The bachelor of arts and the bachelor of science degrees in Mathematics are designed to convey both appreciation for and ability to use techniques and strategies of mathematical reasoning. In required courses, the mathematical structures that have led to more efficient organization and synthesis of mathematical knowledge are covered. Applications of mathematics are discussed in these courses and in elective courses. The Mathematics Department supports its students in many ways. A team of undergraduates is always sponsored to participate in the Putnam Examination, a national intercollegiate mathematics competition. Many students gain experience by serving as tutors or graders for lower-level courses. Departmental scholarship funds support upper-division majors who have done the most outstanding work. Between two and five students each year are given these prestigious awards. Through the Institute for Math Learning, the Mathematics Department assists students in beginning Mathematics courses, free of charge. A study hall is staffed by graduate students and undergraduate assistants who give individual attention to those needing help. Majors in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Biochemistry B Biology B, M, D Chemistry B, M, D Communications Studies B, M, D Computer Science B Creative Writing M Criminology & Investigations B Economics B English B, M, D Environmental Geoscience B Foreign Languages B, M Forensic & Investigative Science B Geography B, M, D Geology B, M, D History B, M, D Individualized Major B Industrial Mathematics and Statistics B International Studies B Legal Studies M Liberal Arts and Sciences B Liberal Studies M Mathematics B, M, D Multidisciplinary Studies B Philosophy B Physics B, M, D Political Science B, M, D Professional Writing and Editing M Psychology B, M, D Public Administration M Regents Bachelor of Arts B Religious Studies B Slavic Studies B Social Work B, M Sociology M Sociology and Anthropology B Statistics M Women's Studies B B=Bachelor's; M=Master's; D=Doctorate For more information, contact Dr. Sherman Riemenschneider at: 304-293-2011 ext. 2340, or: sherm@math.wvu.edu Or visit us on-line at: www.math.wvu.edu/

The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse academic unit within West Virginia University. A faculty of 450 and a staff of 125 are involved in educating and supporting the efforts of more than 6,700 students (nearly one-fourth of the WVU student body) who are majoring in one or more of 63 undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the College’s 16 academic departments and divisions. The College’s academic units and research facilities are housed in 14 buildings on the WVU campus. The Dean’s Office is in historic Woodburn Hall. The College and its Department of Biology also maintain the Core Arboretum, a 75-acre wooded tract adjacent to the Monongahela River.

The College provides the majority of the curriculum for all WVU undergraduates and a wide variety of required and elective courses for the entire student body. Arts and Sciences majors may, with permission, major in more than one discipline, and when appropriate, design highly individualized degree programs.

Eberly College undergraduate degree programs prepare students for many specific professions, while also providing a broad-based education that will remain relevant beyond the first job after graduation. Many Eberly College alumni go on to complete graduate and professional degrees. By providing students with analytic and communication skills, reasoning abilities, and a broad knowledge of the humanities and the behavioral and natural sciences, the Eberly College equips graduates for lifelong learning and prepares them to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world and an increasingly volatile job market.

Admission
While in high school, prospective Mathematics majors should complete at least two years of algebra, a year of geometry, and a half-year of trigonometry. To enroll in a freshman-level mathematics course, a student must demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of this background on the mathematics section of the ACT or SAT, or on the departmental placement examination, or by taking a prerequisite course at WVU.

If University admission requirements are met, a student may be accepted as a Pre-Mathematics major. Upon completion of 58 credit hours, including the calculus sequence and the course that emphasizes proof techniques, with grades of C or better, a student may apply for admission to the Mathematics Program.

Curriculum
Students select either the BA or the BS degree options. To complete the degree requirements for each, a Mathematics major must complete twelve courses, including a three-semester sequence in calculus, courses that emphasize proof techniques, linear algebra, a mathematics course that makes use of computer programs, and a statistics course. Certain other courses are taken, depending on which degree is selected. Two elective upper-level courses are also required.

Course Work

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Opportunites
In 2000, there were about 3,600 jobs with the title mathematician; however, many workers have job titles reflecting their occupation or specialties instead. About 20,000 persons held full-time mathematics faculty positions in colleges and universities in 2000, according to the American Mathematical Society.

Most nonfaculty mathematicians work in government and in service and manufacturing industries. The Department of Defense is the primary federal employer of mathematicians; more than three-fourths of the mathematicians employed by the federal government work for the US Navy, Army, or Air Force.

In the private sector, major employers within service industries include research and testing services, educational services, and computer and data processing services. Within manufacturing, the aircraft, chemicals, and computer and office equipment industries are key employers. Some mathematicians also work for banks, insurance companies, and public utilities. Employment of mathematicians is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.

The number of jobs available for workers whose educational background is solely mathematics is not expected to increase significantly.

Graduate School Opportunities
A master’s degree or a doctoral degree qualifies mathematicians for advanced work in higher positions. After several years, they may head research projects or a research laboratory. With an advanced degree and other necessary qualifications, mathematicians may teach. An undergraduate degree in mathematics can be an outstanding preparation for advanced study in business administration, economics, finance, marketing research, physics, and statistics. WVU offers master’s and doctoral degrees in Mathematics.

Salary Range
According to the 2003 National Association of Colleges and Employers Salary Survey, the average salary for a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or statistics was $52,966.