Areas of Focus in Math
Recommended Electives for Selected Areas of Focus in Mathematics
Valparaiso University’s mathematics and statistics department has developed recommended programs of study appropriate for students who are interested in several particular fields. Click on one of the tabs below to see the recommended electives for that field.
Students who have declared a second major in secondary education must fulfill two of three “elective” requirements in the mathematics major with the following courses:
| MATH 312 | History of Mathematics | 3 Credits |
| MATH 314 | Elements of Geometry | 4 Credits |
Students interested in the field of operations research are recommended to use the following courses to fulfill some of the mathematics major requirements:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MATH 320 | Dynamical Systems | 3 Credits |
| MATH 322 | Optimization | 3 Credits |
| MATH 421 | Combinatorics I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 422 | Combinatorics II | 3 Credits |
| MATH 451 | Analysis I | 3 Credits |
| STAT 344 | Stochastic Processes | 3 Credits |
Students interested in applied (scientific) mathematics are recommended to use the following courses to fulfill some of the mathematics major requirements:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MATH 270 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 Credits |
| MATH 330 | Partial Differential Equations | 3 Credits |
| MATH 334 | Complex Variables | 3 Credits |
| MATH 370 | Numerical Analysis | 3 Credits |
| MATH 451 | Analysis I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 452 | Analysis II | 3 Credits |
| MATH 461 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 Credits |
Students preparing for graduate school in mathematics are recommended to use the following courses to fulfill some of the mathematics major requirements:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MATH 334 | Complex Variables | 3 Credits |
| MATH 371 | Experimental Mathematics | 3 Credits |
| MATH 451 | Analysis I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 452 | Analysis II | 3 Credits |
| MATH 461 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 Credits |
| MATH 462 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 Credits |
Teacher Training
Through the Mathematics and Science Education Enrollment and Development program, graduates earn a bachelor of science degree in science or mathematics, and also earn a teaching license – all in four years.