The Mathematics Major
Courses in the Department of Mathematics help students acquire methods of logical reasoning and deduction, and develop problem-solving skills for a wide variety of applications. They also provide techniques for the description and analysis of physical and social phenomena. Department courses can be chosen to provide a foundation for graduate work, to prepare for the teaching profession, or to prepare the student for a career using problem-solving and analytical skills.
Mathematics Major The major requires 41 credits, which must include:
Math 112: Calculus I
Math 113: Calculus II
Math 121: Discrete Structures
Math 200: Linear Algebra
Math 309: Real Analysis
Math 322: Abstract Algebra
Math 400: Senior Seminar (1 cr.)
CSCI 111: Principles of Computer Science
Senior Thesis (0 cr.)
Mathematics electives: Students must take three additional mathematics courses numbered above 200 (excluding Math 450 and Math 490). Physics 203 or Physics 310 may be substituted for one mathematics elective.
Mathematics Minor: A minor consists of four courses beyond MATH 113 and CSCI 111. Physics 203 or Physics 310 may be used as one of these courses.
The teaching minor for secondary education should include MATH 112, 113, 200, 205, 304, 322, and Computer Science 111. The elementary education major desiring licensure for teaching mathematics should include MATH 103, 104, 106, 112, 121, 205, and CSCI 110 or 111.
The mathematics major planning to attend graduate school should include MATH 212, 306, 310, and 323.
The mathematics major planning on secondary teaching should include MATH 205, 303, and 304.
The mathematics major planning a career in actuarial science should include MATH 212, 230, 303, 304, and contact the Chair of the Mathematics Department for additional information on preparing for the actuarial exams. Math 304 Theory of Statistics carries VEE credit. Students planning to become actuaries may also take MGMT 321 Financial Management, ECON 101 Principles of Microeconomics, and ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomics for VEE credit.
Honors in the Major: Please see department chair for details. Basic requirements are listed under All College Programs in the catalog.
Placement Exam: The Department of Mathematics administers a placement exam upon request. A separate competency exam also is available for students wishing to meet the college quantitative literacy requirement without taking a mathematics course. See the chair of the Mathematics Department for details.
A computational skills course is available to those students whose preparation is not sufficient for an entry-level mathematics course. Successful completion of computational skills satisfies the prerequisite for MATH 103, 104, 105, or 106.