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Mathematics
Part of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division
Highlighted Undergraduate Research Projects:
Kyle Prince played organized football just once – in middle school – but thanks to his Senior Study on "Statistical Analysis in the NFL", football may figure into his vocational plans.
The importance of mathematics to the educated person has been established since the Middle Ages, when arithmetic and geometry were recognized as two of the seven liberal arts constituting the traditional course of study at a university. Mathematics is even more vital to liberal education today, when every citizen must be equipped with the quantitative skills needed to navigate our technological and data-driven world. The increasing demand for well-trained professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is well-documented, and all of these require knowledge of mathematics.
The curriculum in mathematics develops a student’s ability to think analytically and construct logical arguments, building a foundation to support advanced study in mathematics, but also providing a gateway to the expansive, diverse career opportunities in the mathematical sciences. The program provides students a range of experiences in both abstract and applied mathematics, as well as in the partner disciplines of computer science and physics.
Two distinct major programs are offered. The Major in Mathematics provides a broad curriculum for students planning careers which require mathematical skill and problem-solving ability. Students may enter graduate school programs in mathematics, statistics, or related disciplines, or pursue careers in a variety of fields such as actuarial science, biomathematics, operations research, teaching, or finance.
Learning Outcomes
Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
- Communicate mathematical ideas with precision and clarity in both written and oral form.
- Develop expertise in appropriate technology for their desired career paths.
- Understand and apply mathematical concepts in both theoretical and applied areas.
- Use mathematics to model real-world problems by choosing appropriate mathematical tools, representing the problem abstractly, and obtaining and interpreting results.
- Evaluate the correctness and validity of solutions.
- Experience the application of mathematics to other disciplines through appropriate related courses.
The Major in Mathematics consists of 56/55 hours in mathematics and related fields. Required courses include:
MTH 125: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
MTH 225: Calculus II (4 hrs.)
MTH 232: Linear Algebra (3 hrs.)
MTH 235: Calculus III (4 hrs.)
MTH 236: Ordinary Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
MTH 299: Foundations of Higher Mathematics (2 hrs.)
MTH 302: Modern Algebra (3 hrs.)
MTH 315: Advanced Calculus (3 hrs.)
MTH 321: Probability and Statistics I (3 hrs.)
MTH 326: Numerical Analysis (3 hrs.)
MTH 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
MTH 399: Research Seminar (1 hr.)
Two of the following courses:
MTH 303: Advanced Algebra (3 hrs.)
MTH 316: Advanced Calculus II (3 hrs.)
MTH 322: Probability and Statistics II (3 hrs.)
MTH 349: Selected Topics in Mathematics (3 hrs.)
Three of the following related courses:
PHY 201: General Physics I (4 hrs.)
PHY 202: General Physics II (4 hrs.) (This course meets the requirement of SCI 350 for mathematics majors – See note in General Education section of this Catalog)
CSC 111: Introduction to Computer Science I (3 hrs.)
CSC 112: Introduction to Computer Science II (3 hrs.)
Any student who expects to attend graduate school is advised to acquire intermediate-level proficiency in French or German. Students desiring more depth in the related fields of Computer Science, Physics, or Statistics are encouraged to complete a minor in one or more of these areas.
The Major in Mathematics for Teacher Licensure consists of 50 hours in mathematics and related fields and 6 additional hours in liberal studies. Required courses include:
MTH 125: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
MTH 225: Calculus II (4 hrs.)
MTH 232: Linear Algebra (3 hrs.)
MTH 235: Calculus III (4 hrs.)
MTH 236: Ordinary Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
MTH 299: Foundations of Higher Mathematics (2 hrs.)
MTH 302: Modern Algebra (3 hrs.)
MTH 315: Advanced Calculus (3 hrs.)
MTH 321: Probability and Statistics I (3 hrs.)
MTH 326: Numerical Analysis (3 hrs.)
MTH 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
MTH 399: Research Seminar (1 hr.)
PHY 201: General Physics I (4 hrs.)
PHY 202: General Physics II (4 hrs.)
CSC 111: Introduction to Computer Science I (3 hrs.)
Additional liberal studies requirements include:
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology (3 hrs.)
SOC 271: Sociology of Education (3 hrs.)
Students pursuing this major must complete 29 hours of professional courses in teacher education. The professional courses are listed below and in the Education section of this catalog. They include:
EDU 301: Models of Classroom Management and Instruction (3 hrs.)
EDU 302: Educational Technology (2 hrs.)
EDU 321: Reading and Writing in the Content Classrooms (2 hrs.)
EDU 343: Practicum in Methods and Materials (2 hrs.)
EDU 401: Student Teaching (9 hrs.)
EDU 402: Professional Seminar on Teaching (3 hrs.)
PHR 236: Health Issues in Education (2 hrs.)
PSY 218: Psychology of Adolescence (3 hrs.)
PSY 334: Culturally Diverse and Exceptional Children (3 hrs.)
A Minor in Mathematics Add-on Teaching Endorsement requires 16 credit hours in mathematics and includes the following courses:
MTH 125: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
MTH 225: Calculus II (4 hrs.)
MTH 232: Linear Algebra (3 hrs.)
Five credit hours in mathematics above MTH 225
(The following courses may not be used to meet this requirement:
MTH 307: Mathematics and Instructional Strategies for K-6 and 4-8 Teachers I (3 hrs.)
MTH 308: Mathematics and Instructional Strategies for K-6 and 4-8 Teachers II (3 hrs.)
MTH 399: Research Seminar (1 hr.)
The Minor in Mathematics requires a minimum of 16 credit hours. Required courses include:
MTH 125: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
MTH 225: Calculus II (4 hrs.)
MTH 232: Linear Algebra (3 hrs.)
Five credit hours in mathematics above MTH 225
(The following courses may not be used to meet this requirement:
MTH 307: Mathematics and Instructional Strategies for K-6 and 4-8 Teachers I (3 hrs.)
MTH 308: Mathematics and Instructional Strategies for K-6 and 4-8 Teachers II (3 hrs.)
MTH 399: Research Seminar (1 hr.)
The Minor in Statistics consists of 16 semester hours that include the following courses:
MTH 125: Calculus I (4 hrs.)
MTH 221: Inferential Statistics (3 hrs.)
MTH 222: Regression Analysis (3 hrs.)
MTH 321: Probability and Statistics I (3 hrs.)
Either of the following courses:
MTH 322: Probability and Statistics II (3 hrs.)
or
MTH 343: Practicum in Mathematics (2-6 hrs.) (3 hours required)
Core Curriculum Requirements
Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.