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Mathematics

Major / Minor Requirements

The Carthage Mathematics Department prepares students for graduate school, careers requiring problem-solving and analytic skills, and teaching mathematics at the elementary or high school level. Carthage offers a major and a minor in mathematics.

Current students: You should follow the official College Catalog from the year you entered Carthage and work with your advisors and the department chair to ensure all requirements are met.

Majors and Minors Offered

Majors:
Mathematics

Minors:
Mathematics
Data Science

Mathematics Major

The mathematics major requires 48 credits, which must include:

CORE COURSES – TAKE ALL:

  • MTH 1120 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • MTH 1220 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • MTH 1240 Discrete Structures (4 credits)
  • MTH 2040 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
    MTH 2090 Mathematical Computing (4 credits)
  • MTH 3040 Abstract Algebra I (4 credits)
  • MTH 3120 Real Analysis (4 credits)
  • MTH 4300 Senior Research (4 credits)
  • MTH 4990 Senior Thesis Completion (0 credits)
  • CSC 1030 Data Science I (4 credits)

  • ELECTIVES – TAKE THREE

  • Students must take three additional mathematics courses numbered above 2000 (MTH 4500 and MTH 4900 may only be counted toward the major with approval of the department chair). Either PHY 2200 General Physics I or PHY 3470 Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers may be substituted for one mathematics elective.

Mathematics Minor

A minor consists of four mathematics courses beyond MTH 1220 and one computing course (CSC 1030 Data Science I, CSC 1100 Introduction to Computing, or CSC 1810 Principles of Computer Science I). PHY 2200 or PHY 3470 may be used in place of one mathematics course. 

Additional Information

Mathematics Minor for Secondary Education
Students pursuing a mathematics minor for secondary education should include:

TAKE ALL:

  • MTH 1120 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • MTH 1220 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • MTH 2040 Linear Algebra (4 credits)
  • MTH 2080 Modern Geometry (4 credits)
  • MTH 3040 Abstract Algebra I (4 credits)
  • MTH 3050 Statistics (4 credits)

CHOOSE ONE:

  • CSC 1030 Data Science I (4 credits)
  • CSC 1100 Introduction to Computing (4 credits)
  • CSC 1810 Principles of Computer Science I (4 credits)

Elementary Education Major – Mathematics Licensure
An elementary education major seeking licensure to teach mathematics should include:

TAKE ALL:

  • MTH 1030 Applied Contemporary Mathematics (4 credits)
  • MTH 1040 Principles of Modern Mathematics (4 credits)
  • MTH 1050 Elementary Statistics (4 credits)
  • MTH 1120 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • MTH 1240 Discrete Structures (4 credits)
  • MTH 2080 Modern Geometry (4 credits)

Choose one:

  • CSC 1030 Data Science I (4 credits)
  • CSC 1100 Introduction to Computing (4 credits)

Mathematics Major for Secondary Education
A mathematics major planning to teach in secondary school should include:

  • MTH 2080 Modern Geometry (4 credits)
  • MTH 3030 Probability (4 credits)
  • MTH 3050 Statistics (4 credits)

Preparation for Graduate Study
A mathematics major planning to attend graduate school should include:

  • MTH 2020 Differential Equations (4 credits)
  • MTH 2120 Multivariate Calculus (4 credits)
  • MTH 3220 Complex Variables (4 credits)
  • MTH 3180 Introduction to Topology (4 credits)
  • MTH 3140 Abstract Algebra II (4 credits)

Actuarial Science
A mathematics major planning a career in actuarial science should include:

  • MTH 2120 Multivariate Calculus (4 credits)
  • MTH 2130 Mathematics of Actuarial Science (4 credits)
  • MTH 3030 Probability (4 credits)
  • MTH 3050 Statistics (4 credits)

  • Contact the chair of the Mathematics Department for additional information on preparing for the actuarial exams. Students planning to become actuaries may take MTH 3050 Statistics, MGT 3210 Financial Management, ECN 1010 Principles of Microeconomics, and ECN 1020 Principles of Macroeconomics for VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) credit.

Honors in the Major

Students wishing to earn honors in Mathematics must fulfill the following requirements:

  • The student must have a 3.5 GPA in mathematics courses numbered 1120 or above at graduation.
  • The student must present a mathematics talk at an off-campus venue. The talk and venue must be approved by the Mathematics Department chair.
  • The student must pass a mathematics oral examination before a jury composed of members of the Mathematics Department. This examination is usually administered during the student’s last semester on campus.

Please see the department chair for details. Basic requirements are listed under All-College Programs in the College Catalog.

Current students, remember: You should follow the official College Catalog from the year you entered Carthage and work with your advisors and the department chair to ensure all requirements are met.

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