About
The Mathematics (BS) - Physical Sciences degree is designed for students interested in applying the mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills developed in a math major to the physical sciences. Many students in this program choose to double major in Physics, although this is not required.
As a student in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, you will be taught by tenure track faculty in small classes and receive individualized attention both inside and outside of class. You will have opportunities to conduct research alongside a faculty member or participate in an internship. The strong analytical and problem-solving skills you will develop can be applied to many fields.
Appalachian’s Mathematics (BS) degree requires students to select a concentration area. Besides Physical Sciences, other predesigned concentrations are in Business, Computation, Life Sciences, Secondary Education and Statistics. Students can also design their own concentration with consultation from a faculty advisor.
If you think this is the major for you, it is important to begin the program of study during your freshman year or you may fall behind in course requirements.
After Graduation
The majority of math majors pursue graduate school in fields including mathematics, statistics, analytics, economics, operations research, mathematics education, computational chemistry, material science and public health. Others find jobs in business, most often in jobs with titles that include the work “analyst.”
Increasing numbers of high-performing students with a 3.4 GPA or higher are choosing to take graduate courses during their senior year through Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s program, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. The popular choice is Physics.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- Math Club - an organization to encourage students to take part in competitions, classroom events and research opportunities.
- Pi Mu Epsilon - an Honor Society dedicated to the promotion of student scholarly activity in mathematics and the recognition of students who successfully pursue mathematical understanding.
- Appalachian State Student Chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- Classes are small and taught by tenure track faculty, so students receive individualized attention.
- Undergraduate students can be involved in research projects with faculty in their first two years. Many students travel to present their research at local, national and international conferences.
- The Department of Mathematical Sciences maintains a strong network of Appalachian alumni in business and education in regards to securing math-related jobs.
- Internships are strongly encouraged.
- High-performing students can take graduate courses during their senior year through the Accelerated Master’s program, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years.
Location
Boone and Hickory
Careers
Some of these jobs may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- Applications Programmer
- Banking/Credit/Investment Manager
- Biometrician/Biostatistician
- Compensation/Benefits Admin
- Consumer Loan/Credit Officer
- Cost Estimator/Analyst
- Data Processing Manager
- Data Control Administrator
- Database Manager
- Financial Auditor
- Financial Consultant
- Inventory Control Specialist
- Investment Banker
- Mathematician
- Network Programmer
- Numerical Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Purchasing/Contract Agent
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Rate Analyst
- Robotics Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
- Systems Engineer
- Technical Support Representative
- Treasury Management Specialist
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Tracie McLemore Salinas
Department Chair
828-262-2610
salinastm@kshgxm.com