Mathematics major requirements (B.A.)

The mathematics major has been designed to meet the needs of students with a wide variety of interests. All students majoring in mathematics start with a basic core of required mathematics courses.  The student then builds on this foundation with a selection of five upper divsion courses, chosen from one of three options.  Students in the teachers option choose courses that meet the requirements for state certification in mathematics.  In the other options, students get a measure of depth by taking two year long sequences in mathematics.

Required Courses

• MATH 142 Calculus I.
• MATH 143 Calculus II.
• MATH 244 Calculus III - must be taken at St. Louis University with a grade of at least "C".
• MATH 266 Principles of Mathematics.
• MATH 315 Introduction to Linear Algebra.

Options for upper division courses:

The student must at least 5 additonal upper division mathematics courses according to one of the three following options.  A GPA of 2.00 (C average) or higher is required in upper division mathematics courses counting toward the major.  The upper division courses are built around year long sequences of courses in 5 areas of mathematics

• MATH 355, and 455 or 457 - Differential Equations;
• MATH 401, 402 - Probability and Statistics;
• MATH 411, 412 - Modern Algebra and Advanced Linear Algebra;
• MATH 421, 422 - Introduction to Analysis and Metrric Spaces;
• MATH 451, 452 - Complex Variables.

Applied Mathematics

The most flexible option is applied mathematics.  It simply requires 2 of the year long sequences and a fifth upper division MATH course beyond the common math requirement.

The choice of year-long sequences for this option would depend in the dirction a student wants to follow in his or her career.  For example, someone looking for a career as an actuary should include a year of probability and statistics.  A student anticilpating a career in applied math should include a year of differential equations.  A student looking forward to a career in cryptography should include the sequence in algebra.

Pure Mathematics

The pure mathematics option is particularly appropriate for students who plan to go on to graduate school in mathematics.  For this option studetns must complete the two yearlong sequences in algebra and analysis and complete a fifth upper division MATH course beyond the common math requirement.

Teachers Option

In place of two year-long sequences, this option starts witha spread of four courses that satisfy requiremetns for teacher certification.

• MATH401 Elementary Theory of Probability
• MATH405 History of Mathematics
• MATH411 Elements of Modern Algebra
• MATH441 Foundations of Geometry
• One additional course chosen from the following:
  • MATH355 Differential Equations
  • MATH402 Introductory Mathematical Statistics
  • MATH425 Theory of Numbers
  • MATH447 Non-Euclidean Geometry
  • (An appropriate upper-division mathematics elective may be substituted, with the approval of the student's mathematics advisor.)

Page last updated by Mike May, S.J. in November , 2005.