Date: August 5, 2005
Contact: Eric Matanyi
Phone: (708) 534-5000, ext 5151
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: e-matanyi@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, August 5, 2005 - Governors State University will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree. The university’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has created the degree program in response to the growing demand statewide for mathematics educators. The program also targets students looking for a career as mathematicians or in a scientific field.
The degree program will be available beginning in the Fall Trimester of 2005.
The program was originally proposed in the late 1990’s and was approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 2000. Late in 2004, Governors State University President Dr. Stuart Fagan, made the formal decision to make the degree available to students.
The university offers numerous math courses within its Division of Science, but has not presented a degree in this discipline. "We’re very excited to be offering a bachelor’s degree in mathematics," said Dr. Karen D’Arcy, interim chair, CAS Division of Science.
"Our current math courses have allowed us to build a degree program that is very rich in both credit hours and resources."
In addition to the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree, the university plans to add a Secondary Teacher Education Sequence in Mathematics, pending final approval from the Illinois State Board of Higher Education.
The mathematics sequence will compliment the College of Arts and Sciences’ current secondary education sequences in biology, chemistry, and English. "We’ve had a wonderful experience and created a good track record with the biology and chemistry programs," D’Arcy noted.
Dr. D’Arcy also stated that the program will target several different student demographics, including those looking for a mathematics degree to compliment their current degree, returning alumni, and first time college students.
"In many cases, students decide that they want to become teachers while they are attending high school," said D’Arcy. As a result, GSU will look to inform community college and high school students of the program so that they are aware of their options early on in their college careers.
As part of adding the new degree program, the college is also adding a new faculty member to its roster. Dr. Satoshi Takahashi will join the college in September of 2005. "We are proud to have an experienced researcher and faculty member joining us to compliment the already excellent staff that we have in place."
Along with his impressive academic credentials, Dr. Takahashi recently held a prestigious research appointment at the IBM Watson Research Center.
Formal application to this degree program is required for either concentration.
For additional information about the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree, contact Dr. Karen D’Arcy at 708-534-4526.
