Mathematical Sciences (BS, BA, minor)

Program Overview

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Binghamton University offers courses and programs in mathematics, statistics and actuarial science. The main areas of concentration in the department are algebra, analysis, combinatorics, geometry/topology and statistics.

The department offers both a flexible curriculum that allows students to construct a course of study that aligns with their own interests and goals, as well as a more intensive theoretical curriculum designed to be especially useful for students who wish to pursue graduate study in mathematics and statistics. The department also offers tracks in actuarial science that provide strong preparation for an actuarial career.

Degrees Offered

• BS in Mathematical Sciences
• BA in Mathematical Sciences
• BA in Mathematical Sciences: Actuarial Sciences
• BS in Mathematical Sciences: Actuarial Sciences
• BA in Mathematical Sciences: Statistics

Minors

• Mathematical Sciences

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers students the potential to engage in research with professors whose research interests cover a range of topics.

There is an undergraduate Math Club and the Binghamton Association For Women in Mathematics (BingAWM). Actuarial students participate in the Undergraduate Actuarial Association.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• MATH 224 - Differential Calculus

  This is a 2-credit course in differential calculus covering limits, continuity, and differentiation. Prerequisites: MATH 223 with a grade of C- or better, or Placement Exam. Offered each half semester. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 225 - Integral Calculus

  This is a 2-credit course in integral calculus covering optimization and integration. Prerequisites: MATH 224 with a grade of C- or better. Offered 2nd half of fall semester and both half semesters of spring semester. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 226 - Integration Tech & Application

  This is a 2-credit course covering the calculus of transcendental & inverse functions, L’Hospital’s Rule, integral techniques, improper integrals, calculus of parametric curves, and polar coordinates. Prerequisites: Math 225 with a grade of at least a C- or consent of instructor. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 227 - Infinite Series

  This is a 2-credit course covering sequences, series, power series, and Taylor series. Prerequisites: Math 226 with a grade of at least a C- or consent of instructor. 2 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 230 - Honors Calculus

  Honors calculus covers the standard curriculum of calculus 1 and 2, such as continuity, derivatives, integrals, infinite sequences and series, and the standard transcendental functions. However, in honors calculus we focus on carefully and conceptually understanding all the definitions, theorems and techniques. In particular, instead of focusing on computations, we emphasize proofs and rigor and students taking honors calculus are expected to understand and write proofs. Furthermore, in addition to the standard curriculum, we will cover more advanced material not usually covered in an elementary calculus course. Prerequisites: Credit for calculus 1 and a strong record of excellent performance in mathematics courses. As a minimum, new freshman students should have a score of 5 on the AP calculus (AB) exam, a score of 4 or 5 on the AP calculus (BC) exam, or a score of 6 or 7 on the IB Math HL, or a grade of B or better in a Calculus 1 course taken at a college while in high school; existing and transfer students with a good grade in Calculus 1 (such as A- or A) are welcome to take 230 and should receive consent of the instructor. Offered every fall. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 304 - Linear Algebra

  Vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, characteristic values, inner products. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 225. Every semester. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• MATH 323 - Calculus III

  Calculus of functions of several variables. Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH 227 or MATH 230, or consent of instructor. Every semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• MATH 330 - Number Systems

  Careful discussion of the real numbers, the rational numbers and the integers, including a thorough study of induction and recursion. Countable and uncountable sets. The methodology of mathematics: basic logic, the use of quantifiers, equivalence relations, sets and functions. Methods of proof in mathematics. Training in how to discover and write proofs. Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 227 or MATH 230, or consent of instructor. Every semester. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

Students who major in Mathematical Sciences gain mathematical reasoning and analytical skills that are beneficial in a broad range of careers. For example, in addition to educators (teachers and professors) at all levels, mathematics majors can pursue careers in data analysis, software development, national security, medicine and scientific research.

Mathematical Sciences majors who specialize in actuarial science commonly find employment within insurance companies, consulting firms, federal and state insurance departments, universities, banks, investment firms, large corporations and public accounting firms.

Visit the American Mathematical Society to learn more about potential career paths for mathematics majors. Visit the American Statistical Association to learn more about potential career paths for statistics majors. Visit the Society of Actuaries to learn more about potential career paths for actuarial science majors.

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!