College of Arts & Sciences 

The objective of the B.S. program in mathematics at Saint Joseph’s University is to prepare students for professional careers in a variety of industries and for graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. A creative imagination is required for success. Students also may opt for advanced degrees in education, business administration, law, or medicine.
 
Common Core for all Math Majors (8 courses):

• CSC 1401: Introduction to Computer Programming
• MAT 1371: Calculus III
• MAT 1431: Theory of Numbers
• MAT 1461: Introduction to Linear Algebra
• MAT 1591: The Fundamental Ideas of Mathematics (or CSC 1671 with permission)
• MAT 2031: Modern Algebra
• MAT 2091: Real Analysis
• MAT 2651: Problem Solving Capstone

Electives (6 courses):

• One course selected from
  - MAT 2041: Modern Algebra II
  - MAT 2101: Complex Analysis
  - MAT 2151: Differential Geometry
  - MAT 2551: Topology of Point Sets
   
• Any other five MAT courses approved by the advisor and chair. In addition to the four courses listed above, math electives include
  - MAT 1381: Differential Equations
  - MAT 1611: History of Mathematics
  - MAT 2011: Numerical Analysis and Computer Techniques
  - MAT 2021: Chaos, Fractals and Dynamical Systems
  - MAT 2121: Geometry (non-Euclidean)
  - MAT 2131: Mathematical Programming
  - MAT 2201: Advanced Numerical Analysis
  - MAT 2211-2221: Probability and Statistics I and II
  - MAT 2231: Applied Statistical Methods
  - MAT 2321: Signal Processing
  - MAT 2361: Logic and the Foundations of Mathematics
  - MAT 2441: Combinatorics and Graph Theory
  - MAT 2461: Operations Research

Additional possibilities for math electives include Independent Study, Directed Readings, Research, and Internships.
 
Teacher Certification for Secondary Schools
 
Students who are pursuing certification in Secondary School Mathematics Teaching complete a minor in education. For this option please consult with the Departmental advisor, Dr. Fillebrown. The optional five-year B.S./M.S. program is described here.
 
Typical Program
 
Below is listed the typical curriculum for a mathematics major, presuming that a student enters as a freshman, without needing special background courses (such as Precalculus) or with advanced placement in mathematics or computer science. Students who change their major to mathematics from a different major should consult the department chairperson about sequencing of courses.

 
Minoring in Mathematics
 
If you don't have the time or the available electives to double major in mathematics and another subject, a minor in mathematics may be quite valuable. Many fields are becoming more and more technical.

• Contemporary biology relies heavily on advanced mathematics. For example, differential equations are used to form predator-prey population models, while geometry and topology are needed to study the changes in DNA produced by enzymes.
   
• Operations research, probability, and statistics are utilized in almost every medium to large corporation. Most consulting firms such as Accenture or KPMG are very interested in students with demonstrated analytical abilities.
   
• Even in fields like sociology, library science, and linguistics, there are many opportunities to apply mathematical knowledge. The Journal of Mathematical Sociology has been in publication for over ten years.
   
• Honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma look for evidence of intellectual curiosity among their possible inductees and earning a minor is strong evidence of this especially if in a field different from your major.

In addition to Calculus I (1351) and Calculus II (1361), you will need six mathematics courses. These must include either Calculus III (1371) or Calculus III with Linear Algebra (1391), but not both. Some of the courses you wish to take beyond this level may require Linear Algebra (1461) as a prerequisite. Thus, you will need four or five additional courses numbered above 1371. You must earn a C+ or higher in each course or a cumulative 2.7 GPA in the six courses. Some choices include (descriptions are in the catalog):

• MAT 1381: Differential Equations
• MAT 1421: Advanced Calculus
• MAT 1431: Theory of Numbers
• MAT 1571: Discrete Structures
• MAT 1611: History of Mathematics
• MAT 1651: Problem Solving
• MAT 2011: Numerical Analysis
• MAT 2021: Chaos, Fractals and Dynamical Systems
• MAT 2031-2041: Abstract Algebra I and II
• MAT 2051: Intermediate Linear Algebra
• MAT 2091: Real Analysis
• MAT 2101: Complex Analysis
• MAT 2121: Geometry
• MAT 2211-2221: Probability and Statistics I and II
• MAT 2441: Combinatorics and Graph Theory
• MAT 2461: Operations Research
• MAT 2911: Independent Study, perhaps a joint project combined with something in your major.

Declaring a minor requires a form from the Dean's offices, permission of the department chair, and needs to be done by your senior year. Please email Dr. David Hecker (david.hecker@sju.edu) for more information.