Mathematics (B.S.)
Alfred North Whitehead described mathematics as the most original creation of the human mind. For more than 5,000 years this creation has grown and evolved; today, it permeates virtually every intellectual discipline. Mathematicians make use of an approach called the axiomatic method whereby propositions or theorems are deduced from a set of axioms using the principles of Aristotelian logic. This axiomatic method is used in the development of mathematical systems and designed to develop the student's ability to think and reason abstractly. Mathematics also provides the key to understanding the sciences. Carl Friedrich Gauss called mathematics the "queen of the sciences" and indeed, it forms an integral part of scientific thought and is a necessary component of contemporary advances in all scientific fields. In addition, mathematics finds wide application in such diverse fields as economics, business, social studies, art, and education.
Although it is far beyond the capability of any one individual to master the whole of mathematics, the program at the University of St. Francis is designed to give the student a full exposure to topics in undergraduate mathematics. Courses in the curriculum can prepare a student for graduate study, for a career in business or industry, or for any of several professions, including teaching.
The mathematics major also provides for a concentration in actuarial science that can lead to a career as an actuary within the insurance field or as a private consultant. The student selecting this program should plan to complete the first two actuarial examinations prior to graduation.
Mathematics majors who are interested in obtaining a professional educator license in secondary mathematics must also meet the secondary education requirements as listed in the Teacher Education section of this catalog. Students may also earn their Middle Grades Mathematics Endorsement as part of this program. This program is also available as a Combined 4+1 program. A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is earned along with a Master of Education degree after completing the required courses and program requirements.
All mathematics majors are required to complete a Major Portfolio. Broadly, the portfolio consists of samples of a student’s mathematical work; evidence of participation in activities of the mathematical community, both within and outside of the university; and reflection of mathematical growth. Portfolio creation generally commences with successful completion of MATH 182 Calculus/Analytic Geometry II and culminates as a graded element of MATH 490 Senior Seminar.
Major Program (51-75 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| MATH 175 | Statistics | 4 |
| MATH 181 | Calculus/Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH 182 | Calculus/Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MATH 271 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 275 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 280 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 326 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 331 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| MATH 391 | Junior Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 490 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 19-43 | |
| Total Hours | 51-75 | |
Actuarial Science Concentration (43 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science Core | ||
| MATH 310 | Theory of Interest | 3 |
| MATH 332 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| MATH 365 | Operations Research | 3 |
| MATH 370 | Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 380 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| Required Actuarial Science Support Courses | ||
| ACCT 125 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 126 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| COMP 140 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| ECON 101 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| FINC 242 | Principles of Finance | 3 |
| FINC 340 | Insurance and Risk Management | 3 |
| FINC 345 | Investments | 3 |
| FINC 430 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 3 |
| Total Hours | 43 | |
Data Science Concentration (28 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 330 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| MATH 332 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| MATH 370 | Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| COMP 140 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| COMP 150 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| COMP 400 | Database Management | 3 |
| COMP 440 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Operations Research (3) | ||
| Numerical Analysis (3) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Contemporary Issues In Ethics (3) | ||
| Just Business (3) | ||
| Total Hours | 28 | |
The Senior Capstone Project / Paper must be an approved Data Science topic.
Mathematical Sciences Concentration (19 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMP 140 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| MATH 351 | College Geometry | 3 |
| MATH 371 | Introduction to Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 375 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 |
| Mathematics Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Theory of Interest (3) | ||
| History of Mathematics I (3) | ||
| History of Mathematics II (3) | ||
| Introduction to Data Science (3) | ||
| Mathematical Statistics II (3) | ||
| Operations Research (3) | ||
| Applied Regression Analysis (3) | ||
| Numerical Analysis (3) | ||
| Topics in Mathematics (1-3) | ||
| Total Hours | 19 | |
Students work with their advisors in selecting additional elective credits to fulfill the 120 credit hours required for graduation.