Major in Mathematics

As a mathematics major, you’ll start with the fundamentals and then gain progressively advanced knowledge of both pure and applied mathematics.

Mathematics graduates have a highly developed set of quantitative skills and analytical abilities that, combined with other liberal arts courses, position them for careers in fields that may seem removed from the traditional understanding of a major in mathematics. Professional opportunities in teaching, statistical analysis, actuarial work and graduate study are just a few of the options available after graduation.

You’ll also learn sound research methods and technical writing skills, which are essential in any career. Depending on your individual career objective, you’ll choose from a number of elective courses according to the suggested curricula for various concentrations listed below.

Major Requirements

The major consists of nine to nine-and-one-half mathematics course credits at the 200 level or beyond, excluding MTH 325, MTH 326, MTH 327 and MTH 345.

All mathematics majors are required to complete:

• MTH 251 Calculus III
• MTH 301 Discrete Mathematics
• MTH 362 Linear Algebra
• MTH 400 Research Methods in Mathematics (.50 credit)
• MTH 451 Senior Paper (.50 credit)

The remaining major courses are mathematics electives but should be chosen according to the suggested curricula for various concentrations listed below. For students seeking teacher licensure in (5-12) mathematics, the specific remaining courses are listed below in the section on the double major in Mathematics and Secondary Education Mathematics. The final program of courses for all mathematics majors must be approved by the department chair.

In addition to the coursework, a senior paper written with the guidance of a faculty member is required. The .50 credit course MTH 400 should be taken during the junior or senior year as preparation for writing the senior paper. Upon completion of MTH 400, students should enroll in MTH 451 as a .50 credit independent study where the senior paper is written with the guidance of a member of the mathematics faculty.

Additional Recommendations for the Major

Supervised internship opportunities are available for mathematics majors seeking to apply their training in a business or industrial setting. Such students may apply up to 1.00 credit in MTH 468 Internship toward major requirements with the approval of the department chair.

Ongoing development of communication and language skills is an important component of all major fields, including mathematics. Mathematics students are encouraged to pursue coursework in oral communication, written communication and world languages.

Mathematics majors are also encouraged to take CS 220 Computer Science I and PHY 121 and PHY 122 General Physics I and II as electives (or as part of the Integrated Curriculum requirements, if appropriate).

Concentrations

Licensure for Secondary Teaching

Students should convey their intentions to teach Middle Grades Mathematics grades (5-8) or Secondary Mathematics Education grades (5-12) as soon as possible to the chair of the Department of Mathematics. Secondary Mathematics education majors will earn a double major in Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education. They are also eligible for the Elmhurst Noyce STEM Teachers Scholarship program.

Noyce Scholarship Application

Mathematics Education students should complete the Secondary Teacher Application.

Students are required to pass the Middle Grades Mathematics test (#202) and/or the Mathematics content test (#208) to get a Professional Educator License. See the Director of Teacher Education Admission William Slodki for further information about application requirements and major requirements.

This concentration is not appropriate for students interested in elementary education. If you’re interested in teaching in elementary schools, find more information on the elementary education major.