Mathematics BA (Metro)
The Bachelor of Arts in mathematics program prepares students to work in industry, government, business or education, as well as for graduate study in mathematics, education, business and other closely related STEM fields, particularly in the interdisciplinary areas of artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and machine learning. Students may choose elective courses in mathematics and related subjects that focus on methods used to solve problems in quantitative fields of study, more theoretical elective courses that focus on strengthening their knowledge of mathematical fundamentals, or some combination of such electives. They are encouraged to complete a minor in computer science, which they can easily accomplish through the electives. In all cases, students are exposed via a highly flexible curriculum to the kind of rigorous analysis, logic, and critical thinking that will help them to succeed in their chosen careers and/or advanced studies. Students meet with a school-based adviser to discuss their course sequence and electives based on their goals and interests. The program is offered by the Lee Gildart and Oswald Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering at the Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Students in the B.A. in mathematics program can also pursue one of the three accelerated combined 5-year bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, thereby saving time and money and expanding their career opportunities. The three accelerated programs are as follows:
- A. in Mathematics/M.A. in Teaching Combined Degree Program (QUEST)
- A. in Mathematics/M.S. in Computer Science Combined Degree Program
- A. in Mathematics/M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Combined Degree Program
Prerequisites:
- Elementary and intermediate algebra
- Plane geometry
- Trigonometry
- Two units of science including one unit of physics
GHSCSE also offers a Bachelor of Science in mathematics at the Metropolitan Campus. The educational objectives of the B.A. and B.S. in mathematics programs are fundamentally the same except that the B.A. in mathematics program is built on a liberal arts foundation. The non-mathematics requirements for the two programs are different.
The educational objectives of the BA in mathematics program define the skills, knowledge, and attributes that will be needed and achieved by the graduates for a successful career and professional accomplishments three to four years after graduation.
Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the Bachelor of Arts in mathematics program define the skills, knowledge and attributes that will be needed and achieved by the graduates for a successful career and professional accomplishments three to four years after graduation. The program will produce graduates who:
- Have an appropriate combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in mathematics to enter into and advance professionally in mathematics and related fields.
- Have a well-rounded education that encourages and supports meaningful dialogue with individuals from other disciplines.
- Are able to adapt to and succeed in a dynamic global environment.
- Can engage effectively in oral, written and graphical communications in both interpersonal and public settings.
- Are prepared to participate in life-long learning opportunities.
- Are prepared to continue formal education and obtain advanced degrees in mathematics or related fields.
These objectives are consistent with the mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University to educate and prepare students as world citizens through global education. They also fulfill the needs of our constituencies.
Cooperative Education Option
Students in the B.A. in Mathematics program have the option to undertake a cooperative education experience and earn a total of 6 academic credits toward their electives. Note that these credits may not be substituted for any required course work. The co-op experience provides students a real-world grounding, linking theory and practice, academic and work experiences, and college education and lifelong learning. It better prepares students for jobs, gives them a competitive edge in the job market, helps them develop networking skills and professional contacts and allows them to experience career fields before graduation. Employers benefit from better-prepared graduates with real and relevant work experience – saving time and money by reducing the training period for new employees.
Degree Plan
The B.A. in Mathematics program requires the successful completion of 120 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point ratio of 2.00 as described below.
General Education Requirements (55 credits)
College Competencies (26 credits)
- Written Communication (6 credits)
- Speech/Professional Communication (3 credits)
- ENGR2210 Technical Communications (3 credits)
- Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
- MATH1201 Calculus I (4 credits)
- Mathematics or Technology or Statistics (4 credits)
- MATH2202 Calculus II (4 credits)
- Ethical and Moral Analysis (3 credits)
- ENGR3000 Modern Technologies: Principles, Applications and Impacts (3 credits)
- Scientific Analysis (6 credits)
Liberal Arts Distribution (21 credits)
- Language (3 credits)
If a student is beginning a new language, Elementary II (1102) is required to fulfill the 3-credit language requirement. If the student is taking a language previously studied, successful completion of Intermediate I (2103) fulfills the requirement. The student taking a previously studied language must take the placement test. If the placement score is above the Intermediate I level, the student is excused from the language requirement and will need to replace those 3 language credits with a free elective. Students planning to do graduate work should take a 3-credit course in French, German or Russian.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Students take ENGR4210 Managerial and Engineering Economic Analysis to fulfill the social science requirement. They also take another three credits of coursework in COMM, CRIM, GOVT, PSYC, or SOCI.
- Arts (6 credits)
Take six credits of coursework in ART, CGD, or CREW.
- Humanities (6 credits)
Take six credits of coursework in ARTH, CINE, CGDH, DANH, HIST, HUMN, LANG (not foreign language), LITS, MUSIH, PHIL, RELI, or THEAH, one must be at the 2000 level or above.
University Requirements (8 credits)
- UNIV1001 Transitioning to University Life (1 credit)
- UNIV1002 Preparing for Professional Life (1 credit)
- UNIV2001 Cross Cultural Perspectives (3 credits)
- UNIV2002 Global Issues (3 credits)
Major Requirements (36 credits)
Additional Mathematics Requirements (27 Credits)
- MATH2203 Calculus III (3 credits)
- MATH2210 Differential Equations (3 credits)
- MATH2255 Discrete Structures (3 credits)
- MATH3220 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
- MATH3225 Abstract Algebra (3 credits)
- MATH3230 Analysis (3 credits)
- MATH3237 Probability and Statistics I (3 credits)
- MATH3341 Advanced Engineering Mathematics (3 credits)
- Mathematics Elective (3 credits)
- 3 credits to be chosen from courses numbered 3000 or higher, with the approval of an adviser.
Computer Science Requirements (9 credits)
- CSCI1201 Computer Programming I (3 credits)
- CSCI1202 Computer Programming II (3 credits)
- CSCI2232 Data Structures (3 credits)
Additional Science Requirements (2 credits)
Technical Electives (12 credits)
- Students must take 12 credits of technical electives, which include courses in computer science, engineering, engineering technology, information technology and/or mathematics at appropriate levels based on their interests. Students must obtain prior approval from the Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering academic adviser for all course selections or substitutions.
- Mathematics courses must be at the 3000- or higher level.
- A 3-credit course in a related discipline can be substituted for a 3-credit technical elective.
- Internship credits and honors courses can be used as technical electives.
Minor Sequence in an Area Related to Mathematics (15 credits)
- A minor sequence of 15 credits is required in an area related to mathematics. An adviser will assist students in selecting the proper courses.
B.A. in Mathematics/M.A. in Teaching Combined Degree Program (QUEST)
GHSCSE offers a five-year program that allows qualified students to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and a Master of Arts in teaching at early childhood, primary or secondary levels with different specializations. The combined 5-year program has a course load that is about 15 credits less than that of the separate degrees. This combined program is offered by GHSCSE in collaboration with Peter Sammartino School of Education through their QUEST programs.
B.A. in Mathematics/M.S. in Computer Science Combined Degree Program
GHSCSE offers a five-year program that allows qualified students to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and a Master of Science degree in computer science with a combined-degree load that is 9 credits less than that of the separate degrees. Students must register for this program by their junior year and must have achieved a cumulative grade point ratio of at least 2.75.
B.A. in Mathematics/M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Combined Degree Program
GHSCSE offers a five-year program that allows qualified students to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and a Master of Science degree in cybersecurity and information assurance with a combined-degree load that is 9 credits less than that of the separate degrees. Students must register for this program by their junior year and must have achieved a cumulative grade point ratio of at least 2.75.