The College of St. Scholastica


In briefest terms, we regard mathematics not as something a student takes, but rather some-thing that he or she creates.

Whether a student wants to teach math, plans graduate study, plans to apply mathematics in a career in industry, or desires the ability to reason logically and analytically, the study of mathematics adds up to an intellectual experience which, from the abacus to the rocket, has been essential to living.

The Mathematics Program at St. Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica offers an undergraduate program in mathematics. Students may prepare for graduate study or for careers in secondary education or industry. Mathematics majors are encouraged to pursue a minor or a second major in a field to which mathematics may be profitably applied, such as management, computer information systems or a science. Students planning to teach mathematics in middle and secondary grades should major in mathematics. Students can also prepare to teach elementary grades and select a mathematics minor.

The Mathematics Department at St. Scholas-tica offers some unique advantages to students interested in careers in math. Students may study and take classes in a small department in which individual help and attention are the rule rather than the exception. They have the opportunity to work with a group of students in which cooperation instead of competition is stressed. There are countless opportunities for students to become math tutors or receive tutoring help themselves when necessary.

Finally, with the College's liberal arts orientation to career preparation, math majors are encouraged to explore course offerings in other academic disciplines as well, such as in the humanities, the natural sciences and the behavioral arts and sciences.

Course Offerings

For Non-Math/Science Majors

Basic Ideas of Math; Algebra and Trigonometry; Data Explorations; Elementary Functions; Short Calculus; Discrete Math

For Mathematics Majors

First Year: Calculus I, II.

Second Year: Linear Algebra; Calculus III; Discrete Math; (Differential Equations); Math Electives.

Third-Fourth Years: Abstract Algebra I and II; Geometry; Probability and Statistics I and II; Principles of Analysis I and II; Math Topics; Independent Studies; Math Electives; Senior Research Projects.

Curriculum Requirements

Majors

Core courses required for all mathematics majors: MTH 2221, 2222, 3321, 3322, 3401, 4332 and 4411. In addition students select one option below:

  • Preparation for secondary education: MTH 3302, 3533, 4421 and 2 credits of upper division electives of math; CIS 2085 or demonstrated mastery of a high level computer language approved by the department; courses which meet the requirements of the Education Department.
  • Preparation for graduate school or general job opportunities: MTH 4421, 4422, 4432, 6 credits of upper division electives of math and CIS 2085. Additional electives are encouraged.
  • Other options for a major may be designed by the individual student in consultation with the department. Programs must be approved by the Mathematics Department and contain at least 10 credits of upper level math electives and a CIS course.

All mathematics major students are required to do independent reading or research, and present their paper in their junior year or senior year. Mathematics majors are encouraged to take more computer courses than the minimum required. Consult with the Mathematics Department for appropriate courses.

Minor

Courses required for math minors: MTH 2221, 2222, 3322, 3401, and 6 credits of electives of upper level math courses approved by the Mathematics Department.

Careers in Math

Academic Opportunities

  • Middle Grades
  • High School
  • Junior or Community College
  • College or University

The Mathematician in Government or Industry

  • Mathematical Research
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Operations Research
  • Computer Programming
  • Atmospheric Research
  • Administration
  • Civil Service (Mathematician, Mathematical Statistician, Operations Research, Personnel, Actuary, Cryptographer)
  • Department of Defense (Applied Research & Development, Basic Research, Administration, Operations Research)

Engineer

  • Aeronautical
  • Civil
  • Industrial
  • Nuclear
  • Chemical
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical

Opportunities in the Actuarial Profession

  • Insurance Companies
  • Consulting Firms
  • National Ratemaking Organizations
  • Academic Institutions
  • Casualty Actuary
  • Government Agency (Social Security Administration, Industrial Quality Control)

General Job Opportunities

  • Military
  • Self-employment
  • Non-Profit Research Corporations
  • Computer Scientists
  • Insurance Companies, Computing Firms, Utility Companies, Private Research Agencies, Industrial and Governmental Laboratories
For Further Information

If you would like more information about our program or financial aid contact:

Admissions Office
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
(218) 723-6046 or 1-800-447-5444
TTY/TDD (218) 723-6790
e-mail: admissions@css.edu

Visitors are always welcome! To help us best plan for your visit, please call us in advance.

The College of St. Scholastica is an equal opportunity educator and employer.