Mathematics
Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas. The Department of Mathematics is committed to excellence in education. The primary mission of the department is to help students obtain a solid foundation of mathematical knowledge and to make skillful use of appropriate technology and apply it to the workforce. The department is also committed to scholarly activity and service to enhance the professional and academic growth of students and faculty while at the same time serving the university and community by consulting with business and industry and delivering supplemental mathematics instruction through seminars, workshops, conferences, and in-service teacher training.
There are 17 faculty members, including four in applied mathematics, five in mathematics education, two in data science, one in pure mathematics, three lecturers, and two visiting lecturers. The mathematics and applied mathematics faculty are active in symmetry analysis, PDEs, numerical analysis, control theory, mathematics modeling, bio-statistics, queueing theory, and functional analysis. The mathematics education faculty is active in the areas of curriculum development and alignment, professional development, performance evaluation and assessment, innovative instructional strategies, instructional technology, and math anxiety. Regardless of their expertise, all faculty are dedicated to student success. We maintain a collegial environment where collaboration within the department and college faculty provides a supportive atmosphere. The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), located in Conway, is only 30 miles from downtown Little Rock. The Department of Mathematics is located in the Mathematics and Computer Science Building (MCS).
Academic Focus
The focus in the Department of Mathematics is two-fold: Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Education. In our undergraduate program, students learn to apply techniques needed to model and analyze complex problems, and at the same time are exposed to the underlying theories. We have a strong undergraduate research program. Each year, a group of faculty and students present their research findings at regional and national mathematical meetings. In addition, technology is integrated into the curriculum in the form of graphics calculators, computer algebra systems, and computer software.
Academic Programs
The department offers an undergraduate degree Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics. The B.S. program has multiple tracks: Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Pure Mathematic, and Math Education. The Applied Math track offers preparation that integrates technology, critical thinking, and problem solving which culminates in a mastery of mathematical skills needed to succeed in careers in business, government, industry, or in advanced studies. The Mathematics Education track provides excellent preparation for middle or high school teacher licensure in mathematics. The Data Science track prepares students by equipping them with computing, statistical, analytical, and business skills needed in the field of data science. The pure mathematics track offers excellent preparation that integrates critical thinking and problem solving and culminates in a mastery of mathematical skills needed for advanced studies. All tracks require a minor.
In addition, the Math Department offers two graduate degrees. The M.A. program in Mathematics Education was developed to increase the mathematical knowledge of secondary school teachers, prepare candidates for teaching in community colleges, and enrich the mathematical background of professionals. The M.S. program in Applied Mathematics, was developed to train students in mathematical modeling, prepare students to serve both business and government agencies or for further graduate studies. Please contact me if you would like additional information about our department or to arrange for a campus visit.
Dr. Loi Booher, Department Chair & Associate Professor
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Phone: (501) 450-3147
e-mail: Loib@uca.edu