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2024-2025 Binghamton University Academic Guide
Mathematical Sciences, BA
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As one of the oldest academic disciplines in the world, mathematics has long been studied as one of the liberal arts and the language of the sciences. Mathematics is important for its many academic and professional applications, but it is also studied for its own beauty. It is therefore one of the most vital and lively subjects in the University curriculum. Students pursuing the BA may choose one of three tracks: mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science.
The mathematics track focuses on fundamental concepts of modern mathematics which form a foundation for many areas of natural sciences and engineering, and increasingly social sciences. The flexibility of this track makes it especially important for the student to get early and regular advice from a faculty advisor.
The statistics track provides a solid mathematical and statistical foundation for a successful career in statistics, data analysis and data science. It offers students the possibility of expanding the interdisciplinary aspect of the program by completing a second major.
The actuarial science track prepares students for an actuarial career. Actuaries analyze and solve complex business and social problems related to insurance and pension plans. Professional advancement results from completion of specific courses and passing a series of examinations administered by the actuarial societies.
Our program allows students to acquire the fundamental mathematics and statistical skills to pursue further education at the graduate level or find excellent employment opportunities in a wide range of fields. Mathematicians and statisticians are in demand, not only in the teaching and research of mathematics and statistics, in the traditional fields of the natural sciences, computer science and engineering, but increasingly in business, economics, the social sciences, and the health sciences.
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University General Education Requirements
All Binghamton University undergraduate students are required to fulfill this set of university-wide requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of a SUNY university undergraduate education. Please refer to the General Education page for more information.
Harpur College Requirements
All students in Harpur College must fulfill additional requirements designated by Harpur College to complement and extend the general education requirements. Please refer to the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences page for more information.
Prerequisites
Math 224 is required for all mathematics and statistics majors. If a student does not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required for the completion of the major.
Mathematics Track Course Requirements
The mathematics track requires a strict minimum of 40-credits. Students are encouraged to take some additional mathematics courses numbered above MATH 330. Students must fulfill the following requirements for the major:
C. Breadth Requirement
- One course in analysis
- One course in algebra
- One course in geometry/topology
- Two additional courses. These two courses may not both be from the same core area
Note: all courses must be numbered above MATH 330
D. Depth Requirement
The choice of courses for the Breadth Requirement above must include a pairing of two courses. These two courses must either be from the same area, listed above, or be from the following list: MATH 478 and MATH 461 , MATH 356 and MATH 372 , MATH 478 and MATH 463 . If five areas are covered in the Breadth Requirement, then the Depth Requirement is eliminated. See the department for the waiver of the Depth Requirement.
E. Mathematics Track Areas
Actuarial Science and Statistics:
Notes:
Courses not listed above may be counted toward the major. The director of undergraduate studies determines whether they can be counted and to which areas they should be categorized. MATH 449 does not count toward the major. At most one of MATH 471 and 472 can be counted toward the major. At least three of the required mathematics courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the department.
MATH 478, MATH 401 and MATH 461 rely heavily on a solid foundation built in MATH 330. These courses are most suitable for those who intend to pursue graduate studies in mathematics. It is highly recommended for students who had a difficult experience in MATH 330 to take one to two other upper-level math classes (for example, MATH 375, MATH 371, MATH 404, MATH 407), to sharpen their mathematical skills, before taking these challenging courses.
Statistics Track Course Requirements
Students must fulfill 50 credits of coursework as follows for the major:
D. Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics
E. Regression and Statistical Learning
F. Mathematical electives*
Two courses chosen from:
G. Other elective
- Any additional course from the above list of math electives, or MATH 458, MATH 459, CS 375, CS 471, or statistical graduate courses in the department, or courses from other departments with prior approval by the director of undergraduate studies.
Notes:
*Students pursuing the SUNY Transfer Path may satisfy one of these courses with Ordinary Differential Equations credits, to meet the Transfer Path requirements.
At least five of the required courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the department.
Actuarial Science Track Course Requirements
Students must fulfill 42 credits of coursework in the field of mathematical sciences and two courses in economics as follows for the major:
D. Actuarial foundation courses
E. Actuarial Elective Courses
- Students take two courses from MATH 450, 452, 454, 455, 457
- Students also take either MATH 458 or ECON 467
Notes:
At least three of the required courses listed above, and numbered above MATH 330, must be regular courses (not independent study) taken from the department.
At most one of MATH 458 and ECON 467 can be counted toward the major.
MATH 346 is preparation for the actuarial examination on Financial Mathematics. MATH 450 and 452 cover topics in the actuarial examination on Long-term Actuarial Mathematics (previously the MLC exam). MATH 454 covers the deeper mathematical foundation for the actuarial examination on Investment and Financial Markets. MATH 455, 457 and 458 cover topics in the actuarial examination on Statistics for Risk Modeling. MATH 457 also covers topics in the examination on Predictive Analytics. ECON 160 and 162 fulfill the VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) requirement on economics. MATH 448 fulfills the VEE requirement on mathematical sciences.
Students interested in an actuarial career should have knowledge of computer programming equivalent to CS 100 as a minimum, and also take courses in economics and finance. ACCT 211 and FIN 311, offered by the School of Management, fulfill the VEE requirement on accounting and finance; however, neither ACCT 211 nor FIN 311 is required to complete the actuarial science degree. Though ECON 467 can be taken as an alternative to MATH 458, note that ECON 466 is the prerequisite for ECON 467 but it is not required by the actuarial science degree.
Additional Information About the Program
Any math course in which a student earns a grade of C- or less is not acceptable as a prerequisite for any other course offered by the department unless stated otherwise in the course description. Any math course in which a student earns a grade of C- or less cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the major or minor. Math courses may only be repeated once to meet the above minimum grade requirements for the major. No course for the major may be taken more than twice. Students who fail to receive a grade of C or better after two attempts in a required major course will be dropped from the major. Withdrawals do not count towards the attempt limit. Students who are seniors may petition for an exception to this policy.
A pass grade (P) does not count toward the major unless the only grade available is Pass/Fail; in this case, consent of the department is required.
A student who has received credit for a course may not take one of its prerequisites for credit at a later time.
For more information on the Mathemactical Sciences BA program, please refer to the Mathematics and Statistics website. To apply to the Mathematical Sciences BA program, please visit the University Admissions website.
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