About the Department

There are many benefits to majoring or minoring in mathematics. These include a wide variety of career opportunities and a relatively high earning potential. Many employment opportunities for mathematicians exist in government, industry and education. Moreover, the options that are available in choosing between mathematics and applied mathematics allow for a high degree of flexibility in designing one’s program of study. Students can choose from a large variety of elective mathematics courses. In addition, students can pursue a dual major such as mathematics and physics or incorporate a related minor, such as computer ­science, into a math major. Students in areas such as business, economics, finance and social sciences can greatly improve their marketability by obtaining a minor in mathematics or applied math. A minor in one of the mathematics areas is a particularly good option for students majoring in the sciences.

The flexibility of our mathematics minor programs is illustrated by the requirements for these minors. Excluding the basic, prerequisite courses, minors in mathematics or applied mathematics consist of 18 credit hours or 21-22 credit hours, respectively. Approximately 9 of these credit hours are devoted to elective courses.

While almost any mathematics degree will provide great benefits for a student, studying mathematics at Kent State offers many advantages. These include the fact that the professors regularly teach courses at all levels (entry level, upper division and graduate). Most class sizes are small, and free tutoring is available to all students throughout the afternoon and evening. Students have free access to many types of computer resources. In addition, scholarships, student jobs and other forms of financial aid are available to students majoring or minoring in the mathematical sciences.

Undergraduate Programs

At Kent State, the primary concern is the student. The Department of Mathematical Sciences reflects this concern through its efforts to provide the academic atmosphere and close student-faculty associations which encourage intellectual growth and development. Programs are designed to broaden students’ perspectives and to help them realize their potential. Kent State offers courses in mathematics (pure and applied), computer science, statistics and mathematics for teachers. A student may concentrate in one area or combine coursework from several areas. Programs allow a student to prepare for graduate study, for high school teaching or for employment in industry.
An undergraduate specializing in mathematics will begin with calculus and introduction to computing, although some students will require college algebra and trigonometry. Well-prepared students are encouraged to establish credit in elementary courses by passing advanced standing examinations. All majors take courses in calculus, computer science and linear algebra.

Preparation for a Mathematics Career

Students interested in careers as mathematicians should pursue either the mathematics program or the applied mathematics program. The mathematics program is strongly recommended for students considering graduate study in mathematics. The applied mathematics

Preparation for a Teaching Career

Students interested in high school teaching may pursue either the Bachelor of Science or Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in one of the mathematical sciences with a minor in education or the Bachelor of Science in Education, with a major or minor in mathematics. Either of these programs leads to teacher licensure in the state of Ohio.