Mathematics, B.A.

Major Requirements

Mathematics majors acquire insight and understanding of a diverse range of both abstract and applied topics. They experience many facets of this powerful discipline and are well prepared for graduate programs or professional careers in education, business, government, or industry. In addition to satisfying the College’s general education requirements, students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics must complete the following major and cognate courses or their equivalents:

• MTH 1314 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 4
• MTH 1217 - Calculus I Credits: 4
• MTH 1218 - Calculus II Credits: 4
• MTH 2219 - Calculus III Credits: 4
• MTH 2220 - Differential Equations Credits: 4
• MTH 3335 - Linear Algebra Credits: 4
• MTH 4336 - Abstract Algebra Credits: 4
• MTH 4343 - Real Analysis Credits: 4
• CSC 1610 - Problem Solving with Programming Credits: 4

• Or

• CSC 1611 - Problem Solving with Python Credits: 4
• And enough additional credits of mathematics electives (2000 level or higher) to reach a total of 48 credits in the major. All students are strongly urged to take additional mathematics electives and two semesters of a natural science. In order to graduate, all Mathematics majors in their senior year will be required to take the Mathematics Major Field Test, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The BA in Mathematics requires 124 credits overall.

Program Learning Goals

Through required and elective courses, our mathematics majors develop the ability to:

1. effectively communicate mathematical ideas and use appropriate mathematical language to construct mathematically rigorous and logically correct proofs;
2. solve problems using the appropriate skills and techniques of differential, integral, and multivariable calculus, and differential equations and be able to apply these concepts and skills to a wide variety of routine problems;
3. explore and conjecture by recognizing and generalizing patterns;
4. apply mathematical concepts and techniques to model situations and solve the resulting non-routine (a.k.a. real world) problems; and
5. use technology as an effective tool to investigate, understand, and apply mathematics.

Major GPA. The GPA for the Mathematics major will be calculated by taking the average of the eight required mathematics courses and the best 12 credits of mathematics electives numbered 2000 or higher.