A Broad Based Program to Produce Mathematics Professionals

University Of Alabama At Birmingham, Birmingham AL

Investigators

Abstract

This project at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Mathematics, will establish a three-pronged program. First, it will position talented young students to move directly from high school into an accelerated university concentration leading to the B.S. and M.S. in mathematics in four to five years. Secondly, it will smooth the student's transition from undergraduate to graduate student with increasing emphasis on independent research. Thirdly, it will supplement the traditional teaching/research basis of our mathematics doctoral program with emphasis on breadth in mathematics, exposure to another science, and development of interpersonal and communication skills that will be of use in pursuing a life-long professional career in mathematics or a mathematics-related area. This program provides a template for selecting and guiding talented U.S. citizens and permanent residents from the high school experience through a program of broad training for a mathematics career. Currently this country sees very few of its most able high school graduates pursue the B.S. in mathematics. Of these, fewer still go on to higher degrees or a profession in mathematics. A plan is established for identifying, attracting and retaining prospective mathematicians, from high school through to the doctorate, and offers broad-based training in skills critical to functioning in today's workforce.