About the Department of Mathematics and Physics

Department of Mathematics & Physics 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 of the Department of Mathematics and Physic

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 offers a firm (undergraduate) foundation for careers in materials, pure and applied mathematics, physics, medicine, and business.  It also provides excellent preparation for a 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. Those 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 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 areas such as stock market, marketing strategies, cyber security, and risk management, among others. Also, the combined Mathematics and Physics degree opens for entering students to earn engineering degrees.
     
  • The biomedical science concentration requires 33 hours. It affords students an opportunity to study 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.