MATHEMATICS

College of Science and Mathematics

DEGREE PROGRAMS

The Department of Mathematics is fast evolving into one of the premier centers in the Southeast for mathematics research and education. By combining a comprehensive education in mathematics with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, we provide a variety of educational experiences in pure, applied and computational mathematics. Exciting research and educational opportunities are available through the department’s Research Initiatives in Industrial and Applied Mathematics, which is transferring the results of innovative mathematics research directly into the industrial setting.

Mathematics majors have access to excellent library and computing facilities. The Mathematics library houses some 20,000 volumes in spacious modern facility. In addition, the department operates the Mathematics and Statistics Computation Center, which houses state-of-the-art systems and individual workstations. Access is also provided, via the campus network, to the University’s Intel Paragon A4 supercomputerstate-of-the-art numerical computational and graphical visualization resources.

Undergraduate: The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The major is completed with 128 semester hours of overall course work. In addition, each student must complete a cognate (12 hours) or minor (18 hours) of integrated courses in another discipline. Mathematics majors select one of five tracksemphases: General Mathematics – requires 24 semester hours of mathematics courses beyond calculus (comprising the required core of 15 credits and 9 credits of mathematics electives). Mathematics Education – Leads to a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, with a 12-semester-hour education cognate. SC certification in Secondary Education can be earned after completing the Master of Arts inTeaching Degree Program in Secondary Education. Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics – Actuarial science involves the use of mathematical and statistical analysis for insurance and risk management. This emphasis supplements the traditional mathematics degree with extensive course offerings from statistics, finance, and management science. This program prepares students for successful completion of the initial Society of Actuaries professional exams and a career in the actuarial sciences. Applied Mathematics – Offers specialization in applied or computational math. A one semester-hour computational lab is added to the 15-credit core and the 9 credits of mathematics electives required inare selected from such disciplines as numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, optimization, and partial differential equations. Applied Mathematics majors are encouraged to select a cognate in computer science or statistics. Intensive Mathematics – Requires 36 semester hours of advanced math courses beyond calculus, including full-year sequences in algebra and analysis. This program is designed to prepare students for graduate study in mathematics.

Graduate: Graduate studies in math lead to the Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Mathematics, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Advanced students may obtain both the BS and MS degrees in a five-year accelerated program of study.

CURRICULUM

Studies in mathematics will be structured around courses that fulfill requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences and Math, courses that make up the major, and electives. The first two years will concentrate on general education requirements such as English, history, foreign languages, fine arts, and laboratory sciences. Students must also complete five core courses in abstract algebra, discrete math, differential equations, linear algebra, differential equations, abstract algebra, and mathematical analysis. A three-semester calculus sequence and introductory courses in computer science and statistics are pre-major requirements.

FACULTY

The Department of Math has attracted many distinguished faculty members to its ranks. Their research projects encompass an array of topics of current interest and have brought local, national and international recognition to the University. As a result, the collaboration between University and industry researchers is expanding rapidly. The department hosts frequent visits by distinguished researchers from other institutions in the US and abroad. Faculty will also advise you on an appropriate program of study, relevant extracurricular activities, and career planning.

CAREERS IN MATHEMATICS

Mathematics graduates find a variety of employment opportunities in wide-ranging career fields. Many positions require some graduate study. Some of the areas include computer industries, computer-aided manufacturing and design, mathematical/statistical data analysis and processing, teaching, financial industries, computer industries, computer-aided manufacturing and design, defense industries, engineering firms, research laboratories, and federal, state and local agencies at all levels and teaching.

Department Highlights

Ø Statistical Profile ranks the Department of Mathematics as the top teaching department among all academic departments in the former College of Science and Mathematics.

Ø The Industrial Mathematics Institute (IMI) exists within the Department of Mathematics to foster advanced research in areas having potential for industrial application and to facilitate the transfer of research results and expertise between academic and industrial sectors. The research initiatives of the IMI have attracted multi-agency funding and international attention.

Ø The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education has cited graduate programs in the College for “meritorious excellence”.

Ø The University is rated among the “best buys” in education in the country.

Ø Located in the capital city of South Carolina, the University offers students excellent opportunities for employment, recreation and entertainment.

PLANNING YOUR CAREER

The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and increasing your marketability upon graduation. Job search, job placement, and seminars on resume writing and interviewing are just a few of the services offered by the center free of charge. Hundreds of employers and graduate schools recruit on the University campus each year. For additional information, please call the center at (803) 777-7280.

CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT

Department of Mathematics- Le Conte College

Tel: (803) 777-5313 Fax: (803) 777-3783 WWW: http://www.math.sc.edu/

PLAN A VISIT TO USC

For further information about the

University and its academic programs,

Pplease contact:

Office of Admissions

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC 29208

(803) 777-7700 or (800) 868-5USC

E-mail: admissions-ugrad@sc.edu

Web-site: www.sc.edu

To schedule a campus tour, please contact:

Mathematics

(LeConte College)

call

Admissions Office

The USC Visitor Center at:

(803) 777-0169 or (800) 922-9755

E-mail: visitor@sc.edu

Web site: www.sc.edu/visitor

The University of South Carolina provides equal opportunity and affirmative action in education and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The

University of South Carolina has designated as the ADA Title II, Section 504 and Title IX coordinator the Executive Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity Programs. The Office of the Executive Assistant to the President for

Equal Opportunity Programs is located in suite 405 of 900 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC; telephone 803-777-3854. 99401 University Publications 05/200510/99