Mathematics
Exploring the world through mathematics.
As someone who enjoys intellectual challenges and discovering patterns in the world around you, you’re looking for a degree that will prepare you for a variety of career options. That’s why you’re inspired to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Marian University.
The Program
The mathematics program offers courses focusing on analytical and critical thinking skills required to solve both theoretical and real-world problems, in addition to mathematical knowledge and skills to pursue further study in mathematics. You’ll also engage in aesthetic views of mathematics and gain an understanding of the role of mathematics in fields such as science, technology and business.
For more details regarding this program, view Marian’s Academic Bulletin.
Sample Course Plan:
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Sample
Course
Plan
General Education Program
46–49 credits of University requirements. Major and minor satisfy the mathematics core.
38 credits as follows:
26 credits:
Prerequisites:
A first course in the calculus treating functions of one variable. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals of polynomial rational functions. A major emphasis of this course is the application of these concepts to problems arising out of industry, economics, business, and the sciences.
Prerequisites:
A continuation of MAT 201. Topics include the study of transcendental functions, techniques of integration, analytic geometry, polar coordinates, and parametric equations.
Prerequisites:
A survey course designed to acquaint the prospective mathematics student with topics and techniques common to the study of advanced mathematics such as algebra, analysis, geometry, and statistics. Major topics of the course include symbolic logic, methods of proof, set theory, relations, functions, and structure in mathematics. Examples will be drawn from various branches of mathematics to illustrate the topics presented.
Prerequisites:
A continuation of MAT 201/202. Topics include vectors in Cartesian two-and three-dimensional spaces, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and elementary differential equations.
Prerequisites:
A study of elementary probability theory, discrete and continuous random variables, the Central Limit Theorem, sampling theory, estimation, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites:
A study of vector spaces, determinants, linear transformations, matrices, linear independence and bases, systems of linear equations, and elementary linear programming techniques. The course emphasizes the application of these topics to problems selected from business, industry, and the sciences.
Prerequisites:
A study of set theory, mappings and algebraic structures to include groups, rings, integral domains, fields; homomorphisms and isomorphisms; theorems of Cayley and Lagrange; and characteristic properties of the rational, real, and complex fields.
12 credits:
33–36 credits:
Mathematics/middle-secondary education double majors must include MAT 314: Modern Geometry, 4 cr., in these electives.
Mission:
Mathematics transforms lives by holding high standards of academic performance, training students to explore and learn the current body of knowledge in mathematics, observe carefully, analyze thoroughly, think clearly and creatively, and interpret critically and wisely. Command of mathematics underlies much of the innovation in modern technologies. The critical thinking skills ingrained in practitioners of mathematics, coupled with the broad background of knowledge, compassion, and understanding provided by the liberal arts, are fundamental characteristics of good leaders.
The Mathematics Program has an influence on almost every student at Marian. First, the program is responsible for providing developmental math courses for those students needing to meet the pre-requisites for college-level mathematics courses, and provides the general education math courses required of most majors. Second, the program offers BS degrees with majors and minors in mathematics as well as both a major in secondary mathematics education and a minor in mathematics education.
Mathematics Program Objectives for Majors and (non-Education) Minors
1. Mathematical Competency (1):
Students should be able to recognize and appreciate the structure, characteristics, and central role of the axiomatic system in the development of mathematical structure.
2. Mathematical Competency (2):
Students should be prepared to function effectively in advanced (graduate) courses in mathematics, graduate admission exams, and licensing exams.
3. Mathematical Modeling (1):
Students will understand the role of mathematics (mathematical modeling) in the development of the physical, biological, and social sciences.
4. Mathematical Modeling (2):
Students will be able to determine whether a given mathematical model is appropriate to represent a physical or economic set of circumstances and write a well composed summary of their position.
5. Written Communication:
Students should be able to create written, concise, logical mathematical justifications (“proofs”) using various logical strategies (indirect; counterexample; induction; cases).
6. Computer Software:
Students should be proficient in the use of appropriate mathematical (computer) software associated with their coursework.
Mathematics Program Objectives for Education Math Minors
1. Mathematical Competency:
Students should be able to recognize and appreciate the structure, characteristics, and central role of the axiomatic system in the development of mathematical structure.
2. Mathematical Modeling:
Students will understand the role of mathematics (mathematical modeling) in the development of the physical, biological, and social sciences.
3. Written Communication:
Students should be able to create written, concise, logical mathematical justifications (“proofs”) using various logical strategies (indirect; counterexample; induction; cases).
4. Computer Software:
Students should be proficient in the use of appropriate mathematical (computer) software associated with their coursework.
5. Mathematics Education:
Students should be prepared to effectively prepare and present mathematical content in the elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum to include creating multiple perspectives of a topic, age appropriate “viable arguments”, and developing curriculum materials to foster reasoning abstractly and quantitatively.
As a graduate of the mathematics program, you’ll find career success in a variety of settings. Through hands-on internship, research and teaching experiences, recent mathematics graduates have found career success at Agnesian Health Care; School Districts of Beloit, Muskego, Oostburg and Waupun; BMO Harris Bank; Epic Systems Corporations; Milwaukee PC; Staples; Clearly Building Corp; Alta Resources and Wisconsin Title Insurance Company.
Employment: 100% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation from the Mathematics Program, some even prior to graduation.
Graduate Education: 100% of graduates who elected to pursue an advanced degree were accepted into a graduate school within six months of graduation from the Mathematics Program.
The Mathematics Program contributes significantly to the development of critical thinking skills, highlighted in the General Education program. Students enrolled in Gen Ed math courses consistently demonstrate they either meet or exceed expectations in both Critical Thinking and Knowledge Acquisition (the math program’s primary SLO’s).
For those students progressing through the Mathematics Program, assessments (2014-15) of the Learning Outcomes are indicative of the Mathematics Program’s success. The following outcome goals were all met at the benchmark or higher with the exception of outcome 3, which showed 69% of students meeting the goal.
Outcome 1: 80% meet expectations on all assessments of critical thinking in math
Outcome 2: 80% meet expectations on all assessments of quantitative literacy
Outcome 3: 75% of students indicate that they are learning to apply problem-solving skills and decisions in math.
Outcome 4: 75% of students indicate that they fain factual knowledge and learn fundamental principles of math
Marian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences will prepare you to achieve your goals through a classroom experience centered on a personal, applied approach. The mathematics program provides the foundation and qualifications you need to enroll in graduate or professional school, and the experiences necessary to enter the field.
All math majors must achieve an average GPA of 2.50 in their mathematics courses applicable to the degree (MAT 201 and above) before graduation. Transfer students must complete one-half of their major credits and one-third of their minor credits as Marian University.
Jordan Williams is a high school math teacher at Oostburg School District in Oostburg, Wisconsin. Jordan earned a B.S. degree with majors in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Marian University. (‘12)
Linda Krueger, M.S.
Assistant Professor
920.923.8739
lkkrueger64@marianuniversity.edu
Laramie Paxton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
920.923.7647
lspaxton43@marianuniversity.edu
Linda Uselmann, M.S.
Instructor
920.923.7175
lmuselmann06@marianuniversity.edu
At Marian, you’ll apply knowledge gained in class to solving real-world problems by participating in internships and cooperative work experiences, allowing you to link classroom knowledge with practical field experience. Students who desire state certification to teach in grades 5-12 may also complete a middle-secondary education degree.
For more information, please contact:
Office of Admission
920.923.7650
admission@marianuniversity.edu
Linda Krueger, M.S.
Assistant Professor
920.923.8739
lkkrueger64@marianuniversity.edu