Mathematics Major

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.

Requirements

In order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in mathematics, students must complete a minimum of 180 credits with a cumulative and major/department grade point average of 2.00. This degree is particularly appropriate for students who intend to teach mathematics at the K-12 level. The bachelor of arts degree includes either the standard core option with electives or the specialization in humanities for teaching. Either option can prepare students to enter teacher certification and master degree programs in education. The program leading to the bachelor of arts degree does not confer a teaching credential, but is preparation for someone who intends to enter a master’s degree in teaching program. The specialization in humanities for teaching option is for entering freshmen only. Students must choose one of the following two options:

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

50 credits of 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 488 - Senior Synthesis I 2
MATH 489 - Senior Synthesis II 2
MATH 490 - Senior Synthesis III 1
MATH Electives (300 or above) (see course offerings ) (10)

Choose one of the following two courses:

III. Other Major Department Requirements

Electives (18)

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

NOTE:

A maximum total of 5 credits of Directed Research or Undergraduate Research may be used to satisfy the math elective requirement.