Mathematics, Pre-College Mathematics Teaching Concentration (BS in Mathematics)
Mathematics Major
The study of mathematics is motivated by its wide applicability and its intrinsic beauty. Mathematical theories often grow out of problems that appear in the physical and biological sciences, engineering, economics, finance and the social sciences. The mathematics program at William and Mary allows students to design a major based on their own interests and career goals and prepares students for post-baccalaureate employment and for further study of mathematical sciences and related disciplines. There are four concentrations within the major - the Standard Concentration, the Applied Mathematics Concentration, the Pre-College Mathematics Teaching Concentration, and the Statistics Concentration. Study options include applied and pure mathematics, operations research, statistics, and teaching at the elementary or secondary level. Students can also design elective programs needed for careers in actuarial science and industrial mathematics, for interdisciplinary work in fields such as economics, business and social sciences, or for graduate studies.
Information about the mathematics major, career choices and appropriate courses of study is available from the department’s academic advisors and the Office of Career Services as well as informally from the mathematics faculty.
Enriching the Mathematics Major
The requirements described below are the minimal requirements for the mathematics major, and most mathematics majors take courses beyond that minimum. Students wishing to obtain a deeper understanding of mathematics (e.g., in preparation for graduate school) should take additional upper-division courses. Second courses to make year-long sequences in linear algebra, analysis, abstract algebra, numerical analysis, statistics, or operations research are particularly recommended.
The Pre-College Mathematics Teaching Concentration
This concentration is designed for students seeking certification as pre-college mathematics teachers. The major requirements of this concentration are:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A Core Consisting Of | ||
| MATH 109 & 109L | Linear Algebra and Computational Linear Algebra Lab | 4 |
| MATH 111 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or MATH 131 | Calculus I for Life Sciences | |
| MATH 112 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH 132 | Calculus II for Life Sciences | |
| MATH 212 | Introduction to Multivariable Calculus | 3-4 |
| or MATH 213 | Multivariable Calculus for Science and Mathematics | |
| MATH 214 | Foundations of Math | 3 |
| Major Writing Requirement 1 | 1-6 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Mathematical Sciences Writing (with C- or higher) | ||
| Mathematical Connections | ||
| Honors and Honors (with C- or higher) | ||
| Computer Proficiency Requirements | ||
| CSCI 141 | Modern Programming Fundamentals | 4 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 302 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 307 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 307H | Honors Abstract Algebra | |
| MATH 316 | Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry | 3 |
| MATH 323 | Operations Research: Deterministic Models | 3 |
| MATH 351 | Probability and Statistics for Scientists | 3 |
| MATH 412 | Intro Number Theory | 3 |
| Select at least one additional three-credit upper-division mathematics course 2 | 3 | |
| EDUC 301 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| or EDUC 310 | Social, Philosophical, Cultural & Historical Foundations of American Education | |
| Total Hours | 47-53 | |
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MATH 400 or MATH 495/496 will also count as the student’s COLL 400 requirement. For MATH 400, the student just needs to register for this course.
A student should only choose MATH 300, if that student is taking the COLL 400 requirement in another department (through an honors thesis or otherwise). For MATH 300 or MATH 495/496, the student should first communicate with a faculty member about supervising the honors thesis or writing project. The student can then register for the course in a section corresponding to the faculty member who has agreed to supervise the student.
Note that the MATH 400 option above is a standard course which meets regularly, while the other two options are individually supervised and do not have a lecture component. For students In the Pre-College Mathematics Teaching Concentration, the writing requirement must incorporate some element of the history of mathematics.
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(unless MATH 495 Honors-MATH 496 Honors Honors is completed as the writing requirement), not including MATH 400 Mathematical Connections or a MATH course counted as the COLL 400 requirement.
Additional Information
The department chair may authorize variations in the requirements for this concentration for individual students. In particular, MATH 451 Probability-MATH 452 Mathematical Statistics may replace MATH 351 Probability and Statistics for Scientists (along with the additional upper-division course). Mathematics courses from other institutions (other than Study Abroad), taken after matriculation at William & Mary, cannot transfer for credit towards a Mathematics major. Note that in the major writing requirement discussed above, some element of the history of mathematics must be incorporated. Additional education courses and a student teaching requirement are needed for a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. It is important for students to contact the School of Education very early in order to ensure the completion of all requirements.
Advanced Standing
Entering students may receive credit for mathematics courses through AP or IB and transfer credit. In each of the mathematics major concentrations, well-prepared students may begin their studies beyond MATH 111 Calculus I without receiving credit for earlier courses listed in the core requirements section of each concentration. Each skipped course for which the student does not receive credit must be replaced by an additional three-credit 300-400 level mathematics course.