Selinsgrove, USA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* November 1 — Early Action 1. November 15 — Early Decision. December 1 — Early Action 2. February 1 — Regular Decision admission application deadline; late applications welcome as space permits. March 1 — International Students
Key Summary
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
The science of patterns
Mathematics is the study of patterns: from the distribution of prime numbers to the distribution of galaxies, from shapes of soap films to the structure of musical compositions, and far beyond. Because of its combination of generality and precision, mathematics is integral to most areas of modern life, from the sciences to business, politics, and even the arts.
Our major
At SU, we offer courses that provide a solid foundation for careers in applied mathematics or statistics or for graduate study in mathematics. Our classes are small, especially at the upper level, and our faculty are not only engaged teachers but active researchers, several with international reputations in their fields.
Senior majors spend a semester or a year researching a topic of interest in-depth or in some cases pursuing original research together with a member of the department.
Or double major
Because of the substantial overlap in courses, many students find it feasible to double major in mathematics and physics or computer science (or occasionally, to triple major in all three!) Other majors that pair well with mathematics include economics, finance, and philosophy.
A number of our graduates with these majors choose to pursue law, and law schools look very favorably on students having the analytical background that a mathematics major provides.
Engineering options
Interested in engineering? Study here for three years and get your bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and then get an engineering degree from Columbia University, Washington University of St. Louis, or Case Western Reserve University through our engineering dual degree program.
Gallery
Curriculum
Requirements for Major
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics
Students complete the equivalent of 55 or 58 semester hours as described.
- 4 MATH-112 Calculus II
- 4 MATH-180 Statistical Methods
- 4 MATH-201 Linear Algebra
- 4 MATH-211 Multivariate Calculus
- 4 MATH-221 Discrete Structures
- 2 MATH-231 Foundations of Analysis
- 4 MATH-321 Abstract Algebra
- 4 MATH-353 Differential Equations
- 4 One 300-level or above mathematics course or PHYS-405 Mathematical Physics
- 8 Two 400-level mathematics courses
- 1 or 4 MATH-500 Senior Colloquium
- 4 CSCI-181 Principles of Computer Science
- 8 Select one of the following two options:
- CSCI-281 Data Structures and one 300-level or above computer science course
- PHYS-204 Introductory Physics I (Calculus-based) and PHYS-206 Introductory Physics II
- CSCI-281 Data Structures and one 300-level or above computer science course
- PHYS-204 Introductory Physics I (Calculus-based) and PHYS-206 Introductory Physics II
Teacher Certification
Coursework required by the state of Pennsylvania for admission to the teacher certification program includes successful completion of ENGL-100 Writing and Thinking or equivalent course, at least 3 semester hours in British or American literature, at least 6 semester hours of mathematics coursework (or other courses which satisfy the Central Curriculum Analytical Thought requirement), and at least one 40-hour externship.
Education course requirements for secondary education are EDUC-101 Introduction to Education and Society, EDUC-250 Educational Psychology, EDUC-260 Introduction to Special Education, EDUC-270 Instruction of Exceptional Students, EDUC-330 Technology in Education, EDUC-350 English Language Learners: Theory and Instruction, EDUC-380 Instructional Design, EDUC- 423 Methods of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Teaching Mathematics, EDUC-479 Principles of Learning and Teaching in Secondary Education, EDUC-483 Differentiated Instruction and Classroom Management in Secondary Education, and the EDUC-500 Student Teaching package (EDUC-501, EDUC-502, EDUC-503, and EDUC-600).
In addition, secondary education mathematics students complete all of the usual requirements for the mathematics major. They must satisfy the “one 300-level or above mathematics course” requirement by taking MATH-331 Geometry.
Interdisciplinary Options
Mathematics majors can easily complete a minor in another department. Areas such as accounting, business, computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, or a modern language are natural choices. The department also sponsors a business-related minor in actuarial science.
Self-designed major
Highly motivated students whose interests cross traditional departmental lines may also consider a self-designed major. This option provides an integrated program of study from courses in several departments and is described in the majors and minors section.
Capstone
The capstone requirement may be satisfied by the four-semester-hour version of the MATH-500 Senior Colloquium. Students need not fulfill the capstone requirement in their major, but they usually do.
Requirements for Minor
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Minor in Mathematics
The minor complete 24 semester hours of mathematics with grades of C- or better. Requirements include MATH-112 Calculus II, MATH-201 Linear Algebra, and MATH-221 Discrete Structures, with at least four semester hours at the 300 level or above and 8 semester hours above the 108-level.
Courses Options
Computer Science Courses
- CSCI 151 Introduction to Programming, Credits: 4
- CSCI 181 Principles of Computer Science, Credits: 4
- CSCI 200 Multi-Agent Modeling in the Sciences, Credits: 4
- CSCI 281 Data Structures, Credits: 4
- CSCI 282 Computer Organization, Credits: 4
- CSCI 301 Data Mining, Credits: 4
- CSCI 351 Numerical Computing, Credits: 2
- CSCI 352 Numerical Analysis, Credits: 2
- CSCI 370 Cryptology & Number Theory, Credits: 4
- CSCI 381 Algorithms, Credits: 4
- CSCI 382 Theory of Computation, Credits: 2
- CSCI 391 Data Communications & Networks I, Credits: 2
- CSCI 392 Data Communication & Networks II, Credits: 2
- CSCI 401 Machine Learning, Credits: 4
- CSCI 460 Application Programming, Credits: 4
- CSCI 471 Software Engineer: Methodology, Credits: 4
- CSCI 472 Software Engineering: Practicum, Credits: 4
- CSCI 481 Programming Languages, Credits: 2
- CSCI 483 Compiler Theory, Credits: 4
- CSCI 484 Computer Graphics, Credits: 2
- CSCI 485 Artificial Intelligence, Credits: 2
- CSCI 486 Introduction to Operating Systems, Credits: 2
- CSCI 487 Operating Systems, Credits: 2
- CSCI 488 Computer Architecture, Credits: 2
- CSCI 500 Senior Colloquium, Credits: 4
- CSCI 501 Topics in Computer Science, Credits: 1–4
- CSCI 502 Independent Study, Credits: 1–4
- CSCI 503 Independent Research, Credits: 1–4
- CSCI 599 Internship, Credits: 1–4
Mathematics Courses
- MATH 099 College Mathematics Preparation, Credits: 0–0
- MATH 101 Precalculus Mathematics, Credits: 4
- MATH 105 Introductory Topics, Credits: 2
- MATH 108 Introduction to Statistics, Credits: 4
- MATH 111 Calculus I, Credits: 4
- MATH 112 Calculus II, Credits: 4
- MATH 180 Statistical Methods, Credits: 4
- MATH 201 Linear Algebra, Credits: 4
- MATH 211 Multivariate Calculus, Credits: 4
- MATH 221 Discrete Structures, Credits: 4
- MATH 231 Foundations of Analysis, Credits: 2
- MATH 321 Abstract Algebra, Credits: 4
- MATH 331 Geometry, Credits: 4
- MATH 351 Numerical Computing, Credits: 2
- MATH 352 Numerical Analysis, Credits: 2
- MATH 353 Differential Equations, Credits: 4
- MATH 370 Cryptology & Number Theory, Credits: 4
- MATH 382 Theory of Computation, Credits: 2
- MATH 411 Real Analysis, Credits: 4
- MATH 415 Complex Analysis, Credits: 4
- MATH 441 Mathematical Statistics, Credits: 4
- MATH 500 Senior Colloquium, Credits: 1–4
- MATH 501 Topics in Mathematics, Credits: 1–4
- MATH 502 Independent Study, Credits: 1–4
- MATH 503 Independent Research, Credits: 1–4
- MATH 599 Mathematics Internship, Credits: 1–8
Program Outcome
Learning goals
- Students acquire sufficient knowledge of fundamental mathematical concepts, methods, and language to support further postgraduate study or a career in areas that require a mathematical background.
- Students develop the ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and accurately.
Career Opportunities
Recent graduates have found careers in finance, insurance, government, and industry, working for companies such as Wells Fargo, Merck, and Verizon. Others have pursued graduate study in mathematics or related fields, some earning doctorates and becoming college professors in their own right. We also offer a joint major in mathematics/secondary education, leading to certification to teach high school mathematics. Students interested in engineering can pursue our 3:2 program with Columbia University, leading to a BA or BS in mathematics from SU, plus a degree in applied mathematics or engineering from Columbia. Additionally, we offer minors in actuarial science and in the rapidly growing field of data science.
Recent graduates have enrolled in programs at:
- Brandeis University
- The College of New Jersey Global Program in Johannesburg, South Africa
- George Mason University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Kutztown University
- Loyola College
- McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia
- North Carolina State University
- Penn State Harrisburg
- Penn State University Park
- Penn State York
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Southern Methodist University
- Temple University
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- University of Connecticut
- University of Kentucky
- University of Mississippi
- University of Pennsylvania
- Villanova University
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Recent graduates have worked as:
- Actuarial Assistant, Glatfelter Insurance Group
- Actuary Analyst, Tower Hill Insurance
- Actuarial Support, Geisinger
- App Developer, Advance Central Services
- Application Services Analyst, Merck & Co.
- Biostatistician, Merck
- Branch Manager, Susquehanna Bank
- Client Support Technician, The Hershey Company
- Credit Portfolio Analyst, Wells Fargo
- Developer for Computer Aid Inc., E&E IT Consulting
- Director of Mathematics, Achievement First
- Fund Financial Analyst, Vanguard
- IT Manager, VNA Health Systems, The United States Postal Service
- Medical Physicist, Holy Cross Hospital, Maryland
- Project Manager, The Hartford
- Radar Algorithm Design, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
- Security, Raytheon, Verizon Communications
- Senior Java Programmer, Computer Aid
- Senior Knowledgebase Implementation Consultant
- Senior Software Developer, Ellucian
- Senior Software Engineer, Spark Post
- Senior Trading Analyst, Accuen
- Software Developer: Applied Systems Associates, The Federal Government
- Software Engineer: Cornerstone Software Development Inc., Lockheed Martin Transportation, Morningstar
- Statistics Programmer, IMS Health
- Systems Administrator, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Systems Integrator, Sandia National Labs
- Task Manager, Meckley’s Limestone Products
- Teacher: CB East High School, Charles County Board of Education, Central York Middle School, Crossroads Middle School, Devon Prep, The Dalton School, Henrico County Public Schools, Northern Lehigh School District; Princeton High School, Red Hook Middle SchoolTechnical Account Manager
- Technical Consultant, Viecore Inc.
- Web Developer, HigherEdJobs.com
- Webmaster, Penn State Altoona