Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics belongs both to liberal arts and to sciences. Not only is it the language of science (including social science), but it is also studied for its own beauty. It is therefore one of the most vital and lively subjects in the University curriculum. In the technology-oriented climate of today, the department’s graduates have excellent employment opportunities.

Statistics is the discipline that concerns the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data, in the context of uncertainty. Statistics is primarily mathematical in nature but has grown through applications in the social sciences, natural sciences, as well as business and engineering, to become its own separate, though closely allied, field.

Mathematicians and statisticians are in demand, not only in teaching and research of mathematics and statistics, and in the traditional fields of physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering, but also, and increasingly, in business, economics, environmental sciences, geology, biology and the health sciences among others. Students interested in the applications of mathematics and statistics should consider a minor in another discipline or even a double major, and consult the faculty in the relevant departments. Knowledge of computer science is useful for many applications of mathematics and statistics.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics (hereinafter referred to as the department) has programs leading to BA, BS, MA and PhD degrees (MAT and MSEd degrees are offered through the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership). The department offers a BA program in mathematical sciences with three tracks: mathematics, statistics and actuarial science; the challenging BS degree program, with tracks in mathematics and actuarial science, provides excellent preparation for graduate work at any university. Students considering a BS degree should seek advice as early as possible and plan their schedules carefully to meet the demanding requirements.

The department offers a five-year 4+1 program combining a bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences with the Master of Arts in Statistics (MAS) degree.

The department collaborates with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership in offering the five-year 4+1 program leading to a BA in mathematics and an MAT degree in mathematics adolescence education. Other 4+1 programs include one that combines a BA in mathematics with a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and one that combines a bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences with a Master of Business administration (MBA).

The department serves other disciplines by providing instruction in various mathematical and statistical skills. Traditional mathematical preparation for the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, economics, physics and engineering) is provided by MATH 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 230, 304, 323, 324, 327, 371, 375, 471, 478, 479 and other courses. Statistical preparation is provided by MATH 147, 148, 327, 447, 448, 455, 457 and 458, among others.

Note: Math 224 is required for all mathematics and statistics majors. If a student does not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required for the completion of the major.  

Grade Requirements and Prerequisites

  • Any math course in which a student earns a grade of C- or less is not acceptable as a prerequisite for any other course offered by the department unless stated otherwise in the course description.
  • Any math course in which a student earns a grade of C- or less cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the major or minor.
  • Math courses may only be repeated once to meet the above minimum grade requirements for the major. No course for the major may be taken more than twice. Students who fail to receive a grade of C or better after two attempts in a required major course will be dropped from the major. Withdrawals do not count towards the attempt limit. Students who are seniors may petition for an exception to this policy.
  • A pass grade (P) does not count toward the major or minor unless the only grade available is Pass/Fail; in this case, consent of the department is required.
  • A student who has received credit for a course may not take one of its prerequisites for credit at a later time.

Harpur College Requirements

Harpur College students must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed for the major:

  • 126 credits
  • 94 liberal arts and sciences credits
  • Minimum of 46 upper-level credits
  • Completion of the Harpur College writing requirement (four to five courses, as described in the All-College Writing section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin. Maximum of one C/J course and two W courses may be transferred)
  • Minimum of 44 credits in residence in Harpur College
  • 2.0 or higher GPA

Harpur College requirements are described in detail in the Requirements for Graduation section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin.

BA Degree Program in Mathematical Sciences

The BA program in mathematical sciences is highly flexible and allows each student to fashion a course of study to meet his or her individual needs and interests. While there is one major in mathematical sciences, there are three tracks: one in mathematics, one in statistics and one in actuarial science.

Mathematics Track

The BA track in mathematics focuses on fundamental concepts of modern mathematics which form a foundation for many areas of natural sciences and engineering, and increasingly social sciences. Upper-level courses offered in different areas are:

Core Areas:

  • Analysis: 371, 372, 375, 471, 472, 478, 479 and various topics courses
  • Algebra: 401, 402, 404, 407 and various topics courses
  • Geometry/Topology: 461, 463, 465 and various topics courses

Non-Core Areas:

  • Actuarial Science and Statistics: 346, 447, 448, 450, 452, 454, 455, 457, 458, 459, and various topics courses
  • Combinatorics: 381, 386 and various topics courses
  • Computer Science: CS 373, 375, 432, 433, 435, 436, 458, 460, 471, 472 and various topics courses
  • Physics: PHYS 341, 411, 421 and 422
  • Others: 356, 489 and various topics courses

Note that in the department, upper-level courses are defined as MATH courses greater than 330 (instead of 300)

To obtain a BA degree in in mathematical sciences with a mathematics track, a student must complete a minimum of 40 credits of coursework as follows:

  • Calculus and Linear Algebra: MATH 224 and 225, MATH 226 and 227, MATH 323 and 304 (MATH 230, Honors Calculus, can be taken in place of the regular Calculus II sequence: MATH 226 and 227)
  • Number Systems: MATH 330 (it is strongly advised that this course is taken as soon as MATH 227 or MATH 230 is completed)
  • Breadth Requirement (all courses must be numbered above MATH 330):
    • One course in analysis
    • One course in algebra
    • One course in geometry/topology
    • Two additional courses. These two courses may not both be from the same core area
  • Depth Requirement: The choice of courses for the Breadth Requirement above must include a pairing of two courses. These two courses must either be from the same area, listed above, or be from the following list: 478 and 461, 356 and 372, 478 and 463. If five areas are covered in the Breadth Requirement, then the Depth Requirement is eliminated. See the department for the waiver of the Depth Requirement.

Courses not listed above may be counted toward the major. The director of undergraduate studies determines whether they can be counted and to which areas they should be categorized. MATH 449 does not count toward the major. At most one of MATH 471 and 472 can be counted toward the major.

At least three of the required mathematics courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the department.

MATH 478, MATH 401 and MATH 461 rely heavily on a solid foundation built in MATH 330. These courses are most suitable for those who intend to pursue graduate studies in mathematics. It is highly recommended for students who had a difficult experience in MATH 330 to take one to two other upper-level math classes (for example, MATH 375, MATH 371, MATH 404, MATH 407), to sharpen their mathematical skills, before taking these challenging courses.

The 40-credits requirement should be considered a strict minimum. Students are encouraged to take some additional mathematics courses numbered above MATH 330.

The flexibility of the mathematics track of the BA program makes it especially important for the student to get early and regular advice from a faculty advisor. See further comments under the headings Departmental Advising and Mathematics and Computer Science.

Statistics Track

The BA track in statistics is designed to provide a solid mathematical and statistical foundation for a successful career in statistics, data analysis and data science. It offers students the possibility of expanding the interdisciplinary aspect of the program by completing a second major. For example, students may combine statistics with computer science, biology, psychology, economics, accounting, finance, management science or a social science.

To obtain a BA degree in in mathematical sciences with a statistics track, a student must complete 50 credits of coursework as follows:

  • Calculus and Linear Algebra: MATH 224 and 225, MATH 226 and 227, MATH 323 and 304 (MATH 230, Honors Calculus, can be taken in place of the regular Calculus II sequence: MATH 226 and 227) 
  • Number Systems: MATH 330 (it is strongly advised that this course is taken as soon as MATH 227 or MATH 230 is completed)
  • Computing: MATH 329
  • Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics: MATH 447 and 448 (these two courses are the foundation of statistics and are prerequisites for many required courses shown below; it is strongly advised that the student takes MATH 447 as soon as MATH 323 is completed, and takes MATH 448 as soon as MATH 447 and 330 are completed.)
  • Regression and Statistical Learning: MATH 455 and 457
  • Mathematical electives: Two courses from MATH 371, 372, 381, 386, 404, 407, 478, 479 (Students pursuing the SUNY Transfer Path may satisfy one of these courses with Ordinary Differential Equations credits, to meet the Transfer Path requirements.)
  • Other elective: Any additional course from the above list of math electives, or MATH 458, MATH 459, CS 375, CS 471, or statistical graduate courses in the department, or courses from other departments with prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies.

At least five of the required courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the department.

Actuarial Science Track

The BA track in actuarial science is designed to prepare students for an actuarial career. Actuaries analyze and solve complex business and social problems related to insurance and pension plans. Professional advancement results from passing a series of examinations administered by the actuarial societies and by completion of specific courses approved by the actuarial societies. To obtain a BA degree in in mathematical sciences with an actuarial science track, a student must complete 42 credits of coursework in the field of mathematical sciences and two courses in economics as follows:

  • Calculus and Linear Algebra: MATH 224 and 225, MATH 226 and 227, MATH 323 and 304 (MATH 230, Honors Calculus, can be taken in place of the regular Calculus II sequence: MATH 226 and 227) 
  • Number Systems: MATH 330 (it is strongly advised that this course is taken as soon as MATH 227 or MATH 230 is completed)
  • Computing: MATH 329
  • Actuarial foundation courses: MATH 346, 447 and 448 (these courses are prerequisites for many required courses shown below; it is strongly advised that the student takes MATH 447 as soon as MATH 323 is completed, and takes MATH 448 as soon as MATH 447 and 330 are completed.)
  • Actuarial elective courses: two courses from 450, 452, 454, 455, 457 and either 458 or ECON 467
  • Economics: ECON 160, 162

Note: MATH 449 does not count toward the major. At most one of MATH 458 and ECON 467 can be counted toward the major.

At least three of the required courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the department.

MATH 346 is a preparation for the actuarial examination on Financial Mathematics. MATH 450 and 452 cover topics in the actuarial examination on Long-term Actuarial Mathematics (previously the MLC exam). MATH 454 covers the deeper mathematical foundation for the actuarial examination on Investment and Financial Markets. MATH 455, 457 and 458 cover topics in the actuarial examination on Statistics for Risk Modeling. MATH 457 also covers topics in the examination on Predictive Analytics. ECON 160 and 162 fulfill the VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) requirement on economics. MATH 448 fulfills the VEE requirement on mathematical sciences. Students interested in an actuarial career should have knowledge of computer programming equivalent to CS 100 as a minimum, and also take courses in economics and finance. ACCT 211 and FIN 311, offered by the School of Management, fulfill the VEE requirement on accounting and finance; however, neither ACCT 211 nor FIN 311 is required to complete the actuarial science degree. Though ECON 467 can be taken as an alternative to MATH 458, note that ECON 466 is the prerequisite for ECON 467 but it is not required by the actuarial science degree.

BS Degree Program in Mathematical Sciences

There are two tracks to the BS degree: one in mathematics and one in actuarial science.

Mathematics Track

This degree affords excellent preparation for graduate study in mathematics or a related field. A student must complete the following 64 credits of coursework:

  • Calculus and Linear Algebra: MATH 224 and 225, MATH 226 and 227, MATH 323 and 304 (MATH 230, Honors Calculus, can be taken in place of the regular Calculus II sequence: MATH 226 and 227)
  • Number Systems: MATH 330 (it is strongly advised that this course is taken as soon as MATH 227 or MATH 230 is completed)
  • Algebra, Topology and Analysis: MATH 375, 401, either 402 or 404 or 407, 461, 478 and 479
  • Five additional 4-credit courses, chosen from the following: any MATH course numbered above 330, other than 449, including graduate courses; CS 373, 375, 432, 433, 435, 436, 458, 460, 471, 472; PHYS 341, 411, 421 and 422; courses from other departments with prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies. At most three of these five courses may be taken outside the department. Independent study and seminar courses cannot be used to fulfill this requirement without prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies. 

Courses from other departments, transfer courses and independent studies may not be used for more than five courses numbered above MATH 330.

Exceptions to the requirements for the BS degree may, in rare cases, be allowed. They must be approved by the department.

Note: MATH 449 does not count toward the major. At most one of MATH 471 and 472 can be counted toward the major.

Actuarial Science Track 

The BS track in actuarial science is designed to prepare students for an actuarial career. It is a mathematically stronger program than the BA track in actuarial science. It is designed for students who may wish to pursue a graduate degree in actuarial science or related fields. Actuaries analyze and solve complex business and social problems related to insurance and pension plans. Professional advancement in the actuarial field results from passing a series of examinations administered by the actuarial societies and by completion of specific courses approved by the actuarial societies. Students who successfully complete our program should be well prepared to pass some of these exams. To obtain a BS degree in in mathematical sciences with an actuarial science track, a student must complete 58 credits of coursework in the field of mathematics and statistics and four courses in economics as follows:

  • Calculus and Linear Algebra: MATH 224 and 225, MATH 226 and 227, MATH 323 and 304 (MATH 230, Honors Calculus, can be taken in place of the regular Calculus II sequence: MATH 226 and 227)
  • Number Systems: MATH 330 (it is strongly advised that this course is taken as soon as MATH 227 or MATH 230 is completed)
  • Computing: MATH 329
  • Actuarial foundation courses: MATH 346, 447, 448 (these courses are prerequisites for many required courses shown below; it is strongly advised that the student takes MATH 447 as soon as MATH 323 is completed, and takes MATH 448 as soon as MATH 447 and 330 are completed.)
  • Actuarial elective courses: four courses from 450, 452, 454, 455, 457 and either 458 or ECON 467
  • Advanced mathematics courses: two courses from 404, 472, 478 and 479
  • Economics: ECON 160, 162, 360 and 362

Note: MATH 449 does not count toward the major. At most one of MATH 458 and ECON 467 can be counted toward the major.

Courses from other departments, transfer courses and independent studies may not be used for more than five courses numbered above MATH 330.

MATH 346 is a preparation for the actuarial examination on Financial Mathematics. MATH 450 and 452 cover topics in the actuarial examination on Long-term Actuarial Mathematics (previously the MLC exam). MATH 454 covers the deeper mathematical foundation for the actuarial examination on Investment and Financial Markets. MATH 455, 457 and 458 cover topics in the actuarial examination on Statistics for Risk Modeling. MATH 457 also covers topics in the actuarial examination on Predictive Analytics. ECON 160 and 162 fulfill the VEE requirement on economics. MATH 448 fulfills the VEE requirement on mathematical statistics. ACCT 211 and FIN 311, offered by the School of Management, fulfill the VEE requirement on accounting and finance; however, neither ACCT 211 nor FIN 311 is required to complete the actuarial science degree. Though ECON 467 can be taken as an alternative to MATH 458, note that ECON 466 is the prerequisite for ECON 467 but it is not required by the actuarial science degree. Students interested in an actuarial career should have knowledge of computer programming equivalent to CS 100 as a minimum, and also take courses in economics and finance.

Honors in Mathematics

The Undergraduate Committee determines the recipients of departmental honors. Usually, these will be students who are in the BS program and/or have a strong record of success in mathematics, statistics or actuarial science. Final awarding of honors requires satisfactory completion of the student’s final semester courses as determined by the Undergraduate Committee.

Departmental Advising

Students considering a major in mathematical sciences should seek advice from the faculty as early as possible. Every student declaring a mathematical sciences major is assigned a faculty advisor, and should meet regularly with the advisor to discuss course selection and career goals. Students are free to choose another advisor from among the faculty once they get to know the faculty better. In addition, any issue related to the major/minor can be discussed with the director of undergraduate studies. The department also has an advising liaison who can advise students interested in math but has not declared the math major as well as those math majors who are still taking lower-level courses.

Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science in the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a minor program that may be combined with a BA track in Mathematics or a BA track in Statistics to provide a strong background leading to careers in computer science. Both BA tracks are designed to facilitate this combination by allowing up to two computer science courses to be included in the BA track in Mathematics and up to one computer science course in the BA track in Statistics. Students interested in mathematics, statistics, and computer science should also consult with the Department of Computer Science.

Mathematics Minor

A minor in mathematical sciences requires the student to complete, with a grade of C or higher, at least 24 credits from courses numbered above MATH 300, of which at least 12 credits are from courses numbered MATH 330 or above. Transfer and independent study credit may not be used for more than four credits of the latter 12 credits. Harpur College mandates that at least 16 credits for the minor must be in addition to those counted toward fulfillment of the student's major. At most two courses chosen from CS 373, 375, 432, 433, 435, 436, 458, 460, 471, 472, and PHYS 341, 411, 421, 422 may be counted toward the mathematics minor. At most one of these courses can be counted as a course numbered above MATH 330. The use of CS courses is subject to the transfer and independent study restriction. At most one of MATH 447 and 449 may be counted toward the mathematics minor; at most one of MATH 471, 472 may be counted toward the minor; at most one of MATH 324 and 371 may be counted toward the minor. At least eight credits from courses numbered above MATH 330 must be taken from the department. Students interested in pursuing a mathematics minor should consult with the director of undergraduate studies.

List of Faculty