The  Olsen College of Engineering and Science (OCES) offers a B.S. in mathematics at the Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck, New Jersey. The math degree has two concentrations:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Pure Mathematics

Each concentration prepares students for  work in industry, government, business, education, or  graduate studies in mathematics, business, accounting, mathematical finance, and other STEM  disciplines such as computer science, cybersecurity, data science and machine learning. Students are encouraged to choose  a concentration in  computer science for their minor, which will prepare them for work in related fields such as artificial intelligence.

Students who choose the applied mathematics concentration typically take elective courses  focusing on mathematical methods that have proven useful in other subject areas. The pure mathematics concentration involves  more theoretical elective courses that focus on mathematical structures and fundamentals that are not necessarily applicable to other disciplines. In both the applied and pure mathematics concentrations, students are engaged with a diverse curriculum of rigorous analysis, logic, critical thinking, and applications that promotes a wide range of options when they pursue further studies in mathematics or in applied areas requiring sophisticated mathematical modeling and analysis.  Whichever concentration they choose, students will meet with an academic adviser to discuss their course sequence and electives of the concentration based on their goals and interests.

Students in the Mathematics program can also pursue one of the following three 4 Plus 1 programs:

  • B.S. in Mathematics/M.A. in Teaching Combined Degree Program (QUEST)
  • B.S. in Mathematics/M.S. in Computer Science Combined Degree Program
  • B.S. in Mathematics/M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Combined Degree Program

Educational Objectives

The OCES B.S. Mathematics program is designed  to provide students traditional foundational knowledge in mathematics and to help them realize a set of program outcome goals.  Upon completion of their B.S. Mathematics program students will:

  1. Have a solid foundation in the basic math skill sets expected of undergraduate math majors by industry and STEM graduate programs.
  2. Be able to reason deductively with mathematical arguments and discern patterns in data and mathematical expressions.
  3. Understand how to develop mathematical models and draw conclusions from their analysis in a wide array of applications.
  4. Understand how to apply modern technology including  mathematical software and AI to analyze and solve problems.
  5. Be able to independently develop mathematical ideas and concepts.
  6. Have learned how to work effectively in teams.
  7. Know how to communicate technical material coherently and persuasively in written reports.
  8. Know how to communicate technical material orally in a persuasive and coherent manner.

These objectives are aligned with the mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University to provide a transformational education that will prepare students to be leaders and to prosper in the global marketplace of ideas, commerce, and culture.

Cooperative Education Option

Students in the Mathematics program have the option to undertake a cooperative education experience and earn a total of 6 academic credits toward their electives (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 gives students 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

Students must choose a concentration in applied mathematics or pure mathematics. Regardless of the concentration, the B.S. in Mathematics program requires the successful completion of 120 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 as described below.

Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics Concentration

The following is for a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with either an applied mathematics or pure mathematics concentration. Students must meet with their advisers to discuss the course sequence for either one of the two concentrations.

Mathematics Requirements (35 credits)

  • MATH1201 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • MATH2202 Calculus II (4 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)
    • A 3-credit course to be chosen from Mathematics courses numbered 3000 or higher, with the approval of an adviser.

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.

Science Requirements (8 credits)

  • PHYS2201 Physics Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • PHYS2202 Physics II Laboratory II (1 credit)
  • PHYS2203 University Physics I (3 credits)
  • PHYS2204 University Physics II (3 credits)

Science Electives (11 credits)

The 11 credits of science electives are to be distributed as follows:

  • Eight (8) credits of science electives must be a one-year sequence with a laboratory:
    • Laboratory Science I (3 credits)
    • Laboratory Science I Lab (1 credit)
    • Laboratory Science II (3 credits)
    • Laboratory Science II Lab (1 credit)
  • The remaining 3 credits must be a biology laboratory course from  any of the following BIOL course/lab pairings:  BIOL 1001/1011, BIOL 1105/1115, BIOL 1106/1116, BIOL 2203/2223, BIOL 2204/2224.  Additional BIOL courses need advisor approval.

Computer Science Requirements (9 credits)

  • CSCI1201 Computer Programming I (3 credits)
  • CSCI1202 Computer Programming II (3 credits)
  • CSCI2234 Data Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)

General Education Requirements (18 credits)

  • ENGR2210 Technical Communications (3 credits)
  • ENGR3000 Modern Technologies: Principles, Applications and Impacts (3 credits)
  • WRIT1002 Composition I: Rhetoric and Inquiry (3 credits)
  • WRIT1003 Composition II: Research and Argument (3 credits)
  • Humanities Elective (3 credits)
    • Take three credits of coursework in AFAM, ENGL, HIST, HUMN, LITS, PHIL, or RELI.
  • Social Science or Behavioral Science Elective (3 credits)
    •  Social Science options:  ANTH, COMM, ECON, ENVS, GEOG, GOVT, SOCI, SUST.
    • Behavioral Science options: CRIM, CMLGY, PSYCH.

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)

Technical Electives (16 credits)

  • Students must take 16 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 their Olsen College of Engineering and Science 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.
    • A 1-credit free elective can be substituted for the 1-credit technical elective.

B.S. in Mathematics/M.A. in Teaching 4 Plus 1 Program (QUEST) 

OCES offers a 4 Plus 1 program that allows qualified students to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with a pathway to the Master of Arts in teaching at early childhood, primary, or secondary levels with different specializations. The 4 Plus 1 program has a course load that is about 15 credits less than that of the separate degrees. This 4 Plus 1 program is offered by OCES in collaboration with the Peter Sammartino School of Education through their QUEST programs.

B.S. in Mathematics/M.S. in Computer Science 4 Plus 1 Program

OCES offers a 4 Plus 1 program that allows qualified students to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with a pathway to the Master of Science degree in computer science, with a load that is 9 credits less than that of the separate degrees.

B.S. in Mathematics/M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance 4 Plus 1 Program

OCES offers a 4 Plus 1 program that allows qualified students to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with a pathway to the Master of Science degree in cybersecurity and information assurance, with a load that is 9 credits less than that of the separate degrees.

Contact Information
Alexander R.R. Casti, Ph.D., Deputy Chair of CS and Mathematics
casti@fdu.edu