Douglas Meadows, Head, School of Mathematical Sciences
(585) 475-5129, dsmsma@rit.edu
Program overview
Computational mathematics prepares students for a mathematical career that incorporates extensive computer science skills. In this program, much emphasis is given to the use of the computer as a tool to solve mathematically modeled physical problems. Graduates of the program often choose positions as mathematical analysts, scientific programmers, software engineers, or systems analysts. Job opportunities in private industry and government abound in this field.
Curriculum
Computational mathematics, BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1016-210, 211 | Mathematics and Statistics Seminar | 2 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Project-Based Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| 1016-265 | Discrete Math I | 4 |
| 4003-241 | Problem-Based Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| 4003-242 | Data Structures for Problem Solving | 4 |
| 4003-243 | Object-Oriented Programming | 4 |
| Science Electives | 12 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations I | 4 |
| 1016-351 | Probability | 4 |
| 1016-352 | Applied Statistics | 4 |
| 1016-399 | Co-op Seminar | 0 |
| 1016-331 | Linear Algebra I | 4 |
| 4003-334 | Computer Science IV | 4 |
| 3010-361 | Software Engineering | 4 |
| 0502-444 | Technical Writing | 4 |
| Computational Math Concentration | 4 | |
| University-wide Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| 1016-432 | Linear Algebra II | 4 |
| 1016-467 | Graph Theory | 4 |
| 1016-461 | Mathematical Modeling | 4 |
| Computational Math Concentration | 8 | |
| University-wide Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| 1016-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1016-411 | Real Variables I | 4 |
| 1016-511 | Numerical Analysis | 4 |
| 1016-512 | Numerical Linear Algebra | 4 |
| Computational Math Concentration | 4 | |
| University-wide Elective | 2 | |
| General Education Electives | 8 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1016-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fifth Year‡ | ||
| 1016-531, 532 | Abstract Algebra I, II | 8 |
| Computational Math Concentration | 4 | |
| General Education Electives | 6 | |
| 1016-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 188 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ This program can be completed in four years if the cooperative education option is omitted.
Computational mathematics, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| MATH-181 | Project-Based Calculus I P7-1 | 4 |
| MATH-199 | Math and Statistics Seminar WI | 1 |
| MATH-192 | Discrete Mathematics with Introduction to Proof | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar F1 | 3 | |
| Computer Science I | 4 | |
| MATH-182 | Project-Based Calculus II P7-2 | 4 |
| Computer Science II | 4 | |
| Science I P5* | 3 | |
| Writing Seminar F2 WI | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| MATH-221 | Multivariable and Vector Calculus | 4 |
| MATH-251 | Probability and Statistics I | 3 |
| Science II P6 | 3 | |
| Computer Science III | 3 | |
| LAS P1 | 3 | |
| MATH-231 | Differential Equations (LAS elective) | 3 |
| MATH-241 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Computer Science IV | 3 | |
| LAS P 2 | 3 | |
| LAS P3 | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| MATH-431 | Real Variables I | 3 |
| MATH-341 | Advanced Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Software Engineering | 3 | |
| Program Elective 1 | 3 | |
| LAS P4 | 3 | |
| MATH-441 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH-411 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| Program Elective 2 | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion I | 3 | |
| LAS Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| MATH-421 | Mathematical Modeling WI | 3 |
| MATH-412 or MATH-351 | Numerical Linear Algebra or Graph Theory | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2 | 3 | |
| Program Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Institute Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Program Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Program Elective 6 | 3 | |
| Institute Elective 2 | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| LAS Elective | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 | |
*Students will satisfy this requirement by taking either a 3 or 4 cr lab science course. If a science course consists of separate lecture and laboratory sections, the student MUST take both the lecture and lab portions to satisfy the requirement. The lecture alone will not fulfill the requirement.
Accelerated dual degree option
Students may be interested in combining the BS in computational mathematics with an MS in applied and computational mathematics for an accelerated option that allows them to earn both degrees following one year of graduate study. A BS in computational mathematics and an MS in computer science may also be earned through a dual degree option.