B.A./B.S. in Mathematics
A major in mathematics may be pursued as either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts, depending on the student’s interests and complementary major or minor. Required courses in mathematics are the same for both degrees. The department offers a primary major, requiring a minimum of 38 credit hours, and a complementary major, requiring a minimum of 32 hours.
Learning Objectives for Math Majors
Students will:
- demonstrate expertise in the core topics of mathematics
- demonstrate ability to solve advanced mathematical problems, apply various methods of mathematical proof, and communicate solutions in writing
- demonstrate the ability to comprehend advanced mathematics and present the material orally and in writing
- be aware of and involved with mathematics outside the classroom
- be provided a wide range of elective courses from which to choose
- utilize their mathematics education in either their careers or in the pursuit of graduate work
Foundations
Students in mathematics at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions.
The Math Colloquium
All majors are required to attend the mathematics colloquium, a weekly gathering that offers students and faculty the opportunity to learn about each other’s interests and mathematical projects and introduces professionals from outside Valpo who work in mathematics and related fields. Students take increasingly more responsibility for the content of the colloquium as they progress through the major, culminating in presentations during the senior year.
More about the Math Colloquium »
Courses Required for the Major
| Course | Title | Credits |
| Core Courses | ||
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 Credits |
| MATH 132 | Calculus II | 4 Credits |
| MATH 253 | Calculus III | 4 Credits |
| MATH 264 | Linear Algebra | 3 Credits |
| MATH 266 | Transitions in Mathematics | 3 Credits |
| MATH 199, 299, 399, 499 | Mathematics Colloquium I-IV | 2 Total Credits |
| Electives | ||
| Three courses from the following options: | ||
| MATH 421 | Combinatorics I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 422 | Combinatorics II | 3 Credits |
| MATH 451 | Analysis I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 452 | Analysis II | 3 Credits |
| MATH 453 | Topology | 3 Credits |
| MATH 461 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 462 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 Credits |
| Three additional MATH or STAT or DATA courses of three credits or more numbered 270 or above | ||
| Supplemental Courses | ||
| STAT 240 (*) | Statistical Analysis | 3 Credits |
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | 3 Credits |
(*) The statistics requirement is that each math major take any course containing introductory statistics; other statistics courses such as STAT 140, BUS 205, and PSY 201 will satisfy the requirement, but the recommended course is STAT 240. Students who declare a mathematics major after having taken one of the other statistics options will meet this requirement with their prior statistics course.
| Course | Title | Credits |
| Core Courses | ||
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 Credits |
| MATH 132 | Calculus II | 4 Credits |
| MATH 253 | Calculus III | 4 Credits |
| MATH 264 | Linear Algebra | 3 Credits |
| MATH 266 | Transitions in Mathematics | 3 Credits |
| MATH 199, 299, 399, 499 | Mathematics Colloquium I-IV | 2 Total Credits |
| Electives | ||
| One course from the following options: | ||
| MATH 421 | Combinatorics I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 451 | Analysis I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 461 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 Credits |
| Three additional MATH or STAT or DATA courses of three credits or more numbered 270 or above | ||
| Additional Required Course | ||
| STAT 240 (*) | Statistical Analysis | 3 Credits |
(*) The statistics requirement is that each math major take any course containing introductory statistics; other statistics courses such as STAT 140, BUS 205, and PSY 201 will satisfy the requirement, but the recommended course is STAT 240. Students who declare a mathematics major after having taken one of the other statistics options will meet this requirement with their prior statistics course.
Areas of Focus
The department has developed recommended programs of study appropriate for students who are interested in the following fields:
- Secondary Education
- Operations Research
- Scientific Mathematics
- Graduate Study in Mathematics