Undergraduate
Mathematics at
Penn State
University
First Things First…
Welcome!
We are truly glad you could visit
our campus and our department
today!
About Our Department
Who we are…
~60 tenure/tenure-track faculty
~25 instructors and lecturers
~80 graduate students
~190 undergraduate mathematics majors
About Our Department
Internationally-recognized research in…
• Algebra and Number Theory
• Computational and Applied Mathematics
• Dynamics and Geometry
• Fluid Mechanics (Pritchard Laboratory)
• Geometry and Mathematical Physics
• Geometric Functional Analysis
• Mathematical Logic
• Partial Differential Equations
Undergraduate Math at PSU
Penn State offers two degrees in
mathematics at the undergraduate level:
• Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
Undergraduate Math at PSU
Seven options within the B.S. degree in
mathematics
Every option consists of …
• Major Requirements - common to all
• Option Requirements - vary by option
• General Education Requirements
Undergraduate Math at PSU
The seven options under the B.S. degree in
mathematics are:
• Actuarial Mathematics
• Applied Analysis
• Computational Mathematics
• General Mathematics
• Graduate Study
• Systems Analysis
• Teacher Certification
Example First Semester Schedule
• First Year Seminar (1 cr.)
• MATH 140 or MATH 141 (4 cr.)
• English 015 (3 cr.)
• Foreign Language or General Education
Course (3-4 cr.)
• PSYCH 100 (if interested in teaching) or
ECON 002 (if interested in Actuarial or
Systems Analysis Option) (3 cr.)
Foreign Language Policy
• All options except for the Teacher
Certification option have a Level 002
language requirement.
• If you have studied the same language for
four or more years in high school, then
this requirement is waived.
• If you have studied two or three years of
the same language in high school, you will
be placed into Level 002 of that language.
Advanced Placement Credit
• If you receive a grade of 4 or 5 on the
Calculus AB exam or a grade of 3 on the
Calculus BC exam, you receive credit for
MATH 140.
• If you receive a grade of 4 or 5 on the
Calculus BC exam, you receive credit for
MATH 140 and 141.
Your Academic “Package”
• Concurrent Major
• Minor(s)
• Cooperative Education or Internship
www.science.psu.edu/coop/
Your Academic “Package”
• Study Abroad
www.science.psu.edu/scienceabroad
• Math Undergraduate Research
www.math.psu.edu/ug/curm/
• MASS Program
www.math.psu.edu/mass/
Your Academic “Package”
• Join the Math Club
www.clubs.psu.edu/up/math/
• Be a math tutor, grader, or exam proctor
(for pay!)
• Participate in other clubs or activities
Careers in Mathematics
A math major is a doorway to many
different careers!
Some informational resources …
• Dr. Sellers’ Career Website
www.math.psu.edu/UG/careers.htm
• MBNA Career Services
www.sa.psu.edu/career
Several Career Examples
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Research Mathematician
College Professor
High School Teacher
Actuary
Statistician
Research Scientist
Software Analyst
Computer Programmer
Financial Planner
Stockbroker
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Cryptoanalyst
Mortgage Broker
Data Analyst
Technical Writer
Insurance Broker
Budget Analyst
Operations Research
Analyst
• Information Scientist
• IRS investigator
Contact Information
If at any time you have further questions
about our program …
• Contact us at undergrad@math.psu.edu
• Call our Undergraduate Mathematics
Office at 814-865-7528
• Visit our website at www.math.psu.edu