Mathematics (B.S.)
The study of mathematics introduces students to mathematical abstraction as well as how mathematics can be used to solve practical problems. Many courses in this discipline provide the basic foundations necessary to support study in all majors. Whenever possible, mathematics courses introduce concepts using applications, analytical solutions (equation solving), numerical approximations, and graphical interpretations.
The mathematics major requirements fall into four categories:
- Foundation courses, offered each semester, are prerequisites for subsequent courses.
- Introduction-to-proof courses, offered on a rotating basis, give students a more clear idea of pure mathematics.
- Applied or computational mathematics courses, offered on a rotating basis, encourage students to use mathematics to solve, or elucidate, real-world problems.
- High-level proof courses, offered on a rotating basis, push students to understand mathematics in a deeper, more abstract way.
A special feature of Marymount's mathematics program is the fall seminar series. Faculty members and students meet for one hour each week to hear presentations by professional mathematicians about their career paths. Students also give short presentations on mathematical topics of interest.
Beyond regular coursework, students have collaborated with several faculty members on joint research projects, most notably in mathematics education and in computational biology. Faculty and students regularly present their research findings at national conferences.
Upon successful completion of the mathematics program, students will be able to
- gather, evaluate, and use relevant mathematical definitions and results to create logical, grammatically correct proofs;
- connect mathematical ideas to real-world applications, including the creation and interpretation of mathematical models;
- communicate mathematical ideas through oral and written presentations;
- use a variety of technologies to solve mathematical problems;
- articulate career, internship, and summer program opportunities for mathematicians; and
- pose, research, and address new mathematical questions.
Marymount’s mathematics program prepares students for immediate careers in the field as well as for graduate study. Computation and modeling are intentionally infused into the major so students are ready for jobs that require strong technical abilities. Marymount mathematics majors can also earn licensure to teach middle school or high school mathematics.
After meeting the Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements, mathematics majors have 21 to 26 elective credit hours. Students are encouraged to apply those credits toward other options, such as teaching licensure in secondary mathematics or a minor or second major in biology, economics, or information technology. Mathematics majors are also eligible to participate in the five-year B.S./M.S. in information technology program. (See Information Technology, Combined B.S./M.S. Program for further information.)
Degree Planning: Note that course rotations vary, and not every course is available each semester. Course rotations are specified in the Course descriptions of this catalog. Individual advising is important to ensure students fulfill major requirements and schedule additional coursework that meets career objectives.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is required in any course that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.
Degree Requirements — Mathematics
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Mathematics majors will satisfy the three-course university Writing Intensive (WI) requirement in the following way: MA 420 Abstract Algebra, MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis, and one additional WI course from the Liberal Arts Core or as a university elective. Majors that do not take BIO 151L must also complete the GP requirement from the Liberal Arts Core or as a university elective.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.
MA 181, MA 200: Students may complete either MA 181 or the MA 171 and MA 172 sequence, which is the equivalent of MA 181, during the first year. Also, MA 181 and MA 200 can be waived with appropriate AP credit. Students should take noted courses in a sequence specified by an advisor and, upon successful completion, may not subsequently register for a lower-numbered course in the calculus sequence.
MA 210, MA 309, MA 409: Transfer students or new majors who join the program after the fall semester of their sophomore year will take mathematics seminar classes every fall semester, starting with MA 210. Such students may need to make up the credit hours to meet the 120-credit minimum requirement toward graduation.
Sample Degree Plan — Mathematics
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| MA 181 | Calculus I * | 4 |
| DSC 201 | New Student Seminar * | 1 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
EN 101: WR core course
MA 181: (MT core course) Not all students should begin with MA 181. Follow placement recommendations and advisor guidance in course selection.
Year One — Spring
Year Two — Fall
| MA 210 | Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math | 3 |
| | |
| PHYS 271 | General Physics I * | 3 |
| PHYS 271L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| | OR | |
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| | |
| EN | Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course * | 3 |
| HI | Introductory History (HI-1) core course * | 3 |
Year Two — Spring
| MA 215 | Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| MA 221 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| | |
| PHYS 272 | General Physics II * | 3 |
| PHYS 272L | General Physics II Lab | 1 |
| | OR | |
| BIO 262 | Genetics for Majors * | 3 |
| BIO 262L | Genetics for Majors Lab | 1 |
| | |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three — Fall
| MA 230 | Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MA 309 | Mathematics Seminar | 1 |
| MA 425 | Introduction to Real Analysis * | 3 |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2), or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| PH 100 | Introduction to Philosophy * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three — Spring
| MA 257 | Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques * | 3 |
| MA 418 | Stochastic Modeling | 3 |
| | Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Four — Fall
| MA 325 | Differential Equations * | 3 |
| | | |
| MA 400 | Internship * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| MA 433 | Research * | 1 |
| | | |
| MA 409 | Mathematics Seminar | 1 |
| MA 420 | Abstract Algebra * | 3 |
| | Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - GP course required if not already completed * | 3 |
Year Four — Spring
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2), or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| PH | Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 3rd WI course if not already completed * | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and the Course Descriptions for further information.