Applied Mathematics

Dr. Edward Letzter, Chair

Dr. Boris Datskovsky, Director of Undergraduate Studies
215-204-7847
Wachman Hall, Room 632
bdats@temple.edu

The mathematics major prepares student for professions requiring a strong mathematical background or for graduate study in mathematics and related fields.

There are several degree programs from which to choose: the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Teaching, and joint programs with Computer and Information Science, Economics, and Physics.

The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics provides a solid mathematical foundation and also allows for the most flexibility.

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics provides an in-depth theoretical background focusing on the traditional core areas of mathematics. This program is suitable preparation for graduate study in mathematics.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics focuses on mathematical and computational methods applicable in the sciences, engineering, and industry. In particular, this degree is suitable preparation for professions featuring sophisticated mathematical modeling and/or scientific computing. This degree is also suitable preparation for graduate study in applied mathematics or related disciplines.

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Teaching program is aimed at students interested in teaching mathematics at the high school level. This program combines a solid mathematical foundation with the pedagogical training necessary for success as a high school teacher. This program also satisfies Pennsylvania's teacher certification requirements.

Bachelor of Science

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

1. University Requirements (123 total s.h.)

• Mathematics 0701 (4 s.h.) and/or English 0701 (4 s.h.), if required by placement testing.

• All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses at Temple as part of their major. Following is a list of courses that can be used to satisfy the writing-intensive requirement: Math 3096 or Math 3098, Math 4096.

• Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.

• The General Education Curriculum consists of approximately 25-26 s.h.  See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.

2. College Requirements

• 90 credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST) or the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

• 45 Upper-Level (2000+) credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST) or the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

3. Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (66-67 s.h.)

• One (1) Computer & Information Science course is required (4 s.h.): Computer & Information Science 1053 or 1057.

• Sixteen (16) Mathematics courses are required (53 s.h.): Mathematics 1041, 1042, 2043, 2103, 2111 or 3003, 3031, 3043, 3044, 3046, 3096 or 3098, 3141, 3142, 4043, 4051, 4096 and one (1) Mathematics elective at the 3000+ level or above. 

• Two (2) Physics courses are required (8 s.h.): Physics 1061 or 2021, and 1062 or 2022.

Suggested Semester by Semester Plan

Students who complete CST majors typically receive a waiver for 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.

Calculation of Major GPA

The list of courses that are used to calculate major GPA is determined by the department. Students should consult with their academic advising unit for the applicable courses. In general, courses that could not apply toward the major as an elective or a required course are not counted for the major GPA. This would include Mathematics 1022, for example.

Distinction in Major

To graduate with Distinction in Applied Mathematics a student should meet the following requirements:

1. All requirements for the degree in Applied Mathematics must be met with a GPA of at least 3.50 in the Mathematics courses.

2. At the time of graduation, the student's overall GPA, including all college-level courses, must be at least 3.25.

3. Students must complete Mathematics 3098 instead of Mathematics 3096 in order to qualify for a Distinction in Major.

4. A student must have a GPA of 3.50 or higher in Mathematics 3141, Mathematics 3142, Mathematics 3098, Mathematics 4051 and any additional courses from the following list: Mathematics 3043, Mathematics 3044, Mathematics 3101, and any 4000-level course other than individual study.