Mathematics BA - Computing and Applied Mathematics Concentration

This is a program for students interested in careers as applied mathematicians or scientific computer programmers. In addition to the standard mathematics courses, students in concentration C take a year of programming in a high-level language, a course on principles of digital systems, and a course on data structures.

By the time of graduation, students should have acquired the following skills:

• Proficiency in basic computational methods in calculus, algebra, and differential equations.
• Facility with computer-aided computations.
• Understanding of the basic rules of logic and proficiency in using them.
• The ability to derive general principles from examples.
• The ability to formulate mathematical conjectures and to test them.
• The ability to complete mathematical proofs.
• The ability to relate mathematical concepts to problems arising in other disciplines.
• The ability to represent problems and ideas precisely in mathematical terms.
• The ability to identify facts and techniques relevant to a given problem, and proficiency in using them to solve the problem.
• Comprehension of the general framework of mathematical research; an understanding of the role of axioms, assumptions, theorems, proofs, and conjectures.
• The ability to present mathematical concepts, statements, and arguments clearly.
  

Mathematics courses are usually delivered in a lecture format. Many courses include recitations that allow students to seek additional explanation of course material and practice their problem solving skills. Enrollment in lower level mathematics courses is limited to 90 students. The size of advanced courses usually does not exceed 30-40 students. The Mathematics Department also offers individual study courses that let students research specialized topics under guidance of a faculty member. For the last few years the department has been increasing the number of courses that are offered online.

All faculty and administrative offices of the Math Department are located in the Mathematics Building. The Mathematics Building also has a few classrooms that are used for seminars and more advanced courses. Large mathematics courses meet in other buildings on UB North Campus. Rooms 107 and 110 in the Mathematics Building house the Math Help Center that offers free, walk-in help on lower level mathematics courses.

The Department of Mathematics is proud of its excellent teaching and active research programs. Several of our faculty members have received awards for excellence in teaching. Faculty members are currently involved in research in areas such as mathematical analysis, abstract algebra, number theory, geometry, topology, and applied mathematics. Each year approximately one third of the faculty hold external research grants, from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Security Agency and the Department of Defense. The Department offers research opportunities for undergraduates including writing honors theses. The undergraduate Teaching Assistants program allows undergraduate students to gain college level teaching experience.

The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Joseph Hundley, is available to talk one-on-one with any student interested in finding out about our mathematics program. For appointments call 716-645-8785.

Please visit the Mathematics department website for additional information about our faculty.

Career Choices

• Actuary
• Budget officer
• Bursar/educator
• Computer analyst
• Computer programmer
• Computer systems engineer
• Cryptanalyst
• Econometrician
• Efficiency expert
• Engineering analyst
• Environmental planner
• Financial analyst
• Fundraiser
• Information scientist
• Internal Revenue Service worker
• Mathematician
• Numerical analyst
• Purchasing agent
• Quality control supervisor
• Statistician
• Teacher

Alumni in Mathematics have found employment in the following additional fields:

• Accountancy
• Appraising
• Banking
• Data processing
• Market research analysis

75% of graduates go on to find related employment, 15% go on to graduate school.

Work settings include:

• Accounting firms
• Banks
• Colleges/universities
• Computer firms
• Corporations/businesses
• Engineering firms
• Health agencies
• Insurance companies
• Investment houses
• K-12 Schools
• Libraries
• Manufacturers
• U.S. and state governments

Salary Information

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers in 2016 the projected starting salary for a holder of a bachelors degree in mathematics is $55,087.

Students intending or considering a mathematics major are encouraged to talk with the undergraduate director (716-645-8785) at the earliest opportunity.

Joseph Hundley
Director of Undergraduate Studies
716-645-8785

Hazel and John Wilson Undergraduate Mathematics Scholarship

This award is presented to one or more outstanding mathematics majors annually, and is awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

Summer Math Scholarship

This award is presented annually to one mathematics major to support his or her research summer research project under guidance of a faculty member.