Mathematics, Minor (Science)

Program Code: MATH_UMNR

Program Description

The minor is designed to provide students with an interest in mathematics an opportunity to study a broad range of mathematical topics. The requirements allow students a great deal of flexibility in choosing courses of interest.

What is Mathematics?

The study of mathematics emphasizes careful problem analysis, precision of thought and expression, and the development of mathematical skills needed for work in many other areas. Theoretical mathematicians increase basic knowledge in "pure" fields like abstract algebra, analysis, or topology. Applied mathematicians use tools growing out of calculus, analysis, computing, statistics, and operations research to solve problems in science, industry, government, and other areas.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You like mathematics, like to think, like a challenge, and like to know why things are true.
  • You want to develop strong problem-solving skills, comprehension of abstract concepts, and creative thinking ability.

Program Requirements

Requirement Credits
Requirements for the Minor 26-28

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
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6-8 credits of the following:6-8
Matrices Keystone/General Education Course
Calculus and Vector Analysis
Calculus of Several Variables
Integral Vector Calculus
Ordinary Differential Equations
Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Elementary Combinatorics
Concepts of Discrete Mathematics
Concepts of Real Analysis
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits of 400-level MATH courses12

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

Altoona

Michael D. Weiner
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Hawthorn Building 115
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5558
mdw8@psu.edu

Harrisburg

Thang Bui, Ph.D.
Program Chair
Olmsted Building, W255a
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6088
flv@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

Altoona

DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
Hawthorn Building 115
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5558
mdw8@psu.edu

https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/mathematics/request-information

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Olmsted Building, W255
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6081
jmb84@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/mathematics-minor