The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics Honors Track offers an opportunity for outstanding mathematics majors to engage in independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students who successfully complete the honors track will receive notice of this distinction on their academic transcripts and on their diplomas.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of 12 credits in the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics, 4 of which should be at a 300 level or above.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 points and a minimum GPA of 3.67 points in the Mathematics major.
- Complete application form submitted to the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics no later than three quarters before graduation.
The department chair and an undergraduate adviser will monitor the progress of the students accepted in the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics Honors Track.
Graduation Requirements
Courses
for students using catalog year Fall 2018 or earlier:
Mth 251, 252, 253, 254, 261, 256, 344, 311, 312.
One of the following: Mth 338, 345, 346, 444.
One of the following: Mth 271, CS 161.
Two approved 400 level sequences.
One approved elective course.
Mth 401- Honors project (3 credits)
for students using catalog year Fall 2019 or after:
Mth 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 261, 256, 344, 311, 312.
One of the following: Mth 271, CS 161.
Two approved 400 level sequences.
One approved elective course.
Mth 401- Honors project (3 credits)
Mth 401- Honors project (3 credits)
The undergraduate adviser, in consultation with faculty, will assign the students a faculty adviser to guide their research. This research topic will be at a 400 level or above and not have been discussed or presented in courses the students have taken.
The written project should be approved by the Chairperson of the Department. Concluding the work, the students will give an oral presentation of the Honors project to faculty and students.
GPA
Students must have a cumulative GPA no lower than 3.5 points and a GPA no lower than 3.67 points in the major.
No mathematics or statistics courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option are acceptable towards fulfilling the requirements for the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics Honors Track.
University Honors College Students majoring in mathematics
Students in the University Honors College must complete an Honors Thesis. Honors students majoring in mathematics have two options for completing their Honors thesis project:
Option 1 for completing honors thesis
Apply to join the Mathematics Departmental Honors Track program, complete the required coursework, and register for Hon 403: Thesis Prospectus (4 credits) in the quarter immediately preceding the Mth 401: Honors Project (3 credits). During the thesis prospectus course students will work with their faculty adviser in the department of Mathematics and Statistics to identify a research question and topic, which they will then carry out during the quarter they are registered for Mth 401. University Honors College will accept the Mth 401 credits in lieu of additional Hon 403 thesis credits. The Mth 401 research project will fulfill the Honors thesis requirement. (Students are permitted to register for Hon 403: Thesis Continuation credits if they would prefer additional support or credit hours.) Students are required to give an oral presentation of their completed research projects to faculty and students in the Mathematics and Statistics department as well as at the Honors Thesis symposium for University Honors College faculty and students. Students earn both Mathematics Departmental Honors and University Honors.
Option 2 for completing honors thesis
University Honors College students who do not meet the minimum requirements or who choose not to join the Mathematics Departmental Honors Track program must still fulfill the requirements of two approved 400 level sequences in mathematics and/or statistics. They are then eligible to proceed with the mathematics honors research project, taking Hon 403: Thesis Prospectus and then Mth 401: Honors Project under the supervision of a Mathematics and Statistics faculty adviser. Students earn University Honors but not Departmental Honors.