Mathematics

Major & Minor Requirements

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.

At Carthage, students can major and minor in mathematics. The department also offers suggested courses for students interested in attending graduate school, teaching elementary or secondary education, or pursuing a career in actuarial science.

Please note: Current students should follow the printed version of the College Catalog, and work with their advisors and the department chair to ensure all requirements are met.

The Mathematics Major

Students pursuing a major in mathematics must successfully complete 44 credits. See additional information for students interested in attending graduate school, teaching elementary or secondary education, or pursuing a career in actuarial science.

Required (take all)
MTH 1120 Calculus I
MTH 1220 Calculus II
MTH 1240 Discrete Structures
MTH 2040 Linear Algebra
MTH 3120 Real Analysis
MTH 3040 Abstract Algebra
MTH 4300 Senior Research
MTH 4990 Senior Thesis Completion
CSC 1110 Principles of Computer Science

Electives (take three)
Students must take three additional mathematics courses numbered above 2000 (excluding MTH 4500 Independent Study and MTH 4900 Research in Mathematics). PHY 2200 Intermediate Physics I or PHY 2470 Mathematical Methods for Scientists & Engineers may be substituted for one mathematics elective.


The Mathematics Minor

A minor consists of four courses beyond MTH 1220 Calculus II and CSC 1110 Principles of Computer Science I. PHY 2200 Intermediate Physics I or PHY 2470 Mathematical Methods for Scientists & Engineers may be used as one of these courses.


Additional Information

The Teaching Minor in Mathematics — Secondary Education
The teaching minor for secondary education should include:
MTH 1120 Calculus I
MTH 1220 Calculus II
MTH 2040 Linear Algebra
MTH 2080 Modern Geometry
MTH 3050 Theory of Statistics
MTH 3040 Abstract Algebra I
CSC 1110 Principles of Computer Science I

Mathematics Major & Secondary Teaching
The mathematics major planning on secondary teaching should include:
MTH 2080 Modern Geometry
MTH 3030 Theory of Probability
MTH 3050 Theory of Statistics

Licensure for Teaching Mathematics — Elementary Education
The elementary education major desiring licensure for teaching mathematics should include:
MTH 1030 Applied Mathematics
MTH 1040 Principles of Modern Mathematics
MTH 1050 Elementary Statistics
MTH 1120 Calculus I
MTH 1240 Discrete Structures
MTH 2080 Modern Geometry
CSC 1100 Introduction to Computing OR 1110 Principles of Computer Science I.

The Mathematics Major — Pre-Graduate School
Mathematics majors who plan to attend graduate school should include:
MTH 2120 Multivariate Calculus
MTH 2020 Differential Equations
MTH 3220 Complex Variables
MTH 3180 Introduction to Topology
MTH 3140 Abstract Algebra II

The Mathematics Major — Actuarial Science
The mathematics major planning a career in actuarial science should include:
MTH 2120 Multivariate Calculus
MTH 2130 Mathematics of Actuarial Science
MTH 3030 Theory of Probability
MTH 3050 Theory of Statistics (carries VEE credit)
Students should contact the chair of the Mathematics Department for additional information on preparing for the actuarial exams. Students planning to become actuaries may also take MGT 3210 Financial Management, ECN 1010 Principles of Microeconomics, and ECN 1020 Principles of Macroeconomics for VEE credit.


Honors in the Major

Please see department chair for details. All students pursuing Honors in Mathematics must present their work at an undergraduate research conference. 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.

Academics at Carthage

Prospective Students

Student Voices

"If you don't do well in a math class here, it's your own fault, because the professors will do everything they can to help you understand."

— Dan Gerber, '11, Onalaska, Wis.

Hear what students have to say about studying (department) at Carthage.