Chairperson: Terrence Blackman

718 270-6416 office

718 270-6497 fax

Email: tblackman@mec.cuny.edu

Office:

Faculty: Homeira Pajoohesh, Joshua Sussan, Terrence Blackman, Tatyana Flesher, Jean Jean-Michel, Cesar Valverde, Gelonia Dent, Eleanor Holder, Herbert Odunukwe, Wayne Russell, Lavoizier Saint Jean, Raymond Thomas

General Information

The mission of the Department of Mathematics is to engage students in substantial intellectual endeavors, to increase students’ appreciation of the role of mathematics in the evolution of human culture, and to prepare students for careers in which mathematics is directly or indirectly involved. Students in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, or other professional fields will find that the Department offers courses to meet their needs. Course offerings in mathematics are divided into the following three areas: basic skills, general core, and courses for mathematics and science majors.

Departmental Programs

Pre-College Mathematics Program

The Pre-College Mathematics Program is offered to high school juniors and seniors who consistently perform well and are interested in pursuing careers in mathematics, engineering, computer science, and the natural sciences. Students will be permitted to register for one introductory college-level course each semester. These courses carry full college credit for any student who attends Medgar Evers College as a matriculated student. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and are responsible for completing all assignments. The Program is tuition free.

High school students who are interested in this Program should contact the College Now Program at (718) 270-6413 for information and application forms.

Undergraduate Research Program

The Undergraduate Research Program is designed for students who have demonstrated an exceptionally high level of performance in upper-level mathematics courses and who possess the talent and the commitment to carry out expository or original research in mathematics. Students interested in the Undergraduate Research Program should contact the Department’s Chairperson.

Degree Offerings

Bachelor of Science in the Mathematical Sciences

A dedication to a modern view of undergraduate mathematics education, both in philosophy and specific program details, is a central feature of this degree program. A fundamental goal of this program is to provide minority students with greater access to educational opportunities in advanced mathematics at the undergraduate level and thereby increase the overall presence of currently under-represented minorities in the mathematical sciences and in the mathematics-based disciplines. The positive attitude, well-focused and solid curriculum, consistently high standards, and innovations are the main features of this program that attract and retain students.

The goals of the Bachelor of Science Degree Program in the Mathematical Sciences are twofold:

To prepare students for mathematics-based careers in such fields as actuarial science, systems analysis, computer science, industrial/engineering research, and technology; and,
To prepare students for graduate studies in pure or applied mathematics or in fields that require a substantial mathematics background, such as the natural, computer, and engineering sciences.

In order to accomplish these goals, the Department has instituted a curriculum designed to reflect the changing needs of society with the following objectives in mind:

To educate students to become not mere technicians but responsible, thoughtful human beings who can successfully negotiate their way in an increasingly scientific and technologically oriented society;
To provide students with a solid background in undergraduate mathematics without neglecting students’ needs for general education in the arts and sciences;
To increase the number of professionally and occupationally competent people to serve inner cities;
To provide students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for career advancement; and,
To prepare students for leadership roles so that they can be energizers or change agents in the community.

Program Requirements

Admissions Criteria

Students who complete MTH 151 (Pre-calculus) with a grade of “C” or better or who have placed out of this course by examination will be eligible for admission to the program. At the time of admission, a departmental advisor will be assigned to each student, and an individual counseling/progress file will be opened in the Department.

Academic Standards

Continuation in the program requires a grade of “C” or better in all courses in Components I-VI.

Department: Mathematics