Mathematics Major/Pure Mathematics Specialization

A mathematics degree opens up careers in a variety of industries including finance, insurance, software engineering, and the sciences. In addition, some of our mathematics majors decide to pursue careers in teaching and others continue their education through graduate programs in mathematics, finance, statistics, or another disciplines.

All majors participate in a year-long capstone experience that culminates in oral and written presentations. We also offer the opportunity for some students to engage in research projects with faculty members. Recent projects have included research in mathematical models of water waves, number theory, graph theory, inverse theory, and random matrices.

This specialization is appropriate for any student planning to pursue graduate studies in mathematics.

Requirements

In order to earn the bachelor of science in mathematics degree with a major in mathematics, students must complete a minimum of 180 credits with a cumulative and major/department grade point average of 2.50.

I. Core Curriculum Requirements

ENGL 110 - College Writing: Inquiry and Argument 5
PHIL 110 - Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking 5
ENGL 120 - Introduction to Literature 5
Lab Science (fulfilled in major)
Fine Arts (one approved 5 credit course; see course descriptions ) (5)
PHIL 220 - Philosophy of the Human Person 5
Social Science I (5)
Social Science II (different discipline from Social Science I) (5)
Theology and Religious Studies Phase II (200-299) (see course offerings ) (5)
Ethics (upper division) (5)
Theology and Religious Studies Phase III (300-399) (see course offerings ) (5)
Interdisciplinary (3 to 5)
Senior Synthesis satisfied by MATH 488 , MATH 489 , MATH 490

Choose one of the following two courses:

II. Major Requirements

70 to 72 credits in mathematics, including:

MATH 134 - Calculus I 5
MATH 135 - Calculus II 5
MATH 136 - Calculus III 5
MATH 232 - Multivariable Calculus 3
MATH 233 - Linear Algebra 3
MATH 234 - Differential Equations 4
MATH 310 - Introduction to Advanced Mathematics 5
MATH 411 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra I 5
MATH 412 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra II 5
MATH 431 - Introduction to Real Analysis I 5
MATH 432 - Introduction to Real Analysis II 5
MATH 488 - Senior Synthesis I 2
MATH 489 - Senior Synthesis II 2
MATH 490 - Senior Synthesis III 1
MATH 499 - Undergraduate Research 1 to 5 *
MATH Electives (numbered 222 or above) (see course offerings ) (10)

Choose one of the following four courses:

III. Other Major Department Requirements

Electives (18)

Computer science, economics and/or natural science approved by advisor, including at least one core lab science and one computer application or programming course.

NOTE:

1. In certain circumstances, with approval of the chair, 10 credits of upper-division work in computer science or a physical science may be substituted for 10 credits in mathematics. 2. *The MATH 499 requirement will be waived for a student who completes a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, senior design project, or approved research project in another department. 3. A maximum total of 5 credits of Directed Research or Undergraduate Research may be used to satisfy the math elective requirement.