Mathematics Major
Mathematics major provides a well-rounded introduction to fundamental principles of mathematical reasoning and logical arguments as well as knowledge of modeling techniques required for successful application of mathematics. The required courses of the mathematics major are a strong foundation of a variety of areas of mathematics. The elective courses enable a build up on theoretical foundations and exploration of the richness of applied mathematics.
The flexibility of the program enables our students to combine mathematics with other interests. Relatively large number of free electives make it manageable to minor in a variety of other disciplines or to pair mathematics with a major in another area (for example, Data Science, Computer Science, Education, Physics, Chemistry or Finance). Students gain practical experience through internships and expand their knowledge by independent research study.
Goal 1: Students will gain a general knowledge of the main areas of mathematics.
Outcome 1.1: Students will apply the concepts of calculus and linear algebra as well as fundamental principles of mathematics reasoning, arguments, and proofs.
Outcome 1.2: Students will prove statements related to real analysis and abstract algebra.
Goal 2: Students will develop specific skills in mathematics.
Outcome 2.1: Students will perform computations, identify the appropriate method to solve a specific mathematical problem, and apply an appropriate proof technique to prove a specific mathematical statement.
Outcome 2.2: Students will use modeling techniques required for successful application of mathematics.
Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements
Consist of 14 core and 2 overlay requirements. See below for additional detailed information on each of these requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Course Requirements | ||
| ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
| World History Course Area | 3 | |
| Philosophy Requirements | ||
Either Level One or Level Two (but not both) -- must be Ethics designated. If approved, philosophy courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive overlay. Students may not double-count the same course as Philosophy Level Two and as a Mission Overlay course. | ||
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
| Philosophy Level Two | 3 | |
| Theology & Religious Studies Requirements | ||
If approved, Theology & Religious Studies courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive overlay. Students may not double-count the same course as CCC Theology and as a Mission Overlay course. | ||
| Theology | 3 | |
| Religious Studies | 3 | |
| Diversity & INT 151 Requirements | ||
A student's Diversity course may not count for any other CCC course area requirement or as their Mission Overlay course. If approved, Diversity courses may count for a student's Writing Intensive Overlay requirement. INT 151 may not count for any other CCC requirements. This course must be taken in the first two years | ||
| Diversity | 3 | |
| INT 151 | Inequality in American Society | 1 |
| Math & Natural Science Requirements | ||
If approved, Math & Natural Science Requirements may count toward overlay requirements. | ||
| Mathematics | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science | 4 | |
| Social Science Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, such Social Science Requirement may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Non-Native Language Requirement | 3-4 | |
A single Non-Native Language course may not count as an overlay course but a second language course fulfills a student's Mission Overlay requirement. | ||
| Literature Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, Literature courses may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design Requirement | 3 | |
If approved, Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design courses may count toward a student's overlay requirements. | ||
| Overlay Requirements | ||
| Writing-Intensive | 3 | |
If approved, Writing-Intensive courses may double count as major courses, minor courses, electives, or as any CCC course area requirement except for the first-year courses (World History and Rhetoric and Composition). | ||
| Mission-Overlay | 3 | |
Mission Overlay courses may double count as major courses, minor courses, elective courses, or any of the following CCC course areas: Fine and Performing Arts, Creativity, and Design, Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, or Social Science. | ||
| Total Hours | 47-49 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 161 | Calculus I (will count for CCC: Mathematics) | 4 |
| MAT 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MAT 213 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MAT 250 | Fundamentals of Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 226 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 403 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 409 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| Any SIX additional “math elective” 3-credit courses, which include all MAT, DSC and ASC 3-credit courses above the level of 200. | 18 | |
| PHY 105 | University Physics I (will count for CCC: Natural Science) | 3 |
| PHY 105L | University Physics Lab I (will count for CCC: Natural Science) | 1 |
| Total Hours | 46 | |
Free Electives
Seven courses. Graduation requires 120 credits. Any credits necessary to reach that number outside of the CCC and major requirements are considered free electives.
The Applied Mathematics concentration is an option for mathematics majors to focus on applied mathematics. It consists of one required course and two elective courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 238 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Mathematical Optimization | ||
| Operations Research | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Convex Analysis & Optimization | ||
| Total Hours | 9 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
| World History | 3 | |
| CSC 115 |
Intro to Computer Science or Computer Science I or Python Programming for All |
3 |
| MAT 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Non-Native Language | 3-4 | |
| MAT 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MAT 226 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Diversity | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| INT 151 | Inequality in American Society | 1 |
| PHY 105 | University Physics I | 3 |
| PHY 105L | University Physics Lab I | 1 |
| MAT 250 | Fundamentals of Mathematics | 3 |
| Free Electives | 3 | |
| MAT 213 | Calculus III | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| MAT 403 or MAT 409 |
Abstract Algebra or Real Analysis |
3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Theology | 3 | |
| Philosophy Level One | 3 | |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Philosophy Level Two | 3 | |
| MAT 403 or MAT 409 |
Abstract Algebra or Real Analysis |
3 |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Fine & Performing Arts, Design, Creativity | 3 | |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Religious Studies | 3 | |
| MAT 403 or MAT 409 |
Abstract Algebra or Real Analysis |
3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 122-123 | |
Students majoring in Mathematics who are interested in teaching grades 7-12 can dual major in Mathematics/Secondary Education (7-12). Upon successful completion of the dual major, SJU degree requirements, and required certification exams, teacher candidates may apply to obtain an Instructional I Secondary Education (7-12) Teaching Certificate from the State of Pennsylvania. Students must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to obtain teacher certification upon graduation.
In addition to their Mathematics advisor, Mathematics/Secondary Education(7-12) dual majors will also be assigned an advisor from the Education Department who will guide them through their required Education courses. The Education advisor will also assist students seeking teacher certification in formally applying for the SJU Educator Preparation Program, usually in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to enroll in EDU 491 Secondary Student Teaching in their senior year.
Pennsylvania’s Secondary Education (referred to as "secondary" or "7-12") preparation program guidelines require a professional core of courses, early and varied field experiences, and student teaching. In addition to the subject-specific content requirements for secondary programs that are met by the student’s major, candidates for the 7-12 teaching certificate in Pennsylvania must complete a prescribed sequence of coursework, which includes the specific requirements for Accommodations and Adaptations for Diverse Learners in Inclusive Settings and Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners under §49.13(4)(i)).
See the Mathematics major for specific requirements.
See the Secondary Education (7-12) major for specific requirements.