Associate in Science in Mathematics

Division of Mathematics & Physics — Curriculum Code: 0604

A Dual Admissions Program with Rutgers-Newark, Kean University, and New Jersey City University

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree

Why major in Mathematics?

Mathematics encompasses logic and methodology of reasoning and provides the tools for critical thinking and decision making. The program is designed for students who intend to pursue a baccalaureate degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics education, or a related field and emphasizes methodical problem-solving techniques. The program develops fundamental knowledge in proof and theory, applications, and algorithms. Developing an appreciation for and proficiency in using graphic utilities and other technological devices prepares you for success in mathematically rich courses.

If I major in Mathematics, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

You may choose to participate in the Dual Admissions program with Rutgers University-Newark, Kean University, or New Jersey City University. Essex County College’s transfer/articulation agreements with other area four-year colleges provide a smooth transfer for A.S. graduates.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

Based on your placement test scores, you may have to take developmental courses in reading, English, and/or mathematics before taking the core curriculum courses in your major. Students are strongly recommended to take pre-calculus in their senior year of high school or during the summer before beginning the Mathematics Program at ECC; a solid foundation in all aspects of precalculus mathematics is essential for success in advanced mathematics courses. In addition, knowledge of college algebra, trigonometry, and geometry fundamentals is necessary.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental course work and you register for an average of 16 credits each semester, you can complete the degree in two years. You may shorten the time by taking courses in the summer sessions.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-3302/3303.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of theories from calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics;
Utilize various problem-solving and critical thinking techniques to set up and solve applied problems in engineering, sciences, business, and technology fields;
Communicate accurate mathematical terminology and notation in written and/or oral form in order to explain strategies to solve problems as well as to interpret found solutions; and
Use appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators and computer software effectively, as a tool to solve such problems as those described above.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

(33 credits)

Written & Oral Communication (6 credits)

ENG 101 and ENG 102 (two 3-credit courses)

Quantitative Knowledge & Skills (4 credits)

MTH 121 (one 4-credit course)

Scientific Knowledge & Reasoning (8 credits)

PHY 103 and PHY 104 (two 4-credit courses)

Society & Human Behavior (6 credits)

ECO 101 (one 3-credit course)

Choose one of the following courses: ANT 101, ANT 105; ECO 102; POL 101, POL 104; PSY 101, PSY 102, PSY 219; SOC 101, SOC 108, or SOC 219 (one 3-credit course)

Humanistic Perspective (6 credits)

Choose one of the following literature courses: ENG 205, ENG 208, ENG 215, ENG 221, ENG 222, ENG 232, ENG 237, ENG 238, ENG 242, ENG 250, ENG 263, or ENG 264 (one 3-credit course)

And choose one of the following art or music courses: ART 100, ART 101, ART 102; MUS 100, MUS 108, MUS 109, or MUS 117 (one 3-credit course)

Historical Perspective (3 credits)

Choose one of the following history courses: HST 101, HST 102, HST 111, HST 112, HST 121, HST 122, HST 131, HST 132, HST 134, HST 135, HST 136, HST 137, HST 161, or HST 162 (one 3-credit course)

MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

(19 – 22 credits)

MTH 136* Discrete Mathematics (3 credits)
MTH 222 Differential Equations (4 credits)
MTH 239 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 credits)
Choose three Major electives depending on the branch of mathematics they wish to pursue** (three 3- and/or 4-credit courses)

*Note: Honors students or students who wish to purse mathematics education may subsitute a research-based course, such as Rutgers’ STS:307 Education Research and Evaluation (3 credits) or a similar Capstone research course, if approved by a Mathematics Department academic advisor (faculty member).

**Note: Required Major elective courses, based on which branch of mathematics a student wishes to pursue, are as follows:

Pure or Applied Mathematics branch – choose CSC 122 Computer Science II (4 credits), a Computer Science elective – any 200-level CSC course (4 credits), and any foreign language course designated ARB, FRN, ITL, or SPN (3 credits).
Mathematics Primary Education branch – choose three of the following courses: EDU 101 Introduction to Education (3 credits), EDU 103 Philosophy and History of Education (3 credits), EDU 201 Education in Urban Environment (3 credits), and/or CSC 122 Computer Science II (4 credits).
Mathematics Secondary Education branch – choose three of the following Rutgers-Newark courses: Rutgers 300:292 Social Foundations of Urban Education (3 credits, writing intensive), Rutgers 300:295 Adolescent Psychology and the Urban Experience (3 credits), Rutgers 300:298 21st Century Urban Educator (3 credits), and/or Rutgers 640:314 Foundations of Modern Math (3 credits, writing intensive).

ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

(4 credits)

CSC 121 Computer Science I (4 credits)
MTH 122 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4 credits)
MTH 221 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4 credits)

Total Credits Required for Degree: 64 – 67

RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE OF COURSES:

Note: The program prerequisite courses (MTH 100 Introductory College Algebra, MTH 119 Pre-calculus I, and MTH 120 Pre-calculus II) should be completed before your first semester at ECC (i.e., during your senior year in high school or during summer sessions or through placement exams). Mathematics placement tests are available for all prerequisite courses (see http://placement.mathography.org for further information). If you are still in high school, the prerequisite courses may be completed through the High School Initiative Program free of charge if your school participates. Also, PHY 101 College Physics I and PHY 102 College Physics II are strongly recommended as program prerequisites.
First Semester
ENG 101 College Composition I (3 credits)
MTH 121 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4 credits)
PHY 103 General Physics I (4 credits)
CSC 121 Computer Science I (4 credits)

Second Semester
ENG 102 College Composition II (3 credits)
MTH 122 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4 credits)
PHY 104 General Physics II (4 credits)
Major elective course (3 – 4 credits)

Summer Session
History requirement (3 credits)

Third Semester
MTH 221 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4 credits)
MTH 136 Discrete Mathematics OR other approved research-based course (3 credits)
Art or music requirement (3 credits)
Literature requirement (3 credits)
Society & Human Behavior requirement (3 credits)

Fourth Semester
MTH 222 Differential Equations (4 credits)
MTH 239 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 credits)
ECO 101 Principles of Economics (Macro) (3 credits)
Major elective (3 – 4 credits)
Major elective (3 – 4 credits)

NOTES:
(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above, regardless of specific choices made by the individual student.
(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as other pre- and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.