Requirements

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 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 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 additional 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, 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 Asalysis;
• MATH 451, and 452 or 453 - 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 direction 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 anticipating 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 students 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.)

Mathematics Minor Requirements

There are two minors in mathematics at Saint Louis University, the traditional minor in mathematics and a minor in engineering mathematics.

Mathematics Minor

• MATH 142 - Calculus I
• MATH 143 - Calculus II
• MATH 244 - Calculus III
• MATH 266 - Principles of Mathematics
• MATH 315 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
• and one further course in upper division mathematics chosen with attention to prerequisites.

Engineering Mathematics Minor

Students seeking a Minor in Engineering Mathematics must complete four upper-division courses in subjects traditionally of importance to engineers. Routinely offered upper division courses that count to the engineering math minor include

• MATH 311 - Linear Algebra for Engineers
• MATH 315 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
• MATH 320 - Numerical Analysis
• MATH 355 - Differential Equations
• MATH 360 - Combinatorics
  
• MATH 370 - Advanced Math for Engineers
• MATH 401 - Probability
• MATH 402 - Statistics
• MATH 403 - Probability and Statistics for Engineers
• MATH 451 - Complex Variables I
  
• MATH 452 - Complex Variables II
• MATH 453 - Geometric Topology
  
• MATH 455 - Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
• MATH 457 - Partial Differential Equations
• MATH 465 - Cryptography

Other appropriate mathematics courses may be designated by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as counting to the minor in engineering math.  Note that the prerequisites for these courses must also be met.

Comparing the two minors, the traditional minor in mathematics contains a sequence of courses (MATH 266 and 315) that are proof based and intended to develop maturity in producing proofs.