Dec 02, 2024  
2020-2021 LSUA Catalog 
    
2020-2021 LSUA Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, BS (with concentrations in Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, Computer Science, and Secondary Mathematics Education)


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Concentrations Available:

  • Mathematics
  • Actuarial Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Secondary Mathematics Education

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics meets the needs of students with a variety of career goals. Potential employers of graduates of this program include state and federal government, universities, high schools, banks, insurance companies, consulting firms, and a variety of companies requiring computer programmers. At the heart of the program is a 27-hour foundational mathematics curriculum consisting of Calculus I-III, Fundamentals of Mathematics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, and a Computer Science course. In addition, students choose one of the four Areas of Concentrations listed below:

Mathematics

This concentration allows students to acquire a broad understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and critical thinking skills and to demonstrate their ability to communicate and research mathematical information. Students may take courses in algebra, analysis, topology, number theory, geometry, probability, statistics, applied mathematics, and the history of mathematics. The required courses are as follows: MATH 4031 , MATH 4200 , 15 additional credit hours of MATH at the 3000/4000 level, and another 3 credit hours that can be MATH at the 3000/4000 level or CSCI at the 2000 level or higher.

Actuarial Sciences

Students in this concentration will prepare themselves for an actuarial career in an insurance company, consulting firm, or state or federal government. Completion of the coursework will aid the student in preparing for the first two Society of Actuaries exams. The required courses are as follows: MATH 3355 , MATH 4050  or FINC 3826 , MATH 4056 , ECON 2010 , ECON 2020 , ACCT 2001 , ACCT 2101 , FINC 3715 , and six additional credit hours that can be MATH at the 3000/4000 level or CSCI at the 2000 level or higher.

Computer Science

Students in this concentration will develop solid computer programming skills and understand appropriate uses of modern computing techniques. The graduate will be prepared to secure employment in a firm that needs computer programmers or to pursue graduate or professional studies. The required courses are as follows: CSCI 2350 , CSCI 2351 , MATH 3259  or MATH 4200 , MATH 4056 , and 12 additional credit hours that can be MATH at the 3000/4000 level, CSCI at the 2000 level or higher, CMIS 2100 , CMIS 3400 , CMIS 3600 , CMIS 4200 , or CMIS 4300 . If CSCI 2350  is taken to meet Major Requirements, it can be replaced by any course allowed under the Additional Hours section of this concentration.

Secondary Mathematics Education

Students in this concentration pursue coursework that will enable them to become school teachers. To fulfill the requirements for this concentration, the student must gain admission to the Minor in Education Leading to Secondary Education (6-12). By passing the PRAXIS II exam in mathematics and completing other requirements specified in the Minor in Education leading to Secondary Education Certification (6-12), students can become certified to teach high school or junior high mathematics. The required courses are as follows: MATH 4005 , MATH 4200 , MATH 4700 , PSYC 2060 , PSYC 2078 , EDCI 2700 , EDCI 3040 , EDCI 3116 , EDCI 3800 , EDCI 4043 , EDCI 4200 , and EDCI 4945 .

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. The graduate will have mastered the basic mathematics content of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

  2. The graduate will be able to construct basic mathematical proofs and use technology effectively in mathematics.

  3. The graduate will be prepared to secure appropriate employment or continue on to graduate school.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all requirements for admission to the university. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics has no separate or special admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

  1. Students must complete all of the requirements pertaining to baccalaureate degrees as specified in Degree Requirements .

  2. Students must complete at least 30 hours at the 3000-level or above, at least nine of which must be at the 4000-level.

  3. Students are required to make a grade of “C” or higher in all courses in the Major Requirements section of the mathematics curriculum.

Degree Audit

A fillable degree audit sheet for students and their academic advisors is available here.

A fillable degree audit sheet for students in the BS Mathematics 100% Online and their academic advisors is available here.

Total Credits: 120


General Education Requirements


See list of approved courses in the General Education  section of the catalog.

Total Credits: 6


Social Sciences


Secondary Education concentrators must take PSYC 2060  and PSYC 2078 . Actuarial Science concentrators must take ECON 2010  and ECON 2020 .

Total Credits: 6


Mathematics


Prerequisites for these courses may be used as free electives.

Total Credits: 8


Total Credits: 9


Humanities


Total Credits: 9


Fine Arts


Total Credits: 3


Total Credits: 41


Total Credits: 16


Major Concentration Requirements


Choose one of the Areas of Concentration listed below:

Mathematics (24)


Actuarial Science (24)


Students in this concentration must take ECON 2010  and ECON 2020  to meet their General Education Social Science requirement.

Computer Science (24)


If CSCI 2350 is taken to meet Major Requirements, it can be replaced here by any course allowed under the Additional Hours section of this concentration.

Electives


  • English Elective (2000 or above) Credits: 3
  • Free Electives Credits: 24-36 (24 for Students in the Secondary Education concentration and 36 for students in any other concentration)

Total Credits: 27-39


Suggested Sequence of Courses


  

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