The Department of Mathematics offers degree programs which lead to a multitude of careers in teaching, industry and business and government service. Many students subsequently pursue graduate studies leading to advanced degrees. Our Mathematics Education program is one of the largest in Missouri, and our graduates teach throughout Missouri, as well as across the nation. Graduates of our department have found employment with a wide array of employers, such as aerospace companies NASA and McDonnell-Douglas; communication companies Southwestern Bell, AT&T and Sprint; insurance companies; and government agencies, including the FBI, CIA, NSA, Department of Defense and the Census Bureau. Job descriptions for our graduates are varied and include actuary, computer analyst, lawyer, business management specialist and statistician.

Degree programs offered by our department include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science (with an accelerated master’s option) and Master of Science in Education. All mathematics majors are assigned an advisor in the Department of Mathematics to help plan an academic program which meets the student’s individual needs and interests.

Students planning to enter college should begin their preparation in the early years of high school by taking courses in English, science and mathematics that are necessary for success. High school courses should include at least three, preferably four, units in mathematics to provide a strong background in algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Ideally this will prepare the student to begin with calculus. Students entering Missouri State are placed in mathematics courses according to their ACT mathematics score or their score on the placement exam.

Through its B.S. program, the Department of Mathematics offers students courses to specialize in one of four options: Actuarial Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, General Mathematics and Statistics.

Through its B.S.Ed. program, the Department of Mathematics prepares students to teach mathematics at the secondary level.

Although our expectation is that entering students will begin in calculus, the department does offer preparatory courses. These courses make the program accessible to all. The full spectrum of courses in mathematics and statistics offered at major universities is available here. These courses range from introductory to graduate level. Please consult the Missouri State Catalog online at www.missouristate.edu/catalog for course descriptions and requirements for specific programs.

The faculty members in the Department of Mathematics are all experienced, caring professionals committed to teaching and research. The faculty promotes and encourages the development of a sense of community between students and faculty. All students are assigned a faculty advisor upon entering the program.

The Department of Mathematics faculty offers experience and interests in a wide variety of specialities in mathematics, statistics and mathematics education. Members of the faculty actively conduct scholarly research, participate in professional organizations and sponsor student projects and activities. The primary mission of the department is to provide students with a learning environment that maximizes the student’s educational opportunities.

The department is housed in Cheek Hall. Class sizes for both introductory and major courses are small, most having fewer than 30 students. This facilitates interaction and dialogue between faculty and students. A number of study areas are provided, some near faculty offices.

Technology is integrated into classroom teaching through the use of computers and current calculators. The Department of Mathematics has computer classrooms with software to enhance the learning of mathematics. Upon entering Missouri State, students have access to computers and the Internet. There are several computer laboratories and numerous computer terminals across campus and in the residence halls.

Pre-Engineering

The Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science jointly offer a two-year pre-engineering program. Transfer to almost any engineering school from this program is possible, since most pre-engineering programs cover the same background material during the first two years. Students should check with the engineering school of their choice for details. Typical course schedules for several of the different engineering specialties can be obtained from the office of either department. Both departments share student advisement for all pre-engineering areas. Most students select a major in one of the two departments. Contact either the department for details.

Service Learning

Many mathematics courses have a service-learning component available to students who are interested in gaining an integrative learning experience through community service.

Educational Field Experience

To help enhance their early field experiences, Mathematics Education majors are provided with opportunities to attend math teacher conferences and workshops. A mentoring program by high school teachers is also available.

Student Organizations

A very active chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the mathematics
honor society, exists at Missouri State. The national convention of that organization has been held on our campus twice. There is also an active student chapter of the Mathematical Association of America, an organization for future mathematics teachers ((SM)2TO) and a problem-solving/undergraduate research group.

Cooperative Education

The Cooperative Education program offers students the opportunity to apply mathematics on the job while earning academic credit and, often, pay.

Scholarships

In addition to university scholarships offered through the Office of Financial Aid, there are numerous departmental scholarships available each year to support qualified students in Mathematics, Mathematics Education and Pre-Engineering. Scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students are also available. For more information about these scholarships, visit the web site at http://math.missouristate.edu/scholars.html or contact the Department of Mathematics.