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Michael Shoushani, Chair shoushanim@wcsu.edu Higgins Hall 101K, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8745 (203) 837-8289 (fax)
Stavros Christofi, Assoc. Chair christofis@wcsu.edu Higgins Hall 101N, Midtown Campus (203) 837-9351 (203) 837-8289 (fax)
Cathy Desisto, Department Secretary desistoc@wcsu.edu Higgins Hall Office Suite 101 Reception, Midtown Campus (203) 837-9299 (203) 837-8289 (fax)
Faculty
D. Burns S. Christofi, Assoc. Chair (Sab. Spring 2023) B. Hall S. Hayes P. Maida C. Rocca M. Shoushani, Chair X. Wang
Adjunct Faculty
Overview
In the exciting, technologically advanced, and dynamic age we live in, mathematics has become one of the primary players in developing useful solutions to practical problems, receiving its rightful recognition as one of the foundational components of basic and scientific research, discovery, development, and innovation.
Employers from businesses and government agencies to schools and foundations understand more and more the benefits of hiring an employee with quantitative competencies able to think abstractly, critically, and problem-solve — an employee with the skills that mathematics teaches.
Math Students at WCSU may choose major options in pure or applied mathematics or math education and are challenged to gain mastery in a variety of mathematical areas while fulfilling all requirements of a liberal arts education. The B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics as well as the B. S. in Secondary Education – Mathematics weave career applications into the curriculum. All programs are flexible and up-to-date.
Students have the opportunity to pursue their particular mathematical interests by working closely with Western’s dedicated mathematics professors on independent research projects. These may be in such diverse areas as analytical and numerical methods for partial differential equations, combinatorics, actuarial math, axiomatic set theory, cryptology, data science and machine learning, wavelets, topological measure theory, scientific computing, 3-D printing and more.
For students who plan to continue with graduate studies in mathematics, applied mathematics or a related field, as well as those who look forward to beginning a career upon graduation, studying mathematics at Western will provide the knowledge and skills required to achieve success.
Mission
It is the mission of the mathematics department to contribute to our society’s mathematical competency in a manner consistent with the university’s mission. To accomplish this, the department has defined its goals for the following three constituencies.
University Mathematics Testing and Placement Program
All students admitted to the university are assigned mathematics placement prior to registration. A placement test is available for those students placed into developmental math in the Math Emporium, but wish to place higher. The purpose of the placement/testing is to determine whether the student possesses the basic quantitative skills needed for success in college-level quantitative studies.
If the student requires additional work in the skills area (SAT below 570), placement will be in MAT 098 Elementary Algebra, MAT 100P Intermediate Algebra Plus or MAT 100 Intermediate Mathematics. Otherwise, the student may opt for any general education course appropriate to the student’s educational goals. Students wishing to register for Calculus must have an SAT score of 620 or above. A 3, or higher, in AP Calculus AB allows a student to earn credit for Calculus I MAT 181. Detailed information regarding placement testing and placement levels can be found on the departmental website (http://www.wcsu.edu/math/placement-testing/ ).
Instruction in MAT 098, MAT 100 and MAT 100P
MAT 098, MAT 100 and 100P are taught following the Emporium Model of instruction. Traditional lecture methods are reduced and the emphasis is placed on individual work and one-on-one help from an instructor or teaching assistant. The text, homework assignments and course exam preparations are part of an online delivery system. Exams, including the final, are given as traditional paper and pencil tests. This should not be confused with an online class as daily attendance is required. Students use a required software program, ALEKS, Assessment and E-Learning in Knowledge Spaces, that guides them to the necessary videos, learning content and required practice assignments needed during the learning process. Meeting weekly assignment goals as well as the completion of the periodic progress checks and self-assessments are mandatory and are incorporated into the student’s final grade. These courses are designed to have the student constantly engaged in the learning process using adaptive learning technologies. A professor and/or teaching assistants are always present during the lab’s open hours and available to teach/help/guide a student when needed, but there is little “Chalk and Talk” in the traditional sense.
Thomas Grant, Math Emporium Coordinator granttt@wcsu.edu Higgins Hall 122A, Midtown Campus (203) 837-9370 (203) 837-8289 (fax)
Learning Outcomes – B.A. in Mathematics
At the completion of their B.A. in Mathematics:
For those completing a BS in Secondary Education, students will demonstrate competence in the 16 standards for preparation of mathematics teachers as set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. These standards are:
More information about specific indicators can be found on the Math department website at www.wcsu.edu/math.
Learning Outcomes: B.S. In Applied and Computational Mathematics
The BS in Applied and Computational Math program will graduate students who will:
For recommended 4-year plans, please refer to https://www.wcsu.edu/math/bachelor-of-science-in-applied-and-computational-mathematics/ and Scroll down to Four Year Plan of Study.
Degree Programs in Mathematical Sciences
Bachelor of Arts Mathematics
Bachelor of Science Applied and Computational Mathematics with options in:
Mathematics of Data Science and Machine Learning Applied Differential Equation and Scientific Computing Actuarial Science
Secondary Education: Mathematics (in collaboration with the Education and Educational Psychology Department)
Minor Programs Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (B.A.)
Description: Graduates of the mathematics program will be prepared for the exciting, technologically advanced, and dynamic age we live in, where mathematics has become one of the primary players in developing useful solutions to practical problems, receiving its rightful recognition as one of the foundational components of discovery and innovation. Employers understand the benefits of hiring employees with quantitative competencies able to think abstractly, critically, and problem-solve — an employee with the skills that mathematics teaches.
Degree Requirements All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 45 SH.
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2223/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Mathematics Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*Students who completed 3 years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average do not have to complete a foreign language. All students must complete the Intercultural Competency requirement. Foreign languages satisfy the intercultural competency requirement.
Mathematics of Data Science and Machine Learning Option:
Description: The BS in Applied & Computation Math (ACM) prepares students for myriad career opportunities as well as graduate study. This program emphasizes applied learning experiences in which students pursue research and/or participate in an internship, connecting their work to real world problems.
Required Courses in the Major: 66 SH.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS ACM: Data Science & Machine Learning Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
(OR Approved Internship)
† Student must take at least one of these two (2) courses
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 64 SH.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS ACM: App Diff Eq & Scientific Computing, CHEM Sequence Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS ACM: App Diff Eq & Scientific Computing, MTR Sequence Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
OR Senior Thesis)
All degree at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS ACM: Actuarial Science Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
† Student must take at least one of these three (3) courses.
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – Mathematics (B.S.)
Description: This degree provides a math/education curriculum that imparts a broad base of knowledge about mathematics, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others.
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH) that include major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: Math 43 SH, Cert 35 SH
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Education: Math Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
* The BS Secondary Ed: Mathematics requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course.
See the Department of Education and Educational Psychology within the School of Professional Studies.
Minor in Mathematics (at least 17 SH)
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses (8 SH): Mat 171 Calculus I with Review OR MAT 181 Calculus I MAT 182 Calculus II
Three (3) approved MAT electives (9-12 SH): Courses selected with approval of Mathematics advisor
In addition, the student must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or better in the courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.
