About the Mathematics and Physics Department
Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Department of Mathematics and Physics is teaching of the
highest quality at the undergraduate level. The Department, through its various programs,
continually strives to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for
lifelong learning, an understanding of the physical aspects of the world in which
we live and the ability to comprehend physical science and mathematical advancements
and their benefits to our culture and future generations. To assist in the accomplishment
of this mission and the Department of Mathematics and Physics encourages and supports
scholarship and research of the highest quality among the faculty. To provide outreach
and service as an educational institution, the Department of Mathematics and Physics
supports its faculty in utilizing their expertise to the benefit of the university
community and regional, state, national and international communities.
History
In 2011, the Department of Physics and the Department of Mathematics combined to form
the Department of Mathematics and Physics.
The primary focus of the Department of Mathematics and Physics is the provision of
excellent instruction at the undergraduate level. The department strives to provide
students with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong learning, an understanding
of the physical aspects of the universe, and the ability to comprehend advancements
in the physical and mathematical sciences. The mathematics and physics program offer
a firm (undergraduate) foundation for careers in materials, pure and applied mathematics,
physics, medicine, and business. It also provides excellent preparation for science
career and for rewarding positions in engineering, industry, education, and other
fields.
The Mathematics and Physics Department also seeks to prepare students for graduate
study and to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics and physics
that will allow students to pursue careers in these disciplines and closely-related
actuarial disciplines. The program prepares students for rewarding fields of study
in mathematics, physics, and related areas such as material science, actuarial science,
medical physics, and engineering.
The department also provides elementary mathematics and physical science courses to
fulfill the goals of the University’s general education program.
The department offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Mathematics and
Physics. This baccalaureate degree program allows students who seek a sound preparation
in mathematics and physics to extensively explore the productive interaction between
mathematics and physics and to find extraordinary opportunities (e.g., manufacturing,
materials, engineering, aviation, nanoscience, insurance industry, financial institutions,
government, advanced technologies, and education in critical areas of mathematics
& physics). Through classroom work and lab projects, students learn physics and gain
skills in mathematical computation, modeling, reasoning and analysis. Academically
rigorous courses are taught by professors with terminal degrees from premier universities.
Who strive to offer, through teaching and research, educational experiences that nurture
students intellectually and ethically, and that assist them in reaching their academic
goals.
The Mathematics and Physics Program at Grambling State University is the only program
in the state of Louisiana that offers a combined degree in Bachelor of Mathematics
and Physics. It offers four tracks: a core in Mathematics and Physics; a concentration
in Biomedical Sciences; a concentration in Material Science; and a concentration in
Actuarial Science.
- The core curriculum has a flavor towards the mathematics and prepares the students for graduate schools
particularly in applied mathematics programs, although traditional Mathematics or
Physics graduate programs are not out of reach of our students. In addition, more
and more openings for people with a strong mathematics background are opening in the
areas such as stock market, marketing strategies, cyber security, and risk managements
among others. Also, the combined Mathematics and Physics degree opens up for entering
students to earn engineering degrees.
- The biomedical science concentration requires 33 hours. It affords students an opportunity for study of
biomedical sciences using a core of courses in biology and chemistry. It prepares
them for pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical sciences and research careers at
national laboratories and industry.
- The material science concentration requires 34 hours affords the student the opportunity for the study
of materials using a core of courses in physics, and a select set of courses in chemistry
and engineering technology. This course of study will prepare the student for continued
study of materials in graduate school or to pursue a career in the discipline upon
completing the baccalaureate degree.
- The actuarial science concentration fits very well in responding to the university’s need and call for
developing new concentrations and new programs. The program has been developed in
close coordination and cooperation with the College of Business. This program prepares
students for rewarding careers anywhere where risk is inherent; insurance industry,
private corporations, government, and public accounting firms among others.
The BS degree in mathematics and physics is awarded to students who successfully complete
the outlined program of study, the requirements of the general education program,
and meet all other University requirements. Only grades of “C” or higher are acceptable
in major and supporting courses.
Department of Mathematics and Physics also offers a Minor in Physics and a Minor in Mathematics.
