Mathematics, Research Emphasis, Comprehensive Major

Liberal Arts (Code 180-003)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

The research emphasis prepares students in mathematics both deeply and broadly, and is especially well-suited for students who plan to attend graduate school in math, applied math, or a related field.  Students in this major participate in at least two math research experiences for credit.  Because of the variety of research topics available, students are strongly encouraged to consult a mathematics advisor early and frequently while pursuing this emphasis.

Liberal Arts (Code 180-003)

A minimum of sixty semester credits, including:
Mathematics Core25
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Introduction to Real Analysis
Introduction to Real Analysis II
Linear Algebra
Abstract Algebra I
Research requirement7
Research Methods
Research Seminar (taken twice)
Depth requirement3-4
Choose one:
Abstract Algebra II
Linear Regression Analysis, with Time Series
Elective mathematics courses12-13
Remaining credits to be chosen from:
Math courses numbered above 305
CS/logic requirement3
Choose one:
Programming for New Programmers
Introduction to Programming in C++
Symbolic Logic
Computing in Python: Fundamentals and Procedural Programming
or another CS course with approval of the department
Speech requirement3
Fundamentals of Speech
Applications of mathematics requirement6
Minimum 6 credits in a sequence selected from:
Foundations of Biology I
and Foundations of Biology II
Chemical Principles
General Chemistry I Lecture
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
and General Chemistry II with Lab
Advanced Programming and Data Structures
and Algorithms
Principles of Microeconomics
and Principles of Macroeconomics
University Physics I
and University Physics II
or another sequence approved by the department

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Apply a broad range of perspectives, including numerical, graphical, algebraic, analytical and verbal, to effectively connect and communicate mathematical ideas.
  • Use mathematics to model and solve appropriate problems.
  • Write mathematical proofs.
  • Work independently and collaboratively on mathematical problems.
  • Communicate mathematical concepts effectively with speech and writing skills.
  • Identify and formulate open research problems and implement proper proof techniques to answer open problems.

Sample Degree Plan

Mathematics, Research Emphasis, Comprehensive Major, B.S.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 114Calculus I (LE-S2)4
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 215Calculus II (prereq for MATH 324)4
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives with LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences or LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities or LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
Foreign Language 101 if BA student (or another LE course if BS)3
CJ 202Fundamentals of Speech (LE-S1)3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences or LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences or LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities or LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
Foreign Language 102 if BA student (or another LE course if BS)3
TOTAL FIRST YEAR31
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 216Calculus III (prereq for MATH 316)4
MATH 324Linear Algebra (prereq for MATH 380, 425)4
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 425Abstract Algebra I (prereq for MATH 426)3
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
CS 145, CS 163, DS 150, PHIL 250 b3-4
MATH APP (1st course) c, ***4
MATH elective a4
MATH APP (2nd course) c, ***4
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
TOTAL SECOND YEAR29-30
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 380Research Methods (LE-S3)3
MATH 316Introduction to Real Analysis (prereq for MATH 317)3
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 480Research Seminar2
MATH 425Abstract Algebra I3
OR
Linear Regression Analysis, with Time Series d
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
MATH elective a3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences if needed c4
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences or LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities or LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts **3
MATH elective a3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences if needed c4
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1) *3
TOTAL THIRD YEAR31-32
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 317Introduction to Real Analysis II3
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 480Research Seminar2
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
MATH elective a3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences or LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities or LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts **3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1) *3
Elective3
MATH elective a3
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
Elective3
Elective3
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR29

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

*

One of the two experiences required for Integrative Learning (I1) may be fulfilled with a math course with the I1 designation such as MATH 307 or MATH 462. 

**

In this 4-year plan, the experiences for (K2), (K3), and (K4) are listed together. The appropriate number of experiences from each learning outcome will be required. See LE Core.

***

In the MATH APP sequence, many courses could fulfill (K1) and (K1+lab). 

a

Additional Math credits from courses numbered above 305; these courses are 3 or 4 credits. 

b

Students must complete as least three credits to be selected from PHIL 250, CS 145, CS 163, DS 150, or another computer science course approved by the Math Department.

c

MATH APP: A minimum of 6 credits must be earned in a sequence selected from BIOL 221/BIOL 222, CHEM 105/CHEM 106/CHEM 109, CHEM 115CS 245/CS 335, ECON 103/ECON 104, PHYS 231/PHYS 232, or another sequence approved by the math department. These sequences will vary on credit load. If K1 is not satisfied by the courses used for the MATH APP requirement, then K1 must be satisfied via other LE elective courses.

d

Student can choose from MATH 426 or MATH 441 for the depth requirement. Prereqs for MATH 441 are DS 140, MATH 345 or MATH 347 or MATH 246, and MATH 114 or consent of the instructor.

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Student/Faculty Research - Students in the Research Emphasis are required to participate in student/faculty research. We recommended this during the semesters the student takes MATH 480: Research Seminar. During MATH 324, students will be introduced to the research interests of the faculty and are encouraged to contact the faculty member they are interested in working with. Recruitment for research projects also occurs during the year by email and announcements.
Study Abroad - Upper level math courses can be taken at the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen. MATH 312 and MATH 324 can be taken during the summer at the University of Glasgow. Immersion programs offer at least R2 and LE requirements can be fulfilled in numerous programs.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.