Type of Degree

B.S.MSC.

School or College

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Area of Study

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Program Format

On-campus, Full-time

Credit hours to graduate

A minimum of 120 credits

The flexible mathematics curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in mathematics that allows a student to experience the broad sweep of mathematical ideas and techniques, to utilize the computer in mathematics, and to develop an area of special interest.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is our most extensive program, complemented with study in an allied field using mathematics in its applications.

Furthermore, individuals trained in the mathematical sciences have many opportunities to use their knowledge. Mathematics and statistics majors are equally well-prepared for jobs in business, industry, government, or teaching and for advanced study in graduate school. For example, UVM mathematics and statistics graduates are often employed in the computer, information, and communications industries, in engineering, in the insurance business, in government agencies, and in a variety of other occupations. Many attend graduate school in the mathematical sciences, business, the physical sciences, social sciences, medicine, dentistry, or law.

B.S. in Mathematics (UVM Catalogue)

Curriculum

Mathematics Curricular Themes

Mathematics and statistics permeate modern life. The study of these subjects leads to the acquisition of new knowledge, new skills and a new language for communication. Below we outline the general curricular themes we see as common to all of our programs. Precise learning outcomes that are consistent with these themes and that are feasible to evaluate have been incorporated into our departmental learning outcomes.

Universality: We hope to impart an appreciation for the power, beauty and breadth of mathematics and statistics. On one extreme, theoretical mathematics and statistics are beautiful subjects that require strong skills in critical and abstract thinking. The simple abstract concepts that arise in these subjects, such as a vector or a rate of change, have been applied to the immeasurable benefit of society in all areas of human endeavors. These applied areas serve to motivate and inspire new theoretical research.

Communication: Effective communication is an essential skill in all parts of life, from the person to the professional and from the humanities to the sciences. Practicing precision and clarity in effective mathematical communication, both verbally and visually, is excellent training for oral and written communications in all fields.

Problem solving: Solving a problem, whether in mathematics and statistics or elsewhere, requires a clear delineation of the problem, requisite knowledge, relevant skills and creativity.

Computational skills: Computing, grounded in paper-and-pencil work, runs the gamut from order-of-magnitude estimates in one’s head to the ability to use a computer to provide insight into a problem. These skills are especially important in those disciplines more directed toward modeling.

Curriculum checksheets (CEMS student services)


The core curriculum, major and ancillary courses, and related requirements are detailed in the UVM Undergraduate Catalogue.

 

Outcomes

Mathematics Learning Outcomes (Major in Mathematics, B.S. in Mathematical Sciences):

Writing: Graduates should be able to write clearly and precisely about quantitative topics.

Computing: Graduates should be able to perform college-level mathematical computations on a computer.

Construction: Graduates should be able to construct a logically rigorous proof as well as to recognize flaws in a poorly constructed proof.

Concepts: Students graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics should also demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts from analysis and abstract algebra. (Specifically, students should demonstrate an understanding of continuity, convergence, metrics and limits from analysis as well as the basic structure of groups, rings and fields from algebra.)