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Department of Mathematics

Department of Mathematics


Aspire to reach new heights with the Department of Mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics at Western Kentucky University is home to a diverse faculty who excel in teaching, research, and service. We are positioned to provide, strengthen and support mathematics and statistics education at all levels within the University.

Departmental curricular options offer both graduate and undergraduate degrees in Mathematics. Our programs emphasize sound instruction, abundant study support, and a fertile learning environment geared to engage inquiry, and to enhance student achievement and success in learning and applying mathematics. To see the curricula involved in each of our majors, minors, certificates, or Masters programs, click on the "Programs" pull-down menu on the navigation bar.

The Department of Mathematics offers a 4 undergraduate majors and 2 minors, as well as a Master of Science in Mathematics and a 100% online Master of Arts in Mathematics.

 

FIND YOUR PROGRAM
in the Department of Mathematics

Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts (General)

This major is intended for students that are pursuing a basic math major for employment purposes and/or are interested in mathematics as part of a degree with two majors.

Choose from one of 2 concentrations:

  • Teacher Education (TCHR)
  • General (Non-Teacher Certifiable) (MATN)

Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts (Extended)

This major is for students that intend to pursue a graduate degree in mathematics, and/or intend to pursue employment in business and industry. This major does not lead to teacher certification.

Choose from one of 3 concentrations:

  • Fundamental Analysis & Discrete (MAAD)
  • Fundamentals of Applied Mathematics (MAAM)
  • Fundamentals of Math Studies (MAMS)

Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts (with Secondary Teacher Certification)

This major is intended for students that are pursuing a basic math major for employment purposes and/or are interested in mathematics as part of a degree with two majors. Students pursuing teacher certification will also major in Science and Mathematics Education (774).

Middle Grades Mathematics, Bachelor of Science

A major in middle grades mathematics is for students who plan to teach mathematics in grades 5-9 only.  The degree requires a second major in Science and Mathematics Education (774). Upon successful completion of both majors, the student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

Mathematical Economics, Bachelor of Science

This major is for students wishing to pursue either a graduate degree in economics or a highly applied, analytical occupation with a heavy emphasis on quantitative skills such as an actuary. This degree does not require a second major or a minor. 

Choose from one of 2 concentrations:

  • General Mathematical Economics (MEGM)
  • Actuarial Science (MEAS)

Mathematics, Minor

This minor is intended for employment in industry and/or graduate studies in mathematics.

Applied Statistics, Minor

A minor in applied statistics requires a minimum of 19 semester hours. This program is designed for a student seeking a career as a statistical programmer/analyst/consultant in a knowledge-based industry or in a research institution.

Mathematics, Master of Science

This program prepares students to pursue careers in business, research, or government settings, and/or to enter a doctoral program. 

Choose from one of the 3 following concentrations:

General

The General Mathematics concentration is recommended for students who wish to obtain a Ph.D. degree, to teach in a community college, or to seek employment in industry with an emphasis on conceptual foundations.

Computational Mathematics

The Computational Mathematics concentration is designed for students seeking employment in industry with an emphasis on computational mathematics and/or computer science in addition to knowledge in traditional areas.

Mathematical Economics

The Mathematical Economics concentration is designed for students seeking employment in industry with an emphasis on economics in addition to knowledge in traditional areas.  It is also designed for students who completed an undergraduate degree program in mathematical economics at WKU.

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This JUMP program allows students to start working toward their MS in Mathematics with a concentration in General Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, or Mathematical Economics (Ref: 085) while completing their Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics (Ref: 528 and 728) or a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Economics (Ref: 731). Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Up to 12 credit hours can be double-counted toward both degrees, and up to 15 hours of graduate courses can be taken while a student is completing the undergraduate degree. The key benefit of the JUMP program is that it allows students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame.

To be considered for admission to the JUMP program to earn a BA in Mathematics (or a BS in Mathematical Economics) and a MS in Mathematics in an accelerated time frame, a student must meet the following requirements:

    • Be a Mathematics or a Mathematical Economics major (includes programs with reference numbers 528, 728, and 731);
    • Have completed at least 60 hours total, with at least 24 hours earned at WKU;
    • Have at least 15 or more credit hours remaining to complete the bachelor’s degree;
    • Have completed or be enrolled in 15 credit hours in Mathematics;
    • Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25;
    • Have one of the following:
      • 3.25 GPA in the Mathematics or Mathematical Economics major AND a grade of B or higher in at least one of the courses: MATH 307, MATH 310, MATH 317, MATH 337, MATH 439;
      • 3.0 GPA in the Mathematics or Mathematical Economics major AND a grade of B or higher in at least two of the courses: MATH 307, MATH 310, MATH 317, MATH 337, MATH 439.

Mathematics, Master of Arts

This 100% online program is intended for students who are secondary teachers who already hold teacher certification and are seeking rank change through earning a Master's degree.

Joint Undergraduate-Masters Program (JUMP)

The Department of Mathematics offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree and a graduate Master of Science degree in an accelerated time frame. The M.S. in Mathematics prepares students to be competitive applicants for admission into a Ph.D. program and/or for positions where strong research skills are needed. 

 

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Calculator Rental

The Department of Mathematics offers a program where students can rent a TI-84 Plus CE Calculator for one semester while enrolled in a mathematics class.

Learn More and Rent Here

 

Diversity in the WKU Mathematics Department

The WKU Mathematics Department is a wonderfully diverse collection of faculty and staff. Find out more about our faculty and staff and read our department's Diversity Statement.

 

Photo of WKU Mathematics student Emma Bunch

Being a math major at WKU is wonderful! It is such a blessing to be here, and I am so thankful for it. Not only do I have the opportunity to participate in amazing, impactful research but I have the privilege to come in every day and learn something new. The people that comprise the math department are lovely! As a transfer student, I have received the warmest welcome from the faculty and students and do not take that lightly. The math department is truly a wonderful place where innovation, creativity, and curiosity intersect, creating a beautiful environment of learning that is my home away from home.

Emma Bunch, Class of 2026

Mathematics Logo
  • (270) 745-3652
  • (270) 745-3699
  • math@wku.edu
  • COHH 4124
    1906 College Heights Blvd. #11078
    Bowling Green, KY 42101

Faculty Interviews



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 Last Modified 9/16/24