Auburn University
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Auburn University > COSAM > Academic Departments > Mathematics & Statistics

Undergraduate Curriculum

 


 

The Undergraduate Curriculum Models in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

We offer four curriculum models for a major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics:

(See curriculum)

  • Mathematics (MATH)

  • Applied Mathematics (AMTH)

  • Applied Mathematics: Applied Discrete Mathematics Option (ADSM)

  • Applied Mathematics: Actuarial Sciences Option (ACTU)

    In addition, the Department offers a minor in mathematics.

    Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics

    • fifteen(15) hours of courses labeled MATH or STAT at the level of 3000 or higher, with at least three courses labeled MATH, and

    • a minimum grade of C in each of these courses.

    Be sure to read the University requirements for a minor in the Academic Bulletin. In particular, note that courses required for your major or the core curriculum cannot count toward the minor.

    Mathematics (MATH)

    Applied Mathematics Option (AMTH) for students who are preparing for graduate work in mathematics. Additionally, this option is suitable for those anticipating careers in such traditional fields as engineering, physical science, or computer science; and the allied fields of biological, behavioral, or managerial sciences.

    The Bachelor of Science in Applied Discrete Mathematics is designed to prepare students for employment in information, communications, and computer-related industries and government agencies, or to pursue post graduate work in applied mathematics, computer science, or operations research.

    The curriculum is designed to give the student a basic background in mathematics and the fundamentals of computer science as well as intensive course work in applied discrete mathematics. The degree includes a strong interdisciplinary requirement in related fields of application, such as computer science, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, and management information systems.

    We expect 75% of the graduates who do not pursue advanced degrees to gain employment within 2 years in companies and agencies active in the information and communications industry or computer-related industries.

    Actuarial Science Option (ACTU) for students interested in a career in the insurance industry or other businesses relying on the expertise of actuaries.

    Expertise in Actuarial Science opens up career opportunities in diverse groups of companies, such as life, health, and auto insurance companies, pension planning firms, and actuarial consulting firms. Browse beanactuary.org to find out more.

    The Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society grant professional accreditation through a series of examinations (see exam information at Be an Actuary) and educational experiences. The examinations are administered by the societies and the process is very demanding; only about 35% of those who sit for a given examination pass. Since passing examinations is vital for career advancement, the choice of an actuarial career demands a lasting commitment to study and hard work. Those lacking such a commitment will be forced to seek an alternative career.

    The Program prepares students for 3 examinations. There are intensive seminars to prepare students intending to sit for the examination in the Mathematics of Finance and the examination in Probability. Provision is also made in the curriculum for students to take courses which qualify for the validation by educational experience (VEE) requirements of the societies in the areas of Applied Statistical Methods, Corporate Finance, and Economics. The courses ECON 2020/2030 have been approved for VEE credit in Economics for the time period 2000-2007, and the course FINC 3630 has been approved for VEE credit in Corporate Finance for the time period 1984-2007. A grade of B or higher is required in courses submitted for VEE credit. Plans are underway to provide courses for VEE credit in Applied Statistics.

    Students passing 2 or 3 examinations can expect to be in very strong demand and to be able to obtain an advanced entry-level position in the Actuarial Profession.

    Curriculum Models

    Each curriculum model requires a total of 120 semester credit hours. The freshman year is the same in all models, and the core curriculum requirements are identical. In fact, all required courses (math and non-math) below the 4000-level are the same (with the exception that ADSM requires MATH-3710, rather than MATH-3100) in all models. This makes it easy for students to switch from one curriculum model to another, even after completion of their sophomore year.

    Specific course requirements for the four curriculum models may be found in the Auburn University Bulletin.

    Specific course requirements may be found at http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/students/registration/curriculum.html.