Studying the ways that mathematics interacts with other academic fields and applies to real life situations.
This handbook is designed to assist students in their completion of all requirements for graduation. It gives information that you will need as you plan your four years at Keene State College including careers open to mathematics majors, prerequisites for courses, program planning sheets, sample four-year plans, activities available to students, and information to become acquainted with the math faculty. All students are encouraged to get an advisor from the Mathematics Department as soon as possible. The handbook is NOT meant to be a substitute for a faculty advisor.
Careers for Math Majors
In addition to theory and techniques, the mathematics program at Keene State College is designed to develop skills in quantitative thinking, pattern recognition and analysis, logical deduction, and problem solving. Because mathematics is a general subject, a college mathematics major is a good preparation for a variety of careers. Employers in many fields welcome applicants with this type of versatile background.
In thinking ahead about future employment, students should take courses in computer science and one or more areas of application. In addition, a course such as TASF 171, Fundamentals of Speech, is suggested in order to hone oral communication skills.
A. Computers/Computer Technology
For students with only a bachelor's degree, this is a readily available area of employment. Mathematical training is necessary for many careers in computers. Students with a strong interest in computer science should consider the computer mathematics major.
Recommended Electives: Math 260, Math 265, Math 235 CS 185, CS 280, CS 310, CS 450.
B. Statistics
Statistics deals with the collection, description, and analysis of data. The field is broad with respect to the theory-applications spectrum and also in terms of the diversity of fields of applications. Statistics is widely applied in the social, biological, chemical. and management sciences. Employment opportunities for statisticians, especially at the master's degree level are excellent and promise to be so for the foreseeable future.
Recommended Electives: Math 242, Math 341, Math 342, Math 498(Independent/Directed Study), Econ 201, Econ 202, Econ 420. In addition, a minor in one of the areas of applications mentioned above is recommended.
C. Operations Research
Operations research is the mathematical study of efficiency. Problems may involve efficient inventory management, assignment of employees,or space usage. The objective being to improve the effectiveness of a system as a whole. Calculus, linear algebra, statistics, probability, graph theory, optimization theory, and computer science are all combined to form a mathematical theory of optimal decisions. A master's degree is recommended.
Recommended Electives: Math 242, Math 265, Math 235, Math 341, Math 342, CS 185, CS 280, CS 370, and a minor in Management
D. Applied Mathematics
Mathematics developed out of a need to solve problems. Applied mathematicians develop and use mathematical principles, theories and techniques to solve problems in business and industry, government, engineering, and the social, life, and physical sciences. They generally work with other professionals as part of a team assigned to a project. It is recommended that students take a minor in another field such as biology, physics, or economics. Computer sciences courses are also important to take during your undergraduate training.
Recommended Electives: Math 260, Math 265, Math 341, Math 342, Math 361, Math 453, Math 468, Phys 242, Phys 245, CS 185, CS 280
E. Business and Management
The rigorous thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving experiences that mathematics majors have developed may qualify them for careers in management. It is important to also take courses in management and economics. A mathematics major could be an excellent preparation for an MBA program.
Recommended Electives: Math 242, Math 341, Math 342, Mgt 201, Mgt 213, Mgt 214, Mgt 345, Econ 201, Econ 202, Econ 420
F. Actuary
Actuaries are experts in the design, financing, and operation of all kinds of insurance and pension plans. They work in one of the areas of life or health insurance, property and casualty insurance, or public or private pension plans. Employers are likely to be an actuarial or employee benefit consulting firm, an insurance company, a government agency, or a large corporation or accounting firm. Passing at least the first actuarial exam is recommended in order to enter the field. ActuaryJobs.com
Recommended Electives: Math 242, Math 265, Math 341, Math 342, Econ 201, Econ 202, Econ 420
G. Teaching
Currently there is a need for qualified mathematics teachers in the United States. Completion of the BA in Mathematics along with an appropriate teacher certification option will prepare you for a pre-college level teaching position. For teaching at a community college, a masters degree is usually necessary whereas a doctorate is required to teach at a college or university. It is difficult to get a job without certification, but if you do not there are several options open. Private schools sometimes do not require certification. There are several MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) programs available at colleges and universities.
H. Environmental Consultant
American businesses and government will have to spend some $170 billion to clean up their act by the year 2000. Employers will be hiring consultants to audit projects, devise the best and least expensive method to get rid of hazardous-waste materials and pollutants. A minor in environmental science is recommended.
Recommended Electives: Math 242, Math 265, minor in environmental science
* Additional writing courses are recommended for any of the above careers.
