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Mathematics major requirements (B.A.)
The mathematics major is 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-division 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 Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics options, students get a measure of depth by taking two year-long
sequences in mathematics.
Required Courses
Students majoring in mathematics start with a core of five 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 pass at
least five additional upper-division mathematics courses to complete the major under the guidelines of the Applied Mathematics option, the Pure Mathematics option, or the Teachers Option, described below. 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 five areas of mathematics:
- MATH 355, and 455 or 457 - Differential Equations;
- MATH 401, 402 - Probability and Statistics;
- MATH 411, and 412 or 415 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra and Linear
Algebra or Number Theory;
- MATH 421, and 422 or 423 - Introduction to Analysis and Metric
Spaces or Multivariable Analysis;
- MATH 451, and 452 or 453 - Complex Variables.
Applied Mathematics
The Applied Mathematics option requires any two of the five year-long sequences listed above, plus a fifth upper-division mathematics course beyond the core
mathematics requirement. This option is appropriate for students planning on
careers in industry, government agencies, actuarial sciences, etc. The student's career ambitions should guide the selection of year-long sequences. For example, a career as an actuary will require expertise in probability and
statistics; a career as an applied mathematician, differential equations.
Pure
Mathematics
The Pure Mathematics option requires the two year-long sequences beginning with Introduction to Abstract Algebra and Introduction to Analysis, plus a fifth upper-division mathematics course beyond the core
mathematics requirement. This option is appropriate for students who intend to
go on to graduate school in mathematics, or who plan careers in cryptography, computer science, teaching, etc.
Teachers
Option
The Teachers Option requires the following courses, which satisfy requirements for teacher certification.
- MATH 401 - Elementary Theory of Probability
- MATH 405 - History of Mathematics
- MATH 411 - Elements of Modern Algebra
- MATH 441 - Foundations of Geometry or MATH 447 - Non-Euclidean Geometry
- One additional course chosen from the following:
- MATH 355 - Differential Equations
- MATH 402 - Introductory Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 415 - Number Theory
- (An appropriate upper-division mathematics elective
may be substituted, with the approval of the
student's mathematics mentor.)
Mathematics Minor Requirements
There are two options for students minoring in mathematics: the traditional Mathematics Minor and the Engineering Mathematics Minor.
Mathematics Minor
A minor in mathematics should consist of:
- MATH 142 - Calculus I
- MATH 143 - Calculus II
- MATH 244 - Calculus III
- MATH 266 - Principles of Mathematics
- MATH 315 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
- one further course in upper-division mathematics chosen with attention to prerequisites.
Engineering Mathematics Minor
Students seeking a minor in Engineering Mathematics must complete the three semesters of calculus and also complete four upper-division courses in subjects of importance to engineers, which include:
- MATH 311 - Linear Algebra for Engineers (offered Spring semesters only)
- MATH 320 - Numerical Analysis (offered occasionally)
- MATH 355 - Differential Equations
- MATH 360 - Combinatorics (offered occasionally)
- MATH 370 - Advanced Mathematics for Engineers
- MATH 401 - Elementary Theory of Probability
- MATH 402 - Introductory Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 403 - Probability and Statistics for Engineers
- MATH 451 - Introduction to Complex Variables
- MATH 452 - Complex Variables II
- MATH 453 - Geometric Topology (offered occasionally)
- MATH 455 - Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos (offered Spring semesters only)
- MATH 457 - Partial Differential Equations (offered Fall semesters only)
- MATH 465 - Cryptography (offered occasionally)
Other upper-division mathematics courses may fulfill the course requirement for the Engineering Mathematics Minor, subject to approval by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Students must meet the prerequisites for all courses selected.
