Department of Mathematics and Statistics

25 Park Place, 14th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3083, USA
Phone: 404-413-6400
Web address: www.mathstat.gsu.edu

Guantao Chen, Chair
Alexandra Smirnova, Associate Chair
Michael Stewart, Director of Undergraduate Studies

All freshmen entering Georgia State University are required to take either the College EntranceExamination Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the assessment of the American College Testing Program (ACT). The results of the test, performance in and time of previous mathematical education, and the student’s intended major or career goals are all factors to be considered when registering for any mathematics course. In order to register for courses numbered 1111 or higher, students must make an appropriate score on the mathematics placement test (see Area A1 ) or have other appropriate prerequisite work. Therefore, students are urged to check the prerequisites for mathematics courses, and the mathematics requirement as listed by their major department/school/institute. Refer any questions to that department/school/ institute or to the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Mathematics is one of the great unifying themes in our modern culture. It is a language, a science, an art form, and a tool of tremendous power. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, in its courses for both majors and non-majors, seeks to introduce students to this vast area of knowledge and to show them how mathematics can be used to solve problems.

The B.S. degree program in mathematics prepares a student for positions in business, industry, and government; a career in the teaching of mathematics at the secondary level; or further study in mathematics or statistics leading to graduate degrees.

Six concentrations are offered within the B.S. degree in mathematics. The concentration in actuarial science prepares a student to work as an actuary. The concentration in computer information systems prepares students for work in the field of management information systems. The concentration in computer science provides education in more scientific aspects of computing. The concentration in managerial sciences provides training in management modeling, problem solving, and computer-assisted decision support/expert systems technologies. The concentration in statistics prepares students for work as applied statisticians. The concentration in applied mathematics provides background in core areas of applied mathematics, computational mathematics, and statistics. Finally, in addition to the undergraduate concentrations, the department offers dual degrees that give students a seamless path from a B.S. in mathematics to business graduate degrees in actuarial science, information systems, and mathematical risk management.

Guidelines for minors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics are given after the program descriptions.

In addition to immediate employment, there are opportunities for good students to pursue further study at the graduate level in mathematics, statistics, and other fields.

In 1978, the department initiated a cooperative education program with International Business Machines, Inc. Over the years, the program has expanded to include many other firms. Hundreds of majors have benefited from a co-op experience. Majors have an opportunity for paid work experience related to their area of study. They may also make important contacts that may lead to full-time employment after graduation. The Office of Cooperative Education has been established to coordinate the university’s cooperative education programs.

Majors are asked to consider carefully the career objectives they wish to pursue after graduation. A particular career objective may suggest a special choice for the minor or concentration that would prepare one for that career. It also might suggest that a co-op experience would be useful. Faculty who serve as academic advisers for majors can discuss choices and concentrations that are available to majors.

Program Financial Information

There are no extra fees, scholarships or other expenses outside of regular Georgia State University fees applicable to a B.S. degree in mathematics, other than those associated with teacher preparation (see 1605 Entry into Teacher Education and 1610 Educational Field Experiences and Student Teaching ).

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Academic advisement for undergraduate students is provided through the University Advisement Center (freshman through junior status/fewer than 90 hours) and the college’s Office of Academic Assistance (senior status/90 or more hours). See Office of Academic Assistance for additional information.

Program Academic Regulations

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all mathematics courses in Area A, D, and F.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See 1460 GPA Requirement for additional information.)

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

This unit offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the undergraduate director for the specific criteria for this honor.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Mathematics, B.S.

Dual Degree

Minor

Mathematics Minor

Courses

Mathematics