Information Sciences and Technology for Mathematics, Minor

Program Code: ISMTH_UMNR

Program Description

The interaction between Information Sciences and Mathematics will continue developing in remarkable new directions. Mathematical scientists enormously benefit from information technology in the performance of research, in communicating and disseminating scientific information and results, as well as in career environments involving data analysis and management. Mathematicians also contribute to making inroads toward the development of new information technologies. Information sciences and technology are already playing a very important role in mathematical education, at all levels, and will experience an overwhelming increase in the near future. Giving undergraduate mathematics students the opportunity to minor in IST will not only enrich their educational achievements but it will also help them succeed in the employment searches.

What is Information Sciences Technology and Mathematics?

Mathematical scientists utilize and benefit from information technology while conducting research, communicating and disseminating scientific information and results, as well as in career environments involving data analysis and management. Mathematicians also contribute to development of new information technologies. This minor in IST provides undergraduate mathematics students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of information science technology and its use and intersection with mathematics.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You like mathematics and want to learn more about information science and technology.
  • You want to develop strong problem-solving skills, comprehension of abstract concepts, and creative thinking ability.
  • You want mathematics and information science and technology to complement your study of other subjects.

Entrance to Minor

Students must apply for entrance to the minor no later than the beginning of their senior year.

Program Requirements

Requirement Credits
Requirements for the Minor 18

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 110Information, People and Technology Keystone/General Education Course3
IST 210Organization of Data3
IST 220Networking and Telecommunications3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select three of the following 400-level mathematics courses:9
Numerical Computations
Introduction to Mathematical Logic
Number Theory
Factorization and Primality Testing
Mathematical Coding Theory

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Undergraduate Mathematics Office
Academic Advising

104 McAllister Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7528
undergrad@math.psu.edu

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
104 McAllister Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7528
undergrad@math.psu.edu

https://science.psu.edu/math