Mathematics Minor

Students in the mathematics minor engage in rigorous problem-solving and analytical reasoning that can be applied directly to their major field of study and future careers. Key experiences include:

• Collaborative problem-solving and mathematical investigations.
• Applied projects involving data analysis and quantitative modeling.
• Opportunities to connect mathematical concepts to computer science, business, natural sciences, education, and psychology.
• Close interaction with faculty through small class sizes.
• Advanced coursework that develops professional-level analytical skills.
• Preparation for graduate study and quantitative careers.

Students completing the mathematics minor will be able to:

• Apply mathematical problem-solving strategies to investigate, model, and solve complex problems arising in mathematics and related disciplines.
• Construct, evaluate, and communicate mathematical arguments and proofs using appropriate logical reasoning and standards of rigor.
• Use quantitative reasoning and mathematical modeling to analyze data, interpret results, and make evidence-based decisions in professional and academic contexts.
• Communicate mathematical ideas clearly and precisely in written, oral, symbolic, graphical, and technological forms.
• Translate among multiple mathematical representations, including algebraic, numerical, graphical, geometric, statistical, and computational forms, to better understand and solve problems.
• Recognize connections among mathematical concepts and apply those connections to fields such as computer science, biology, chemistry, business, education, psychology, and other disciplines.
• Utilize appropriate mathematical and technological tools to explore concepts, perform computations, analyze information, and investigate mathematical phenomena.
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, persistence, and independent learning when confronting unfamiliar mathematical challenges and real-world applications. This outcome reflects the professional habits emphasized in contemporary undergraduate mathematics education.

• Learn from faculty who are active scholars and dedicated teachers.
• Benefit from close mentorship made possible by small class sizes.
• Study with professors whose expertise spans mathematics education, statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, differential algebra, model theory, and geometric group theory.
• Gain exposure to contemporary mathematical research and applications.
• Work with faculty who bring energy, innovation, and current disciplinary knowledge into the classroom.
• Join a collaborative academic community where faculty know students by name and support their professional and academic goals.
• The program develops quantitative literacy and critical thinking skills that are increasingly sought by employers and graduate schools.
• SXU’s mission-centered education emphasizes excellence, integrity, service, and lifelong learning.

Because students select 18 credit hours from a broad range of mathematics courses, plans of study are individualized in consultation with a faculty advisor. Suggested course sequencing can be developed based on the student's major and career goals.

Example:

Students complete 18 credit hours from the following courses:

• MATH 200: Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (3)
• MATH 201: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)
• MATH 202: Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)
• MATH 203: Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4)
• MATH 211: Linear Algebra (4)
• MATH 301: Advanced Calculus (4)
• MATH 303: Differential Equations (3)
• MATH 305: Probability and Statistics I (3)
• MATH 306: Probability and Statistics II (3)
• MATH 307: Modern Geometry (3)
• MATH 308: History of Mathematics (3)
• MATH 309: Abstract Algebra I (3)
• MATH 313: Partial Differential Equations (3)
• MATH 314: Integral Equations (3)
• MATH 315: Numerical Analysis (3)
• MATH 321: Discrete Methods (3)
• MATH 331: Theory of Interest (3)
• MATH 336: Real Analysis (3)
• MATH 360: Selected Topics in Advanced Mathematics (variable credit)

Students interested in the mathematics minor may also wish to explore:

• Computer Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Psychology
• Secondary Education

The mathematics minor is particularly valuable for students seeking additional quantitative preparation to enhance their primary degree program.