers all course work designated MATH in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

Mathematics, B.A.

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general requirements and the requirements for the B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, candidates for the degree in mathematics must present the following. (Through the course work below, math majors satisfy the university-wide requirement in quantitative reasoning.)

1. Twenty-six credits of required MATH courses: MATH 113, 114, 125, 203, 213 or 215, 216, 290, and 322
   
   
2. Twelve credits of electives in MATH numbered above 300. CS 112 is recommended and may substitute for three credits of MATH.

Mathematics, B.S.

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree, students majoring in mathematics must present the following. (Through the course work below, math majors satisfy the university-wide requirement in quantitative reasoning and natural sciences.)

Students may pursue a traditional mathematics program or a concentration in actuarial mathematics or applied mathematics.

1. Mathematics core requirements: 23 credits of required MATH courses: MATH 113, 114, 203, 213 or 215, 216, 290, and 322
   
   
2. Science, accounting, and economics requirements:
   1. For all students, eight credits of a laboratory science sequence selected from one of the following:
      BIOL 213 and either 303 or 304
      CHEM 211 and 212
      GEOL 101 and 102
      PHYS 160, 260, 261
      
      
   2. For students in the traditional mathematics program and the applied mathematics concentration, a second year of science selected from one of the following three options:
      
      A second course sequence from the list above
      
      Credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics (but only courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major)
      
      PHYS 262, 263
      
      
   3. For students in the concentration in actuarial mathematics, three credits of ACCT 202 (special arrangements may be made to waive the prerequisite of ACCT 201) and six credits of economics, including ECON 103 (three credits) and either ECON 306, 310, or FNAN 321. (The Economics Department has agreed to waive ECON 104 as a prerequisite for ECON 306 for mathematics majors.)
      
      
3. Computational requirement:
   1. For all students, four credits of CS 112
      
      
   2. For students in the actuarial concentration, three credits of STAT 362
      
      
4. Program and concentration-specific requirements:
   1. For students in traditional mathematics, 24 credits of MATH (MATH 125, 315, 316, either 321 or 431) and 12 credits of course work above MATH 300
      
      
   2. For students in the actuarial mathematics concentration, 24 credits of MATH (MATH 351, 352, 551, 554, 555, 556) and 6 credits from MATH 441, 442, 446, 557, 558, or 559
      
      
   3. For students in the applied mathematics concentration, 24 credits of MATH 125, 315, 351, 413, 414, 446, and 6 credits of course work above MATH 300

The department recommends that a two-year proficiency in French, German, or Russian be demonstrated.

For math majors:

1. MATH 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 271, and 272 do not satisfy the requirements for a major in mathematics.
   
   
2. MATH 214 is not recommended for mathematics majors. In special circumstances, a student may substitute MATH 214 for MATH 216.

For non-math majors:

1. MATH 108, 110, and 111 are designed for students in the social and behavioral sciences.
   
   
2. Liberal arts majors are advised to take MATH 106, MATH 110, or MATH 111.
   
   
3. Students in the natural sciences who plan to do graduate work are advised to add to their basic calculus sequence courses from MATH 313, 314, 351, 352, 382, 441, 442, 446, and 447.

For majors and non-math majors:

1. The following math courses have as a prerequisite a specified score on the Math Placement Test: MATH 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 113. The Math Placement test is given frequently. See cas.gmu.edu/math_placement/ for the schedule.
   
   
2. Students who do not achieve the score on the test necessary to take the math course they need may go to the Math Literacy Center (see below) or may study and retake the test on their own. If they do not complete the relevant program in the Center or do not achieve the necessary score on a re-take of the test, they will be dropped from the course. Depending on their test scores, students who do not place into MATH 113 will be advised to take MATH 105 or to go to the Math Literacy Center to prepare for MATH 105.
   
   
3. MATH 105 does not fulfill the university quantitative reasoning requirement.
   
   
4. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 214 and 216; both MATH 213 and 215; both MATH 351 and STAT 344; and both MATH 352 and STAT 354.
   
   
5. After receiving a grade of C or better in one of the courses listed below on the left, students may not receive credit for the corresponding course on the right:

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in mathematics fulfill this requirement by successfully completing MATH 290.

Minor in Mathematics

To receive a minor in mathematics, students must complete 21 credits distributed as follows:

1. Five required courses (15 credits): MATH 125, 203, 213 or 215, 214 or 216, and 290
   
   
2. One additional course (three credits) chosen from MATH 315, 321, or 322. One elective course in math (three credits) at the 300 or 400 level or STAT 344

Students must earn a 2.000 or better in MATH 290 and the courses chosen to fulfill requirement 2.

Minor in Mathematics for Undergraduates in the School of Management

To receive this minor, students must complete 20 credits, including MATH 113, 114, 203, 213, and 351 and one course chosen from MATH 352, 441, and 554.

The Math Tutoring Center

The department manages the Math Tutoring Center, which offers free tutoring for first- and second-year math courses. The tutoring is given by faculty and mathematics majors and is available on a drop-in basis throughout the term, with daytime and evening hours.

The Math Literacy Center

For a small fee, the Math Literacy Center offers self-paced, noncredit tutorial programs for students who do not place into the math course they need. Special tutors and tutorial software are available to those enrolled in the program. Successful completion of the relevant program will enable the student to enroll in MATH 105, 106, 108, 110, or 111.

Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to become teachers should consult the Professional Licensure section in the Graduate School of Education chapter and attend an information session during their sophomore year. Information sessions for teacher licensure are offered every month. Call (703) 993-2892/4648, email gseinfo@gmu.edu, or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu for more information.

Graduate Program

Mathematics, M.S.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers courses in pure and applied mathematics leading to the M.S. in Mathematics. The program offers a standard mathematics program and two emphases: one in computational and applied mathematics and one in actuarial mathematics.

The standard mathematics program allows the student some flexibility in designing his or her own program of study. This must be done with the approval of the student's faculty advisor.

The emphasis in computational and applied mathematics provides the student with the analytical skills and background in computational techniques most relevant to the needs of business, industry, and government. The large number of high-tech firms, telecommunications firms, and government laboratories in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area gives the student an opportunity to gain practical experience and secure employment after graduation. The emphasis in computational and applied mathematics also provides the necessary background for advanced graduate work, in particular for the Ph.D. in Computational Sciences and Informatics.

The actuarial mathematics emphasis prepares the student for a career as an actuary. Actuaries are highly paid certified professionals who manage, evaluate, and price risks for insurance companies, pension funds, accounting houses, financial institutions, governmental agencies, and consulting firms. The courses offered in this program cover the material included in some of the exams required for certification as an associate in the Society of Actuaries.

ASSISTANTSHIPS/INTERNSHIPS

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a limited number of merit-based teaching assistantships to students taking at least six graduate credits each semester. Research assistantships are also available as funding permits. Graduate students also have the opportunity to work in the Math Tutoring Center and the Math Literacy Center.

Co-op and internship opportunities are available to all students. Co-ops provide qualified students with professional, paid work positions related to their interests. Co-ops are available with both private- and public-sector employers. Internships are employment situations (paid or unpaid) that help students learn more about and gain experience in their areas of interest. Frequently, internships are project oriented and part time, and last for one semester and/or summer.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. Students intending to go into the actuarial mathematics emphasis must have three semesters of calculus, a course in linear algebra (equivalent to MATH 322), and a calculus-based course in probability (equivalent to MATH 351). The material in MATH 554 Mathematics of Compound Interest is fundamental to later courses and is offered in the summer. Entering students should begin with this course.

All other students must have a course in linear algebra (equivalent to MATH 322) and a course in advanced calculus (equivalent to MATH 315). Students intending to go into the computational and applied mathematics emphasis must have some computer knowledge. GRE exams are recommended but are not required.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Standard Mathematics Program (No Emphasis)

In addition to fulfilling the degree requirements for graduate study, the candidate must complete 30 credits, including the following:

1. The two core courses for this program: MATH 621 Algebra I and MATH 675 Linear Analysis I
   
   
2. Six approved graduate courses, at least four of which are listed as MATH courses (All six courses must be approved by the student's advisor. Courses not listed as MATH courses must be approved by the Graduate Committee.)
   
   
3. The research/creative component (see below)

Emphasis in Computational and Applied Mathematics

In addition to fulfilling the degree requirements for graduate study, the candidate must complete 30 credits, including the following:

1. The four core courses for this emphasis: MATH 621 Algebra I, MATH 675 Linear Analysis I, MATH 677 Ordinary Differential Equations or MATH 678 Partial Differential Equations, and MATH 685/CSI 717 Numerical Analysis
   
   
2. Four approved graduate courses, at least two of which are listed as MATH courses (All four courses must be approved by the student's advisor. Courses not listed as MATH courses must be approved by the Graduate Committee.)
   
   
3. The research/creative component (see below)
   
   
4. Familiarity with different computing environments and languages (This computer requirement is integrated into many courses. Students are encouraged to use the varied computing hardware and software available.)

Emphasis in Actuarial Mathematics

In addition to fulfilling the degree requirements for graduate study, the candidate must complete 30 credits, including the following:

1. The four core courses for this emphasis: MATH 551 Regression and Time Series, MATH 554 Mathematics of Compound Interest, MATH 555 Actuarial Mathematics I, and MATH 556 Actuarial Mathematics II
   
   
2. Four approved graduate courses, at least two of which are actuarial courses (All four courses must be approved by the student's advisor. Courses not listed as MATH courses must be approved by the Graduate Committee.)
   
   
3. The research/creative component (see below)
   
   
4. Credit for an actuarial course may be granted if the corresponding Society of Actuaries, Casualty Actuary Society, or Enrolled Actuary exam has been passed in the preceding five years.

Research/Creative Component

Students are required to write a thesis or present a paper. In preparation for this work, they form a committee that consists of a chair and two other faculty members. The chair and at least one other member must be from the department; one member may be from a related field.

Students choosing the thesis option will complete a thesis under the direction of the committee chair. The thesis work is typically completed while students are registered for six credits of MATH 799. A thesis proposal and thesis are submitted in accordance with university rules. In addition, students must give an oral thesis defense.

For the paper presentation, the student and committee agree on a paper (or series of papers or book chapter), and the student gives an oral presentation of the paper. The chosen material must be distinct from work done in fulfillment of course requirements. Students choosing this option take six additional credits of electives.

The format of the thesis defense and the paper presentation is as follows: The student gives an oral defense/presentation of the thesis/paper to the student's committee. (The defense/presentation is also open to the George Mason community.) Students are expected to respond to questions on the thesis/paper and related material. The committee determines whether the defense/presentation is satisfactory.