Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

The purpose of the Mathematics program is to offer a broad based curriculum in science and mathematics that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.

In keeping with the institution’s Statement of Purpose, this program seeks to enable students to integrate academic discipline, Christian lifestyle, and an enriched cultural experience by offering course work that prepares students to pursue advanced studies, enter the teaching profession or enter into mathematics-related employment. The program will provide a basic foundation for beginning graduate studies in mathematics, teaching mathematics at the secondary level and seeking mathematics-related employment. Students will have a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts at the undergraduate level and will possess comprehension, application and critical thinking skills applicable to a wide range of opportunities in education and business.

The Department of Mathematics will guide students through the development of mathematical thinking and communication skills by helping them: (1) progress from a procedural/computational understanding of mathematics to a broad understanding encompassing logical reasoning, generalization, abstraction and formal proof, (2) gain experience in careful analysis of data and (3) become skilled at conveying mathematical knowledge in a variety of settings, both orally and in writing. In addition, the department will assist students in developing skills in a variety of technologies by giving them experience with technological tools such as computer algebra systems, visualization software, statistical packages and computer programming languages. Finally, the department will help students develop a broad view of the mathematical sciences by working with ideas representing the breadth of the mathematical sciences including: continuous and discrete, algebraic and geometric, theoretical and applied.

The Mathematics Department focuses on in-depth knowledge by requiring students to study at least one area in-depth, drawing on ideas and tools from previous coursework and making connections by completing two related courses or a year-long sequence at the upper level. Students are also asked to complete a senior-level project that requires them to analyze and create mathematical arguments and leads to a written and an oral report.

The Mathematics Department encourages and nurtures mathematical sciences majors by:

  • Putting a high priority on effective and engaging teaching in introductory courses,
  • Seeking out prospective majors and encouraging them to consider majoring in the mathematical sciences and
  • Informing students about the careers open to mathematical sciences majors and assigning every major a mathematics faculty advisor.

The fact that mathematics is a cornerstone of modern society implies that the study of mathematical sciences is important for all students. It is also important that some leaders in all areas have the broader and deeper knowledge of mathematics conveyed by a degree in the mathematical sciences. Business, law, medicine and other professional schools seek mathematical sciences majors and would welcome more.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

General Education Requirements

COLL 1100 or HNRS 1210    1(2) hours
ENGL 1310, 1320    6 hours
ENGLISH LITERATURE ( ENGL 2000 level)    3 hours
ARTS 1300, MUSC 1300 or 1310, or THTR 1300    3 hours
HIST 1350 or 1360    3 hours
MATH 1330    3 hours
BIOL 1410/1411    4 hours
PHSC 1420 or PHYS 1450    4 hours
PHED 1200    2 hours
PSYC, SOCY, or PLSC    3 hours
CHST 1310, 1320 or 2335    6 hours
COMM 2300    3 hours
CSCI 1305    3 hours
Total    44-45 hours

Mathematics Requirements

MATH 1410  Calculus I    4 hours
MATH 2410  Calculus II    4  hours
MATH 2420  Calculus III    4 hours
MATH 2310  Foundations of  Mathematics    3 hours
MATH 3345  Probability and Statistics II    3 hours
MATH 3310   Linear Algebra    3 hours
MATH 3320   Abstract Algebra    3 hours
MATH 3330   Differential Equations    3 hours
MATH 3360   Numerical Analysis    3 hours
MATH 4310  Foundations of Geometry    3 hours
MATH 4320   Real Analysis    3 hours
MATH 4390  Senior Seminar    3 hours
Total    39 hours

Supporting Courses

CSCI 2325 Structured Computer Programming    3 hours
PHYS 1410, 1420    8 hours
Total Supporting Courses    11 hours

Total General Education Requirements    44-45 hours
Mathematics Requirements    39 hours
Total Supporting Courses    11 hours
Minor Courses Chosen from any minors offered by NGU    18-24 hours
Electives    10-16 hours
Total Hours    128-129 hours