Applied Mathematics

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is an integral part of the strong liberal arts tradition at the University of New England. We believe a student's education is enriched by studying mathematics, and our courses support the College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum. Our Applied Mathematics major and minor programs provide a solid foundation in contemporary mathematics which prepares students to pursue further study and careers in the mathematical sciences or mathematics education. The Department’s faculty mentor student research and are active in original scholarship. Through consulting and research collaborations, we are a resource for students and faculty across the University.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics provides a well-rounded education in the liberal arts focused on the mathematical sciences and their use to solve quantitative questions in mathematics and many other disciplines. The program places emphasis on mathematical modeling and statistical methods, culminating in a student research project during the senior year. The curriculum integrates technology and theoretical mathematics to give students perspectives on how mathematics is used in research, the sciences, and industry to solve real problems. This major prepares students for advanced study in mathematics, statistics, or related fields, including professional programs in areas such as health care and business. The program also gives students the quantitative skills to support careers in business, industry, finance, government, research, and many other fields. Students looking to double major will find that an Applied Mathematics major complements many science, health science, and business majors, as mathematics is used increasingly in these areas of study.

Secondary Education Certification

Students majoring in Applied Mathematics can work toward secondary mathematics teacher certification by selecting all of the EDU secondary education certification courses (listed below) as their electives in order to become middle or high school mathematics teachers.

The program provides future teachers with a background in applied mathematics, extensive coursework in education, and model instruction, which, when combined with the secondary teaching internship, will prepare students to meet the standards for State of Maine teacher certification.

This program is approved by the State of Maine Board of Education.

Refer to Mathematics Placement Procedures for guidelines about mathematics placement.

Students completing the Applied Mathematics major will:

1. use  mathematical reasoning, modeling, and statistical methods to explore, represent, and communicate about quantitative relationships;
2. apply quantitative methods to solve problems in a variety of disciplines;
3. develop proficiency with computer algebra, statistical, and geometric software to investigate mathematical concepts and applications;
4. engage in independent inquiry in an area of interest in mathematics, applied mathematics, or mathematics education;
5. prepare mathematical documents for dissemination in written and presentation formats;
6. gain analytic and technological skills to support careers in mathematics and related areas, and graduate and professional study.

Additionally, students completing the secondary mathematics teacher certification option will develop their abilities to:

1. incorporate mathematics education research into their perspectives on mathematics teaching and learning;
2. draw upon a variety of sources, including textbooks, reference, materials,  professional organizations, and curriculum frameworks to inform their perceptions and practices of mathematics teaching and learning.

Students may earn a mathematics minor by completing a minimum of 6 mathematics courses numbered MAT 120 or above. Only one of the courses MAT 120 or 150 can be applied to a mathematics minor.  Students wishing to declare a mathematics minor must submit a course plan in writing for approval by the Department of Mathematical Sciences faculty. Prior consultation with a mathematics faculty member is encouraged.

We offer qualified students the option of participating in our Honors Program and graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member.

Courses previously completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred mathematics courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the mathematics courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they will transfer as general electives. All Science/Math courses previously completed must be no older than five years. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.