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Mathematics

About the Mathematics Program

The number of applications of mathematics has grown exponentially in the natural, physical and social sciences over the last century. In addition, the computer has transformed problem-solving in both pure and applied mathematics. This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers or graduate and professional schools.

The Mathematics program offers the following majors:

  • 30-32-hour mathematics major
  • 32-hour mathematics major for those certifying to teach secondary education

A Mathematics minor is also available.

For students wishing to major in mathematics, the department offers a program consistent with the recommendations of Mathematical Association of America, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences.

Why should you choose SAU’s mathematics program?

The mathematics program at Spring Arbor University stresses two major strands in mathematics—pure/classical mathematics and applied mathematics. It is our belief that each complements the other, that the techniques of applied mathematics are based on the concepts and results of pure/classical mathematics, and that applications of mathematics often serve as an appropriate pedagogical segue into a study of pure/classical mathematics.

The course offerings of the department have traditional pure/classical offerings like abstract algebra, linear algebra, real analysis and vector calculus. Within each of these courses, significant applications of concepts and results are considered.

The department also offers courses more appropriately considered applied mathematics, such as differential equations, probability and statistics, numerical analysis, and mathematical modeling. Each of the topics studied in these courses is based firmly on theoretical aspects of pure/classical mathematics.

The faculty members in the mathematics department work closely with faculty from computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, health and exercise science, business and education to provide mathematical experiences that serve their students.

Courses, Course Descriptions & Four-Year Plan

The courses for the 30 to 32 hour mathematics major include such subject areas as:

  • MAT 201 Calculus I
  • MAT 202 Calculus II
  • MAT 232 Proof and Discrete Mathematics
  • MAT 302 Vector Calculus
  • MAT 311 Differential Equations
  • MAT 321 Abstract Algebra I
  • MAT 322 Abstract Algebra II
  • MAT 352 Linear Algebra
  • MAT 401 Real Analysis

View the course requirements and layout, course descriptions, a sample four-year plan, as well as learn more about the mathematics majors and minors, including the probability and statistics minor, at Spring Arbor University in the undergraduate catalog.

Career Opportunities

Students who major or minor in mathematics pursue a variety of careers. Many certify to teach mathematics in secondary schools. A good proportion prepare for graduate school in mathematics or related fields. Still, others combine their mathematics major or minor with another such as:

  • Computer science
  • Biology, chemistry
  • Physics
  • Business
  • Accounting
  • Health and exercise science

The department has a strong commitment to prepare students for careers in specific areas. For example, the department conducts special problem seminars to help students prepare to take the GRE and actuarial exams. The GRE exams are needed for students going to graduate school and the actuarial exams are needed by those preparing for careers in insurance, pension planning and risk management. The department has information on graduate schools in mathematics and related areas. In addition, the department often arranges independent studies for advanced work in mathematics for those students who have taken all of our current mathematics offerings and wish to prepare for specific graduate or professional programs. The department also works with majors in arranging internships for students preparing for entry-level jobs in businesses and industry. (See www.ams.org, www.siam.org and www.utk.edu.)

To learn more about how Spring Arbor helps its graduates prepare for a career, visit our career development page.