Undergraduate Catalogue
Mathematical Sciences Major
The ability to think in quantitative terms, to reason analytically, and to apply mathematical models to real-world problems is a valuable asset to persons entering careers in business and other fields. The rapid development in computer technology in recent years has enabled sophisticated models to be used for a wide variety of problems in economics, finance, environmental management, marketing, business planning and other business fields, aside from the traditional applications in science and engineering.
Actuarial mathematics, used in the insurance and financial services industries to estimate risks and set rates, is of interest to many of our students.These students can follow department guidelines for how to best structure a concentration in actuarial mathematics.The department offers specialized courses to help students prepare for two of the professional exam administered by the Society of Actuaries, and we have registered Bentley courses to fulfill the VEE (Verified by Education Experience) requirements of the Society. Many of our students complete at least one internship during their undergraduate years and we maintain close contact with our alumni who work in this area.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a wide range of courses, most of which involve various fields of mathematics that are heavily used in business. Areas with recently developed or expanded courses include actuarial mathematics, financial mathematics, and statistics. Students who complete the major in mathematical sciences receive a bachelor of science degree. Some mathematical sciences majors may go directly to work for companies in actuarial or other programs, while others may decide to pursue graduate study in mathematics or statistics or in fields such as business, economics or law.
Required Courses
A mathematical sciences major requires completion of:
- A general education core
- A business mini-core specific to this major
- Eight mathematical sciences courses, in addition to two basic calculus courses included in the General Education Core
For complete information on the degree requirements, a student should obtain a listing from the department office, the Registrar's Office, or the Office of Academic Services. The web site for the department (www.bentley.edu/mathematics) also has information about the major.
The required mathematical sciences courses, including the two from the General Education component, are:
- MA 131 Calculus I
- MA 139 Calculus II
- MA 233 Calculus III
- MA 239 Linear Algebra
- MA 252 Mathematical Statistics
- MA 263 Continuous Probability
Five additional mathematical sciences electives must also be completed. With departmental approval, however, two of these courses may be in a closely related discipline.
