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MATHEMATICS

Mathematics (B.S.)
Mathematics with Secondary-Level Teaching Licensure (B.S. in Mathematics)
Minor 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. Graphing calculators and computer algebra software facilitate these efforts. In addition, Mathematics majors and minors learn how to prove mathematical statements in a variety of areas in the discipline. A major in Mathematics provides students with a strong foundation for careers in secondary mathematics education, actuarial science, business and research, as well as for further studies in mathematics and related fields.

Freshman Mathematics majors are encouraged to explore:

Students who have successfully completed MA 142, MA 181, MA 182, or MA 221 may not subsequently register for a lower-numbered course in this sequence.

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

Suggested degree plan

Year One

Fall

  • MA 181 Calculus I§ * #
  • CS 110 Programming I in Java§
  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • ECO/POL/PSY/SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • MA 182 Calculus II§ #
  • CS 111 Programming II in Java or elective
  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • Health elective*
  • Social Sciences elective (ECO 199 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECO 210 Principles of Microeconomics recommended)*

Year Two

Fall

  • MA 150 Discrete Mathematical Structures§
  • MA 209 Mathematics Seminar§
  • MA 225 Differential Equations§ or MA 221 Calculus III§
  • PHYS 171 General Physics I§ * or BIO 151 General Biology I§ *
  • Humanities elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*

Spring

  • MA 257 Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques§ or MA 258 Advanced Calculus§
  • PHYS 172 General Physics II§ or BIO 152 General Biology II§
  • MA 215 Linear Algebra§ or elective
  • MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference§ or elective
  • Social Sciences 300/400-level elective*

Year Three

Fall

  • MA 225 Differential Equations§ or MA 221 Calculus III§
  • MA 300/400-level course§ or MA 420 Abstract Algebra§
  • MA 309 Mathematics Seminar§
  • Writing elective*
  • MA 433 Research, elective, or course in minor
  • Humanities elective*

Spring

  • MA 257 Introduction to Proofs with Number Theory§ or MA 258 Advanced Calculus§
  • MA 215 Linear Algebra§ or elective
  • MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference§, MA 328 Stochastic Modeling§, or elective
  • Two (2) electives or courses in minor*

Year Four

Fall

  • MA 400 Internship§
  • MA 300/400-level course or MA 420 Abstract Algebra§
  • MA 409 Mathematics Seminar§
  • MA 433 Research, elective, or course in minor
  • Humanities elective*

Spring

  • MA 328 Stochastic Modeling§ or elective
  • Three (3) Humanities electives*
  • Elective or course in minor

§Requirement for the major. (Students needing preparation for MA 181 Calculus I should plan to complete that preparation during the freshman year.) Course rotations are available on the Mathematics Web site.
*See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
#Can be waived with appropriate AP credit.

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.

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. After meeting the Liberal Arts Core requirements, Mathematics majors seeking teaching licensure have 6-9 elective credit hours.

Individual advising is important.

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

Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses specified in the degree plan to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. See an Education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further information.

Suggested degree plan

Year Four

Fall

  • MA 181 Calculus I§ * #
  • CS 110 Programming I in Java§
  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • POL/SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • MA 182 Calculus II§ #
  • CS 111 Programming II in Java or elective*
  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • Social Sciences elective (ECO 199 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECO 210 Principles of Microeconomics recommended)*
  • PH 205 Logic§ *

Year Two

Fall

  • MA 150 Discrete Mathematical Structures§
  • MA 209 Mathematics Seminar§ **
  • MA 225 Differential Equations§ or MA 221 Calculus III§
  • PHYS 171 General Physics I§ *
  • Humanities (History) elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*

Spring

  • MA 257 Introduction to Proofs with Number Theory§ or MA 258 Advanced Calculus§
  • MA 124 History of Elementary Mathematics§ or MA 215 Linear Algebra§
  • MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference§ or Humanities elective*
  • ED 245S Educational Foundations for Secondary Teachers
  • PHYS 172 General
  • Physics II§

Year Three

Fall

  • MA 225 Differential Equations§ or MA 221 Calculus III§
  • MA 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Math or MA 420 Abstract Algebra§
  • MA 309 Mathematics Seminar§
  • ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education
  • EN 301 The Writing Process: Theory and Practice*
  • PSY 341 Psychology of Individuals with Exceptionalities*

Spring

  • MA 257 Introduction to Proofs with Number Theory§ or MA 258 Advanced Calculus§
  • MA 124 History of Elementary Mathematics§ or MA 215 Linear Algebra§
  • MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference§ or Humanities elective*
  • ED 337 Reading in the Content Areas
  • PSY 312 Adolescent Psychology

Year Four

Fall

  • MA 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Math or MA 420 Abstract Algebra§
  • MA 409 Mathematics Seminar§
  • MA 433 Research or elective*
  • Health elective*
  • Two (2) Humanities electives*

Spring

  • ED 360S Student Teaching§
  • MA 228 Probability and Statistical Inference§ or Humanities elective*
  • Humanities elective*

§Requirement for the major. (Students needing preparation for MA 181 Calculus I should plan to complete that preparation during the freshman year.) Course rotations are available on the Mathematics Web site.
*See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
#Can be waived with appropriate AP credit.

Mathematics (Minor)

Minor Requirements