Stony Brook Undergraduate Math
Sundry Information

Honors program

The Honors program is open to junior and senior mathematics majors who have completed at least two upper-division MAT courses with grades of B or higher and who have maintained a 3.0 overall grade point average. While MAT141 and MAT142 are not required prerequisites for the Honors program, we very much recommend that prospective Honors students take them in their freshman year at Stony Brook. The Honors program consists of a set of six MAT courses, at least three of which are not used to fulfil the major requirements. These courses should include MAT316, MAT322, , MAT401, MAT311 or MAT313, and an Honors Thesis (MAT495), although substitutions may be permitted. Those students who are interested in this program should consult with a faculty advisor before the beginning of their senior year.

Mathematics major

Mathematics is an essential part of a wide range of human activity. It is the language of the physical sciences, and plays an increasingly important role in the social and biological sciences in modelling complicated, large-scale phenomena. Even very abstract parts of mathematics, initially studied just for their intrinsic beauty, have turned out to have unexpected but important applications, ranging from computer security to the digitalization of fingerprints. A mathematics major provides excellent preparation for many jobs in business, finance, accounting, computing, science, and education.

The major program covers a broad base, containing courses in the history of mathematics and the applications of computers, in addition to the standard undergraduate courses in analysis, geometry and algebra, and a set of advanced seminars. It is very flexible and may be combined with other majors, such as physics, economics, biochemistry, computer science or applied mathematics. Such a double major or major/minor combination provides a solid background to students interested in graduate study in one of these disciplines or in mathematics itself.

The requirements for a math major appear in the Undergraduate Bulletin. In addition, we strongly recommend students broaden their scientific base by taking a two-semester sequence in a science or in a math-related field such as computer science or economics. MAT250 is also highly recommended as preparation for 300-level courses.

The two 300-level courses which introduce students to rigorous proofs, MAT310 and MAT320, form the core of the major. They should be taken as early as possible.

There are many ways of fulfilling the other requirements. Here are two possible sample programs. Many others are possible.

Fast version

Year One	MAT131 or MAT141	MAT132 or MAT142	MAT211
Year Two	MAT205	MAT305	MAT331	MAT250
Year Three	MAT320	MAT310	MAT313
Year Four	MAT322	MAT342	MAT elective	MAT401/2

Regular version

Year One	MAT131	MAT132
Year Two	MAT203	MAT303	MAT211	MAT250
Year Three	MAT320	MAT318 or MAT312 or MAT313	MAT310	MAT331
Year Four	MAT341 or MAT342	MAT elective	MAT elective	MAT elective

The fast program is suggested for those considering graduate school in a math-related discipline, while students taking the regular program who intend to seek employment immediately upon graduation should consider taking some relevant AMS courses. A computer science course is also strongly recommended as an elective for all students in the regular program. Those considering graduate school should take several more undergraduate MAT classes, and should also consider signing up for a senior thesis and taking departmental honors. MAT electives may be selected from the upper division courses.

Teacher preparation program

The Certification Program for Secondary Education in Mathematics is an integral component of the undergraduate program of the Department of Mathematics. The program prepares students to become teachers of Secondary School Mathematics in grades 7-12.

The program, which requires a major in the Department of Mathematics or in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, features courses in pedagogy and extensive practical experience in a variety of educational settings in neighborhood schools. These varied classroom experiences help our students to immediately begin professional teaching. Our emphasis on mathematical issues, uses of technology, alternative assessment, and techniques of assertive discipline provides students with the necessary background for professional growth and development.

Students gain exposure to both constructivism and cooperative learning and are trained to develop approaches to problem solving that will motivate their students. They work with graphing calculators and computers as both mathematical and teaching tools, and as aids to conjecture and discovery. They also gain experience working with inclusion students; this is an important part of their preparation for their future field work. Above all, our program has a strong emphasis on learning mathematics, and on developing an appreciation of the beauty of the subject, and its connections to art and science.

The Mathematics Secondary Education Certification Program at Stony Brook is very much in line with the national standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students spend many hours observing at the junior and senior high school levels. They do an intensive program of micro-teaching, aiding two different teachers and teaching several lessons. This is followed by the full student teaching experience, which prepares them for all the aspects of teaching. The Stony Brook Mathematics Department strives to produce future teachers with strong backgrounds in mathematics. Here in Suffolk County our program has been widely recognized for its excellence, and for the thoroughness with which our students are prepared. Many of our students are hired in local schools, often in the same districts where they have done their student teaching. A further link to the local school districts comes from our involvement in their Math Meets and Math Fairs. A multicultural approach to mathematics is part of our training. It provides students with rich experiences and prepares them for a wide range of possible teaching locations.

Additional information about teacher preparation and certification programs at Stony Brook can be found on the Professional Education Program pages