Mathematics Degrees

The Department of Mathematics at Kent State University offers four-year programs leading to a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Graduate work can be pursued at the Kent Campus.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Students interested in careers as mathematicians can pursue either the pure mathematics or the applied mathematics program. Either mathematics program is recommended for students considering graduate study in mathematics.
Within the Pure Mathematics Program, majors completing the calculus sequence embark on a sequence of courses encompassing matrix theory, analysis, and modern algebra. Students also take courses in the related areas of physics and computer science. Electives are also chosen from number theory, topology, probability, graph theory/combinatorics, numerical analysis, complex variables, statistics, geometry, set theory, and differential equations. You can complete all of the course work for this major at Kent State Stark. Meeting with an advisor each semester to ensure proper course sequence is required.

The Applied Mathematics Program is designed to suit the needs of students interested in a career in industry or government or in postgraduate study in applied mathematics or other scientific areas. The core of the program emphasizes the study of continuous and discrete mathematics (calculus, differential equations), numerical computing, and probability and statistics so that one can understand natural processes (physical biological). Students choose a concentration area from one of the following:
Applied Mathematics
Computational Mathematics
Probability and Statistics
Through electives, students can combine coursework from allied areas such as computer science, statistics, physics, and chemistry. Allied Areas: The mathematics program requires students to complete a component of courses selected from biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. These courses should be chosen with the approval of an adviser.

Prerequisite:
CS 10051 Intro. to Computer Science (4)
or
CS 10061 Intro. to Computer Programming (3)

Minor Core Requirement:
MATH 12002 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5)
MATH 12003 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 5
MATH 21001 Linear Algebra with Applications (3)
MATH 22005 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (3)
Total= 16

MATHEMATICS MINOR
Minor Core Requirement (16)
Choose two courses from ONE of the categories:
Algebra (6)
Analysis (6)
Geometry/Topology (6)
Approved Courses: (3)
Total= 25

APPLIED MATHEMATICS MINOR
Minor Core Requirement (16)
MATH 32044 Intro. to Ordinary Differential Eqs. (3)
Approved Courses: (6)
Total= 25
SECONDARY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
General Mathematics Requirement (20)
MATH 31011 Discrete Mathematics (3)
MATH 34002 Fund. Concepts of Geometry (3)
One of the following:
MATH 34001 Fundamental Concepts of Algebra (3)
MATH 41001 Introduction to Modern Algebra I (3)
One of the following:
MATH 41001 Introduction to Modern Algebra I (3)
MATH 42001 Introduction to Analysis I (3)
MATH 46001 Elementary Topology (3)
MATH 47011 Theory of Numbers (3)
One of the following:
MATH 45011 Differential Geometry (3)
MATH 45021 Euclidean Geometry (3)
MATH 45022 Linear Geometry (3)
One of the following:
MATH 40011 Intro. to Probability Theory & Appl. (3)
MATH 42011 Mathematical Optimization (3)
MATH 42021 Graph Theory and Combinatorics (3)
MATH 42031 Mathematical Models (3)
MATH 32044 Intro. to Ordinary Differential Eqs. (3)
MATH 42048 Introduction to Complex Variables (3)
MATH 42201 Intro. to Numerical Computing I (3)
Approved Courses: (3-6)
Total= 41-44

General Mathematics Requirement:
MATH 12002 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5)
MATH 12003 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (5)
MATH 21001 Linear Algebra with Applications (3)
MATH 22005 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (3)
CS 10051 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
Total=20

B.A. IN MATHEMATICS
General Mathematics Requirement (20)
One of the sequences:
MATH 41001, 41002 Intro. to Modern Algebra I, II (6)
or
MATH 42001, 42002 Intro. to Analysis I, II (6)
Approved 40000-level Courses: (9)
Total= 35

B.S. IN MATHEMATICS
General Mathematics Requirement (20)
MATH 41001, 41002 Intro. to Modern Algebra I,II (6)
MATH 41021 Theory of Matrices (3)
MATH 42001, 42002 Intro. to Analysis I,II (6)
PHYS 23101 General University Physics I (5)
Approved Courses: (27)
Total= 67

B.S. IN MATHEMATICS: Actuarial Mathematics Track
An Actuarial Mathematics Advising Track is available for Mathematics majors with an interest in actuarial careers. In this track, most electives are fulfilled with courses in probability, statistics, theory of interest, and actuarial mathematics. Contact Dr. M. K. Khan or Dr. R. Shoop for details and advising.

B.S. IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS
General Mathematics Requirement (20)
MATH 32044 Intro. to Ordinary Differential Eqs. (3)
MATH 40011 Intro. to Probability Theory and Appl. (3)
MATH 40012 Introduction to Statistical Concepts (3)
MATH 41021 Theory of Matrices (3)
MATH 42031 Mathematical Models (3)
MATH 42091 Seminar: Modeling Projects (3)
MATH 42201, 42202 Numerical Computing I, II (6)
CS 23021 CS I: Programming & Prob. Solving (4)
PHYS 23101, 23102 General University Physics I, II (10)

Plus one of the following concentrations:

Applied Mathematics:
MATH 42041 Advanced Calculus (3)
MATH 42045 Intro. to Partial Differential Equations (3)
MATH 42048 Introduction to Complex Variables (3)
Approved Electives: (6)

Computational Mathematics:
MATH 23022 Discrete Structures for Comp. Sci. (3)
CS 33001 CS II: Data Structures & Abstraction (3)
Approved Electives: (9)

Probability and Statistics:
MATH 40051 Topics Prob. Th. & Stochastic Proc. (3)
Choose one:
MATH 40041 Stats. Methods for Experiments (3)
or
MATH 40042 Sampling Theory (3)
Approved Electives: (9)

Financial Mathematics:
ACCT 23020 Intro. to Financial Accounting (3)
FIN 36053 Business Finance (3)
MATH 40051 Topics Prob. Th. & Stochastic Proc. (3)
MATH 42045 Intro. to Partial Differential Equations (3)
Approved Electives: (3)

Total= 73

A major or minor in mathematics is an important part of many degrees. For example, students interested in Secondary Math Education may pursue a minor or a major in mathematics. Computer Science majors wishing to apply for admission and financial support to some of the most competitive graduate programs in computer science are strongly encouraged to obtain at least a minor, and preferably a major, in mathematics (pure or applied). Students majoring in science, business, or pre-law can greatly benefit from a minor or major in Mathematics. The requirements for math majors and minors are listed below. (See the Undergraduate Catalog for more details.)

Prospective Students – use this link if you are interested in applying for our graduate program and want more information.
Graduate Student Resources – this link is for use by students already admitted to our graduate program.
Graduate Courses – this is a list of all graduate courses from the graduate catalog.
Feel free to browse the rest of the links on the left to find out more information relevant to our graduate program!
The mission of the department is to prepare students to use mathematics and/or statistics in a variety of settings. Such settings include problem solving in industry or government agencies. We also prepare students for teaching mathematics at all levels and for careers as research mathematicians.The mathematics graduate program offers the degrees of Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in either pure or applied mathematics.
The Master’s program is intended for those students who want a professional education in mathematics beyond the Bachelor’s degree level. The Ph.D. program, in contrast, is designed for students interested in becoming professional scholars, college and university teachers, or independent workers in private, industrial, or government research institutions. Our Ph.D. program is one of six mathematics Ph.D. programs in the state public university system, and one of only two in northeast Ohio.
The mathematics program has 27 Graduate faculty and 53 graduate students (and counting!). The department has been targeted for significant enhancement by the State of Ohio and Kent State University, and will be continuing to increase its equipment holdings and staff in the future.
In broad terms, the faculty areas of research lie in functional analysis and operator theory, finite groups, character theory, number theory, large scale systems of equations, numerical and scientific computation, and probability and stochastic processes.

Undergraduate Students
Students interested in majoring in mathematics or applied mathematics should visit the Department of Mathematical Sciences for assignment of a faculty advisor as early as possible in their undergraduate studies. Students may request a particular faculty member for an advisor. Advisors can also be changed at the request of the student. The advisors help the students choose the appropriate programs according to their goals, needs and interests; help plan short-range and long range schedules for coursework, including proper sequencing of courses; provide information on the scheduling of courses; provide information on careers; keep a record of each student’s progress in completing a particular program; and make referrals to other campus offices for help when necessary.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences feels strongly that regular contact with a faculty advisor is important. The departmental advising system plays a valuable role in helping the student plan a course of study and in enhancing the quality of the student’s educational experience. Mathematics majors are expected to visit advisors at least once each semester, prior to registering for courses for the next semester.

KCC excels in providing outstanding math faculty that deliver outstanding learning in small class settings. In addition to all Michigan universities, KCC Math students have been accepted at major universities such as Chicago, MIT, Penn State, Purdue and Stanford. KCC math courses are often taught by instructors with 4-year school teaching experience, and are always taught by instructors willing to give you the attention you need.

Our Math faculty has solid academic backgrounds and impressive professional accomplishments in real world careers such as engineering and physics. Occupational Education students benefit as math courses are very applicable to their field of study and include hands on applications of course content. Excellence in teaching and learning is our priority.

Courses range from algebra to trigonometry, statistics, calculus and differential equations. A strong, research-based, developmental curriculum quickly enables students needing to build basic skills. Specialty courses include Math for Elementary Teachers, Math for Liberal Arts, and Applied Algebra/Trigonometry.

“The underlying concepts I learned while at KCC form a critical part of my understanding of the variety of (engineering) systems with which I work. The language of engineering is mathematics. KCC was my beginning in coming to – Former KCC Math student at Daimler-Chrysler

Our department provides the latest technology and laboratories with dynamic instruction to help you navigate the exciting world of math and science. Whether you are looking to major in one of our areas, meet degree requirements or just brush up on your knowledge, our instructors offer you quality learning experiences designed to meet your needs. For 50 years, KCC has excelled in providing its students top-notch science and mathematics learning with outstanding faculty in small class sizes. KCC students have successfully transferred to outstanding four-year universities across the United States earning degrees in business, medicine, law, engineering, mathematics and sciences. Former KCC science and mathematics students are now prominent university professors, architects, computer scientists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers and businessmen and women. The Math and Science Department is ready to assist you. Please give us a call or email. We are here to help you have a great experience at KCC.

Core Courses
Select one of the following:
MATH 141 Introductory Statistics *
MATH 241 Probability and Statistics I
MATH 151 Calculus I
MATH 152 Calculus II
MATH 225 Introduction to Abstract and Discrete Mathematics
MATH elective at the 200 level or above excluding MATH 275, MATH 371, MATH 375, MATH 471, and MATH 475

MATH 151 Calculus I
MATH 152 Calculus II
MATH 251 Vector Calculus
MATH 231 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH 361 Differential Equations
INPHYS 241 University Physics I
PHYS 242 University Physics II
PHYS 260 Electronics
PHYS 342 Modern Physics
PHYS electives (8 credits, 300 level or higher)
RELATED FIELDS
CS 140 Computer Programming I
INCHEM 111 General Chemistry I
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II