Overview of the Undergraduate Programs
There are three PROGRAMS leading to a BA or BS = (BA plus two extra upper level courses). These are summarized below. For more detailed information see the Undergraduate Handbook.

In addition, the Department offers a minor. It is especially easy to do a double major, or major/minor combination in Mathematics, with Statistics/Actuarial Science or with Computer Science because of the number of their courses that count towards a Mathematics degree. 

• PROGRAM A is the traditional and most general degree.  This PROGRAM is extremely flexible. One student might take electives specifically preparing for graduate work in math, while another might take courses emphasizing tools for applications, including 22C: (Computer Science) and 22S: (Statistics and Actuarial Science) electives.

• PROGRAM B serves the math majors who are preparing for secondary school teaching.  This is a carefully designed program enabling students to satisfy the State of Iowa requirements for Secondary Teaching Certification, as well as College of Education and Department of Mathematics requirements. After completing at least 30 semester hours of college credit, including two semesters of calculus (and with satisfactory GPA), a student applies for admission to the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education. The student continues to be advised jointly by Mathematics and Education faculty. In addition to mathematics courses, TEP students take specified courses in Education and can select liberal arts GE courses to meet other State requirements. However, a student may pursue PROGRAM B without being admitted to the TEP.

• PROGRAM C is designed for students who want a degree in mathematics with a clear specialization in some area of application. The key is that certain courses in the area of application are counted towards the Mathematics degree. (This also facilitates double majors or major/minor combinations.)  Students can focus on areas for which templates already have been designed (Optimal Business Decision Making, Economics, Physics, Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Statistics/Actuarial Science) or propose new ones. In consultation with a Mathematics faculty advisor, the student prepares a program of studies tailor-made to her/his future plans or career needs.  The proposed program of studies must be approved by the Director of the Undergraduate Program and the Mathematics Department Undergraduate Committee. A request form must be filed with the departmental office.

Last updated by K. Voss on 1/31/07.