Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics BA - General Study in Mathematics Concentration


Are you captivated by the beauty of patterns and intrigued by the inherent logic of the universe? If so, mathematics may be the perfect choice. By immersing yourself in mathematics, you can unlock the power to decipher the secrets of nature, develop technology, and comprehend the interconnectedness of the world around us. Mathematics underpins everything from encrypting messages and predicting climate change to medical imaging, machine learning and much more. Whether you dream of unraveling the mysteries of the universe or utilizing mathematical models to shape the future, a mathematics degree gives you the flexibility to make a meaningful impact.

Visit the Mathematics academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Mathematics department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Mathematics BA - General Study in Mathematics Concentration will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Additional Course Requirements (9-12 credits)


  • One 300/400 level Mathematics course
  • Two 300/400 level Mathematics or Computer Science courses

Notes: 

  • Any 300/400-level MTH course, except for MTH 417  or MTH 399 MTH 495 -MTH 499 , which is not already being used towards another major requirement, is acceptable.
  • Any 300 or 400 level CSE courses, except for CSE 492  and CSE 494 -CSE 496 , are also approved.  
  • For these purposes, STA 301  and STA 301  is considered equivalent to MTH 411 , and hence as a 400 level MTH course. Likewise, STA 302  and STA 302  is considered equivalent to MTH 412 .
  • No other non-MTH courses can be used towards this requirement. MTH 431 -MTH 432  and MTH 419 -MTH 420  are designed for students who want intensive preparation in analysis and modern algebra, and are not good choices to just fill out a schedule.       

Total Credits Required for Major: 53-56


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


Continuation in the major will be contingent on completing MTH 141  MTH 142  and MTH 241   (or Honors equivalent or transfer-equivalent courses), with a 2.500 GPA or higher. Students with a Calculus GPA below 2.500 may be eligible for provisional admission. Contact 716-645-8785 or math-undergrad@buffalo.edu to make an advising appointment.

Transfer Credit Policy

All UB Mathematics majors must complete at least four upper-division mathematics courses, numbered 311-489, excluding MTH 323 MTH 326 , and MTH 399 , at UB. 

Program Honors and Program Distinction


Majors are eligible for Program Honors upon completion of an honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students typically complete MTH 499  in the fall semester and MTH 497  in the spring semester, although the timing is flexible and students may complete the thesis before their last semester. Students must also meet the remaining Program Honors criteria outlined in the Academic Honors policy

Majors who do not pursue a thesis but have exceptional grades are eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. These criteria are also found in the Academic Honors policy.

Students who successfully complete Program Honors and meet the criteria will have the appropriate notation on their official transcript. Program Distinction is also noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 13 or 14


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 16 or 17


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 14


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Third Year Spring


Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Fall


  • MTH or CSE 300/400 Elective Credits: 3
  • MTH 300/400 Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


  • MTH or CSE 300/400 Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


By the time of graduation, students majoring in mathematics should have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

1. Proficiency in basic computational methods in calculus, algebra, and differential equations.

2. Facility with computer-aided computations.

3. The ability to write clear and rigorous mathematical proofs.  

4. The ability to apply mathematical modeling to problems arising in other disciplines.

5. A basic understanding of methods and the subject matter of various mathematical disciplines.


 

(HEGIS: 17.01 MATHEMATICS- GENERAL, CIP27.0101 Mathematics, General)