2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Mathematics - Program Description
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.
Website: www.gvsu.edu/math
Degrees Offered: B.S., B.A., in mathematics; minors in mathematics. Teaching certification in both major (elementary and secondary) and minor (elementary and secondary). Two emphases for non-certification mathematics majors, in theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics. The mathematics major is offered within the Department of Mathematics. Options within the major lead to mathematical careers in government, industry, and elementary and secondary teaching. Students also gain a broad mathematical background that prepares them for graduate studies in the mathematical sciences. It is strongly recommended that all students interested in mathematics as a major discuss career plans with one or more members of the department and obtain an advisor in the department as soon as possible.
Honors Organization
Pi Mu Epsilon (PME) is the National Honorary Mathematics Society. To be nominated for membership in Pi Mu Epsilon a student must possess an overall GPA of at least 3.3 and a mathematics GPA of at least 3.3, and have completed 18 credit hours of mathematics courses toward the mathematics major. At least nine of these credit hours must have been taken at Grand Valley State University and consist of mathematics courses at the level of MTH 203 - Calculus III or higher that count toward our mathematics major.
Study Abroad
Since 2011, the Department of Mathematics has sponsored a study abroad program in Tanzania for students interested in mathematics education. In addition, many study abroad programs offer mathematics courses that can be approved by the department for mathematics credit. Contact the Padnos International Center or the Department of Mathematics for more information.
Internship Program
This program enables juniors and seniors with jobs involving mathematics to earn credit for academic work that counts towards the mathematics major requirements for the applied mathematics emphasis. Contact the department for further information.
Mathematics Placement Information
Please see the placement information on the Department of Mathematics website at www.gvsu.edu/math/mathematics-placement-11.htm/.
The following programs are available: