Mathematics

Mathematics is the fundamental study of how the world works, the generalizations and abstractions underlying all the basic structures of nature and human society. The Department of Mathematics seeks to provide all its students with the theoretical and practical knowledge that will enable them to analyze and solve problems of an increasingly complex nature.

The student who majors in Mathematics has the opportunity to prepare for a career in business, industry, or secondary mathematics teaching by means of programs that coordinate with other departments or divisions on campus. Alternatively, those mathematics majors who choose to do so can readily make the transition to graduate school. Many of our students choose this path by entering graduate schools with assistantships to finance their graduate education.

The student who elects a minor in Mathematics along with a major in another discipline demonstrates an ability for abstract problem solving that will make them more attractive on the career or graduate school path.

All Mathematics courses offered in this department presume that the student has successfully completed 3 years of high school mathematics, including Algebra II and Geometry. Students who have not demonstrated proficiency in these subjects by virtue of their SAT or ACT scores are required to pass a placement test prior to enrolling in most MTH-prefix courses.

The Mathematics Department also cooperates with the Economics Department to offer a major in Mathematical Economics. This combination is particularly appropriate for students seeking to pursue graduate studies in economics. See the Economics Department  section for details.

AP Calculus Credit

A student scoring 3 or better on an AP Calculus exam will be awarded credit as follows: