Mathematics
Chairperson
Claire McAndrew
Professors
Christine Cosgrove
Lucy Dechene
Associate Professors
Gerald Higdon
Claire McAndrew
Mark Snyder
Abdulkeni Zekeria
Assistant Professors
Mary Ann Barbato
Peter Staab
Amy Wangsness
Objectives for the Program in Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics serves all students at the college. Mathematics majors receive a comprehensive foundation in abstract and applied mathematics as preparation for graduate school or a professional career. Minors in Mathematics receive the mathematical foundation needed for advanced work in their major field.
The department also provides non-majors with courses for their major or with courses for their Liberal Arts and Sciences program.
Requirements for the Major in Mathematics
The bachelor of science and the bachelor of arts in Mathematics is comprised of 42 credit hours of course work, including the following requirements:
MATH 2300 Calculus I
MATH 2400 Calculus II
MATH 2500 Introduction to Mathematical Thought
MATH 2600 Linear Algebra
MATH 3300 Calculus III
MATH 3400 Calculus IV
MATH 4300 Abstract Algebra
MATH 3900 Mathematics Seminar
At least 15 additional semester hours of advanced mathematics (3000 or 4000 level, nine of which must be at the 4000 level)
CSC 1500 Computer Science I
Note: MATH 4850, MATH 4860, and MATH 4870 are not advanced mathematics courses.
Graduate courses may be substituted for 4000 level courses. The bachelor of arts degree requires foreign language proficiency at the second year level.
Mathematics majors fulfill the Listening and Speaking requirements of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program by successfully completing one of the following three courses:
SPCH 1000 Introduction to Speech Communication
SPCH 1100 Argumentation and Debate
SPCH 1200 Business and Career Communication
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Initial Teacher Licensure
Students within our Mathematics major can pursue initial licensure as high school Mathematics teachers. This program provides students with both a broad introduction to high school teaching and specific instruction in the theory, research and practice of secondary Mathematics teaching. Students engage in field-based experiences in the school setting supervised by our faculty through on-site pre-practicum experiences coupled with each teaching course and a formal teaching practicum as the capstone experience. This program is nationally accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and boasts graduates working in high schools throughout the region.
Students interested in pursuing Initial Teacher Licensure must apply for formal admission to the program.
For information about undergraduate requirements in teacher preparation, see the section titled: Teacher Preparation Programs (Undergraduate).
Students denied admission to the Practicum can appeal to the appropriate department chair.
Core Courses for Initial Licensure in Mathematics
MATH 2860 Introduction to Secondary School Teaching
MATH 3000 Geometry
ENGL 4700 Teaching Reading and Writing in Middle and Secondary Schools
MATH 4200 Probability and Statistics I
MATH 4850 Special Methods in Mathematics
MATH 4860 Mathematics Practicum in Secondary School
(150 hrs.)
MATH 4870 Mathematics Practicum in Secondary School
(150 hrs.)
SPED 3800 Secondary Program for Adolescents with Special Needs
Post Baccalaureate Program in Mathematics, 8-12
Students who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to become a secondary level (grades 8-12) teacher of Mathematics, may complete a post baccalaureate program that consists of the equivalent of a degree in the subject the individual wishes to teach and 18 credit hours of pedagogical coursework in education.
Students who are interested in the program must meet the following criteria:
- Evidence of a bachelor's degree
- A GPA of 2.8 or better
- Successful completion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure: Communication and Literacy Skills Sub-test
Having met the above criteria, students enrolled in the post-baccalaureate program will be eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. Students enrolled in the program will be counted toward the compensation load of the graduate program chair or GCE advisor. Supervision of practicum and pre-practicum students in this program will count as part of a professor's full-time day load in accordance with the provisions of the day contract, unless the faculty member chooses compensation from GCE.
Once accepted, students will undergo a transcript review by the graduate program chair or undergraduate advisor, as designated by the department and a plan of study will be developed that addresses:
- Courses missing (if applicable) in the subject that are equivalent to the requirements for the major will be determined through a transcript review. Students will complete all requirements of the major and license as identified in the undergraduate program.
- Courses as identified below in the teacher preparation program (pedagogy courses):
When courses are in a student's plan of study, they will complete the plan of study at the undergraduate level, or at the graduate level if the equivalent is offered.
Once the licensure program is completed, students can request admission to the graduate program after completing additional admissions requirements as designated by the department.
Required Education Courses
MATH 2860 Introduction to Secondary Education
ENGL 4700 Teaching Reading and Writing in Middle and Secondary Schools
SPED 3800 Adolescents with Special Needs
MATH 4850 Special Methods in Teaching Math
MATH 4860 Practicum I (150 Hrs.)
MATH 4870 Practicum II (150 Hrs.)
Once a student has completed all requirements for professional and content specific courses, they will be eligible for endorsement in their selected field through Fitchburg State College.
Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics
A minor in Mathematics is comprised of 23 semester hours:
- Eight semester hours of Calculus I and II
- Either Abstract or Linear Algebra
- Four electives:
At most one of Discrete Mathematics, Informal Geometry or Introduction to Mathematical Thought
Three or more mathematics courses at the 3000 or above level, one of which must be at the 4000 level.
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