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Mathematics

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Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)

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 an alternating-year basis, give students a more clear idea of pure mathematics.
Applied or computational mathematics, 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, several faculty members have collaborated with students 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; and
discuss career, internship, and summer program opportunities for mathematicians as well as the wide applicability of mathematics.

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 15-17 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 consider participation in the five-year B.S./M.S. in information technology program. (See 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 fulfilling major requirements and the scheduling of additional coursework chosen to meet career objectives.

Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C in any course that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.

Degree Requirements — Mathematics

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 and MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis, and one additional WI course 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.

IT 130 Java Programming

MA 181 Calculus † or MA 171 Calculus with Precalculus A and MA 172 Calculus with Precalculus B

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite †

MA 209 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 215 Linear Algebra

MA 218 Probability and Statistics

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus

MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques

MA 260 Discrete Mathematics for Information Technology

MA 261 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning

MA 309 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 325 Differential Equations

MA 400 Internship or MA 433 Research

MA 409 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 418 Stochastic Modeling

MA 420 Abstract Algebra

MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis

MA 430 Numerical Analysis

PHYS 271 General Physics I and PHYS 272 General Physics II or BIO 151 General Biology I and BIO 262 Genetics

† Students may complete either MA 181 or the MA 171 and MA 172 sequence, which is the equivalent of MA 181, during the freshman 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.

‡ Transfer students or new majors will not be required to make up mathematics seminar classes that met during semesters in which they were not enrolled as a mathematics major at Marymount; however, they are required 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

MA 181 Calculus (MT core course) § * †

EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*

One (1) elective

Year One — Spring

IT 130 Java Programming §

MA 218 Probability and Statistics §

EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*

Year Two — Fall

MA 209 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 260 Discrete Mathematics §

MA 261 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning §

PHYS 271 General Physics I or BIO 151 General Biology I (NS core course) § *

Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*

Year Two — Spring

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite §

MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof §

PHYS 272 General Physics II or BIO 262 Genetics (NS core course) § *

Introductory History (HI-1) core course*

One (1) elective

Year Three — Fall

MA 309 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 325 Differential Equations §

MA 420 Abstract Algebra §

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*

Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*

Year Three — Spring

MA 215 Linear Algebra § *

MA 221 Multivariable Calculus §

Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*

Two (2) electives

Year Four — Fall

MA 400 Internship § *

MA 409 Mathematics Seminar §

MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis §

MA 430 Numerical Analysis §

Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*

Year Four — Spring

MA 418 Stochastic Modeling § *

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

Three (3) electives

§ Requirement for the major

* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.

† Not all students should begin with MA 181. Follow placement recommendations and advisor guidance in course selection.

Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)

This program of study allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in mathematics and also be licensed to teach secondary mathematics at the end of four years. Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure, including field experience and student teaching.

After meeting the Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements, mathematics majors seeking teaching licensure have 6-9 elective credit hours.

Admission Requirements: Students in this program must seek admission to the teacher licensure program and apply for student teaching. See the education section for admission requirements and procedures.

Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses as specified to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. In addition to working with a mathematics advisor, students should see an education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further assistance in degree planning.

Also, 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 meeting all major and teaching licensure requirements.

Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is needed in all professional studies courses required for licensure.

Degree Requirements — Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements

See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Writing-Intensive course requirements for this program are satisfied in this way: MA 420 Abstract Algebra, MA 425 Introduction to Real Analysis, and one additional Writing-Intensive (WI) designated course.

Major Requirements

ED 250 Introduction to Teaching and Learning

ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education

ED 337 Reading in the Content Areas

ED 452 Managing the Classroom #

ED 460S Student Teaching: Secondary Level #

IT 130 Java Programming

MA 124 History of Mathematics

MA 181 Calculus † or MA 171 Calculus with Precalculus A and MA 172 Calculus with Precalculus B

MA 200 Calculus of the Infinite †

MA 209 Mathematics Seminar ‡

MA 215 Linear Algebra