DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

1997-1998 Bulletin Information

For current bulletin information see www.southalabama.edu/bulletin

Chair: Michael Windham
Graduate Coordinator: Daniel Silver

Mathematics
Professors: Carter, Crossley, Flath, Hitt, Kovacs, Mattics, Silver, Vinson, Williams, Windham
Associate Professors: Cruthirds, Dodd, LeDuc, McGill, Zhang, Barrionuevo,
Assistant Professors: Brick, Carpenter, Pickett, Pillen
Instructors: Capell, Crumb

Statistics
Professors: Rainosek, Shah, Windham
Associate Professors: Bhaumik, Kulkarni, Mishra, Mulekar

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
The purpose of the curriculum in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is to provide a well-rounded program for students majoring in the mathematical sciences, in addition to providing sufficient courses to fulfill the mathematical science needs of students in other fields of study. To this end, the department emphasizes excellence in teaching, and encourages the professional growth of its faculty through study, research, and consulting.

The department offers a major in mathematics, a major in statistics as well as minors in each of these disciplines.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS
The core of the mathematical requirements for this major provides the student with a balanced program of undergraduate mathematics, with emphasis in areas that have proven applications. Depending upon the electives and the minor that are selected, the curriculum can be used as a preparation for employment in positions using mathematics in government, industry, or commerce, or as a preparation for graduate study in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or operations research. Alternatively, a degree in mathematics can be regarded as the core of a liberal education, either for its own sake, or as a preparation for study in other areas. The specific program of study - including the selection of a minor and the various elective courses -which best suits the student's educational goals should be planned in consultation with the student's advisor.

The requirements for the major are MA 316, MA 331, MA 336, and MA 413 with their attendant prerequisites, plus five courses selected from among MA 311, MA 332, MA 354, MA 367, MA 414, MA 434, MA 436, MA 437, MA 438, MA 451, MA 458, ST 471, at least three of which must be at the 400 level. In addition, each mathematics major must complete CIS 141 or CIS 271. Moreover, ST 175/275 or ST 315, PH 215, PH 216, PH 217 are recommended for each major.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN MATHEMATICS
A minor in mathematics consists of the completion of seven courses in mathematics, including MA 233 and at least three courses from the following two groups, with at least one course from each group:

Group 1. MA 234, MA 331, MA 332, MA 335, MA 345, MA 354, MA 437, ST 315.
Group 2. MA 311, MA 316, MA 318, MA 320, MA 367, MA 413, MA 434, MA 451, MA 458.

A minimum of eight quarter hours in courses chosen from the minor and numbered 300 or above must be satisfactorily completed at the University of South Alabama.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN STATISTICS
The major is designed to prepare students for (1) graduate study in statistics or other related quantitative disciplines, and (2) employment in business, industry, or government. Statistics, the science of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, is a primary tool in research and application in all quantitative fields including medicine, psychology, economics, marketing, manufacturing, etc. A brochure describing this B.S. program is available upon request.

The requirements for a major are: ST 275 (or ST 315), ST 334, ST 337, ST 356, ST 471, ST 472, ST 481 and MA 451 with their attendant prerequisites, plus 16 hours selected from ST 280, ST 290, ST 347, ST 352, ST 361, ST 444, ST 448, ST 452, ST 456, ST 467, ST 468, ST 490, and ST 494. In addition, each statistics major must complete CIS 250, CIS 271, MA 318, and either EH 387 or EH 388.

Statistics majors are encouraged to minor in an area of application (e.g., computer and information science, business, engineering, health sciences, social or natural sciences, etc.) which will enhance future educational development and will provide for increased employment opportunities. Those majors intending to pursue graduate study in statistics should take additional courses in mathematics, especially the advanced calculus sequence (MA 334, 335 and MA 336). Majors are strongly advised to work closely with their faculty advisor pursuant to their individual educational and employment goals.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN APPLIED STATISTICS
The requirements for a minor in applied statistics consist of a minimum of 32 quarter hours chosen within the following framework.

  1. ST 275 (or 315), 334, and 337 are required.
  2. Three or more courses selected from: ST 347, 352, 356, 361, 444, 448, 452, 456, 467 and 468.
  3. Additional courses, if needed, selected from: ST 280, ST 290, ST 481, ST 490, ST 494, ECO 453, GY 420, GEO 335, MGT 323, MGT 398, MGT 430, MGT 486, PSY 375, PSY 484, and SY 480.

A minimum of eight quarter hours in courses chosen from the minor and numbered 300 or above must be satisfactorily completed at the University of South Alabama.

NOTE: Completion of ST 275 (or 315), 334, 337, and five courses listed in "2" satisfy the minimum requirements and represent the central applied statistics minor program.

Where to Begin in the Mathematics Courses
Students must begin at the proper level and in the proper track in mathematics. Students will be provided with placement information based on the placement test, ACT/SAT scores, and high school mathematics background.

NOTE: To Avoid Duplication:

  1. Credit for both MA 172 and MA 120 is not allowed.
  2. Credit for both MA 277 and MA 131 is not allowed.
  3. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: MA 132, MA 278, and MA 287.
  4. Credit for both ST 315 and ST 275 is not allowed.

GRADUATE STUDIES
A Master of Science degree in Mathematics is offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The program has been designed to meet the varied needs and goals of most students seeking advanced degrees in mathematics. The course of study is sufficiently flexible to accommodate students interested in traditional and modern mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Additionally, there is a program available for students who are seeking Class A Professional Teacher Certification. Undergraduate preparation in mathematics is required for the program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
Students are admitted each quarter. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School criteria (see Categories of Admission).

REGULAR ADMISSION

  1. A bachelor's degree in mathematics or in a mathematics-related field from an accredited institution of higher education with a concentration of upper-level mathematics courses including a sequence in advanced calculus or real analysis.
  2. Submission of scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Normally a minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections or a minimum score of 600 on the quantitative section (without regard to the score on the verbal section). An advanced degree or other standardized test score may be considered in lieu of a GRE score.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
Applicants who do not meet all requirements for regular admission, but who do meet the Graduate School requirements for provisional admission, will be considered for provisional admission. Applicants must have an undergraduate major in mathematics or a closely related field with a concentration of upper-level mathematics courses. Applicants who are deficient in their undergraduate preparation may be denied admission or may be required to take undergraduate courses in the areas of deficiency without graduate credit in addition to the normal degree requirements listed below.

NON-DEGREE ADMISSION
Applicants who do not meet all the conditions for provisional admission or who are not interested in earning a graduate degree may apply for non-degree admission. Adequate undergraduate preparation in mathematics which indicates a reasonable chance of success in graduate mathematics courses is required for non-degree admission. After admission, permission of the department graduate coordinator is required for each course taken. In cases where undergraduate preparation is inadequate for a particular graduate course, a plan of study including additional undergraduate courses can be worked out in consultation with the graduate coordinator.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Graduate students holding assistantships are usually assigned duties involving tutoring and/or teaching in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Awards are normally made for the academic year, but positions occasionally become available during the year. An assistantship application can be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator in the Department. Three letters of recommendation sent directly to the Graduate Coordinator are required. Graduate Assistants are required to enroll in MA 592 (Seminar) each quarter.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE
Several degree options are available. Only graduate courses offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Computer and Information Science courses CIS 522, 524, 526, 550, 552, and 556 (for the computer science emphasis option), and Education courses SED 551, 552, 554, 563, and IDE 510 (for the teaching certification option) satisfy the degree requirements of this program. MA 502, 503, 504, 505, 507, 508, ST 540, and 541 do not satisfy degree requirements. For the purpose of describing degree requirements, graduate courses in mathematics are divided into two groups:
Group I: MA 511, 512, 515, 516, 518, 519, 521, 525, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 542, and 543.
Group II: MA 550, 551, 555, 556, 565, 567, 568, 571, and 572.

THESIS OPTION

  1. A minimum of 48 quarter hours of course work including MA 535, 536, and 599.
  2. At least two courses selected from Group I other than MA 535 and 536.
  3. At least two courses selected from Group II.
  4. In addition to MA 535 and 536, at least one two-course sequence must be completed.
  5. Complete a thesis. A maximum of eight quarter hours of credit will be granted for the thesis. A student may not enroll in MA 599 (thesis) until a thesis prospectus has been approved by the Graduate Coordinator and the Director of Graduate Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  6. Complete a comprehensive examination covering a collection of course work specified by the Graduate Coordinator.
  7. Complete MA 592 (Seminar) during at least four quarters.


NON-THESIS OPTION

  1. A minimum of 48 hours of course work including MA 535 and 536.
  2. At least three courses selected from Group I other than MA 535 and 536.
  3. At least three courses selected from Group II.
  4. In addition to MA 535 and 536, at least one two-course sequence must be completed.
  5. Complete a comprehensive examination covering a collection of course work specified by the Graduate Coordinator.
  6. Complete MA 592 (Seminar) during at least four quarters.

COMPUTER SCIENCE EMPHASIS (NON-THESIS)

  1. A minimum of thirty-two quarter hours of Mathematics courses including MA 535 and 536 and a minimum of sixteen quarter hours of Computer and Information Science courses.
  2. MA 521 and 525.
  3. At least two courses selected from Group I in addition to 521, 525, 535, and 536.
  4. At least one course selected from Group II.
  5. At least four courses selected from CIS 522, 524, 526, 550, 552, and 556.
  6. Complete a comprehensive examination covering a collection of courses specified by the Graduate Coordinator.
  7. Complete MA 592 (Seminar) during at least four quarters.

M.S. IN MATHEMATICS WITH ALABAMA CLASS A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING CERTIFICATION (NON-THESIS)
This option is available for students holding a Class B Professional Certification in Education. The curriculum consists of forty quarter hours of course work in Mathematics and sixteen quarter hours in Education. Upon completion of the program, the M.S. degree in Mathematics is awarded by the University and the Class A Professional Certification is awarded by the State Department of Education.

  1. Complete all requirements of the Non-Thesis option above except only forty quarter hours of mathematics courses are required.
  2. Complete successfully SED 551, SED 552, IDE 510, and either SED 554 or SED 563.
  3. Students with no previous work in Special Education are required to take SPE 500. This course may not be counted toward the required sixteen hours of course work in Education.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Detailed descriptions of special department requirements are contained in the document "Department Policies and Procedures for the M.S. Degree Program in Mathematics" which is available from the department office. This document contains details concerning advising, the comprehensive examination, graduate assistant duties, student meetings and colloquia.

DESCRIPTIONS OF MATHEMATICS (MA) COURSES BEGIN ON PAGE 272. DESCRIPTIONS OF STATISTICS (ST) COURSES BEGIN ON PAGE 321.

College of Arts and Sciences