Mathematics Requirements
The Mathematics program seeks to provide students with the fundamental understandings of mathematics as a language, as an art, and as a science. The program helps the student develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that play an increasingly important role in a complex technological society. The course offerings in mathematics contribute to the general education of all students, give the necessary skills and understanding for students in related fields, prepare majors for mathematical professions including secondary education, and prepare students for graduate studies in mathematics.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout their program the students demonstrate the accomplishment of the following outcomes:
- Develop problem solving and reasoning skills, and analyze conceptual relationships;
- Apply disparate knowledge to solve complex problems in various disciplines, and interpret the results in practical terms;
- Use mathematical abstraction and symbolism to create generalizations from observed patterns, and develop specific examples from general statements;
- Read mathematical literature with increasing confidence, collaborate with others to solve problems, and effectively communicate mathematical concepts and processes;
- Appropriately use technological tools, such as graphic calculators and computers, as aids in solving problems, and correctly interpret the results that technology produces;
- Develop quantitative literacy by collecting, organizing, and interpreting data, and create models for drawing trustworthy conclusions based on that data.
Major in Mathematics
Students will choose a degree in Mathematics (tracks in pure mathematics or education) or Applied Mathematics (tracks in pre-engineering, pre-actuarial science, or IT/Operations Research). Regardless of the track or degree within the Mathematics Program, students will be required to complete 26 credit hours of Core Track Mathematics courses. Additionally, Non-Core Mathematics courses and other appropriate courses would be required for each track or degree. The Core and Non-Core Courses are listed below.
Core Track (26 crs):
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 244 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MA 272 | Mathematical Reasoning | 3 |
| MA 330 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| MA 345 | Calculus III: Multivariable | 4 |
| MA 346 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MA 364 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MA 597 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
Non-core courses for specific tracks:
| MA 380 | Historical Foundations of Mathematics | 3 |
| MA 401 | Theory of Interest | 3 |
| MA 403 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MA 437 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MA 455 | Modern Geometries | 3 |
| MA 463 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MA 471 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| MA 495 | Special Topics in Mathematics | Variable 1 to 3 credits |
Mathematics Degree
Students will choose from either the Pure Mathematics Track or the Education Track.
Applied Mathematics Degree
Students choose from one of three tracks: Pre-Engineering, Pre-Actuary, or Operations Research/CIS. Students will complete the Core Track plus two additional 400-Level Mathematics courses, unless otherwise noted.
Students pursuing the Pre-Engineering Track may enter into a Dual Degree track with the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). Students would complete 3 years (98 credit hours) at USM and then transfer into the Engineering program at UMKC. Upon successful completion of 30 credits of UMKC Engineering courses, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from USM. After students complete the Engineering Program (approximately 2 years), they will earn a BS in either Civil or Mechanical Engineering from UMKC.
Students must have cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 to transfer into the Dual Degree program. Students should not deviate from their three-year plan in order to finish the program within three years.
A second Pre-Engineering Track is designed for students who will not transfer into UMKC’s Dual Degree program but are interested in Pre-Engineering. These students will earn a four-year Applied Mathematics degree.
The Pre-Actuary Track is designed from students who want to pursue a career in Actuarial Science. Actuaries analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. No matter the source, an actuary is consistently rated as one of the best jobs in America. US News and World Report, the Jobs Rated Almanac, CNN Money, and others all agree: few other occupations offer the combination of benefits that an actuarial career can offer. In almost every category, such as work environment, employment outlook, job security, growth opportunity, and salary (especially salary), a career as an actuary is hard to beat.
Operations Research combines applied mathematics with information technology in the formulation and application of mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. This occupation may collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products as well as develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Teacher Licensure
Students who plan to become mathematics teachers should consult the teacher education advisor for mathematics early in their program. Teacher licensure may require specific major and/or supporting courses not required of all mathematics majors. Students must apply for admission to the Teacher Education program at the end of their sophomore year. See the Education program section of this catalog for further information. Students must have earned at least a “C” in all upper-level mathematics courses and must have completed at least 9 hours of upper-level mathematics courses at the University of Saint Mary.
Mathematics Course Prerequisites and Placement
Scores used to satisfy prerequisites must be completed within the last three years. Students with expired scores or who are unsatisfied with their placement may take the Next Generation Accuplacer exam to determine their eligibility in placing in a higher-level course. Refer to the Undergraduate English and Mathematics Placement section of this catalog for more information.