Mathematics (B.A.)

Program Overview

Mathematics majors learn to appreciate the logical beauty of mathematical thought and how to use it to solve many kinds of problems. After taking the foundational courses, students choose from theoretical and applied mathematics courses as they pursue their career objectives. Through the internship program, they may gain practical experience. Graduates are prepared for employment as mathematicians in a variety of settings in industry, business, and government, and for graduate study. By taking the sequence of education courses, they can be certified to teach secondary mathematics (gr. 7-12).

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Mathematics program can:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of foundational content of mathematics defined through the Mathematical Association of America.    
  2. Engage in scholarship in mathematics, demonstrating the professional skills of independent problem-solving, self-directed research, and oral and written communication.
  3. Skill in using appropriate technology to enhance understanding of mathematics and related disciplines, to simplify computation, and to present work professionally.
  4. Demonstrate an awareness of options for employment, voluntary service and/or graduate education in mathematics or closely related fields.
  5. Articulate a maturing understanding of how faith connects to mathematics.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CIS 181Computer Programming I

3

ECON 120Principles of Macroeconomics

3

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 112Calculus II

4

MATH 196Mathematics Seminar

2

MATH 198Introduction to Mathematical Proof

2

MATH 211Calculus III

4

MATH 261Linear Algebra

3

MATH 308Differential Equations

3

MATH 362Algebraic Structures

3

MATH 412Introduction to Real Analysis

3

MATH 496Mathematics Capstone

2

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 212General Physics II

4

STAT 291Probability and Statistics

3

STAT 292Inferential Statistics

3

MATH 496: Writing in the major requirement.

Nine additional credits from the following:

MATH 301Numerical Analysis

3

MATH 341Mathematical Modeling

3

MATH 342Applied Combinatorics

3

MATH 350Mathematics of Finance

3

MATH 382Geometry

3

MATH 392History of Mathematics

3

MATH 405Introduction to Mathematical Research

3

MATH 422 Mathematics Research

1-3

MATH 490Topics in Mathematics

3

MATH 491Independent Study

1-3

ENGR 365Linear Systems

3

Any STAT 3xx or 4xx course

3

Not to exceed six credits from STAT in this block of nine credits. Up to three credits of MATH 422 may count towards the nine credits.

Note: Students in the mathematics and mathematics with teaching certification majors are encouraged to complete the sequence ECON 120: Principles of Macroeconomics and ECON 220: Principles of Microeconomics. The study of economics provides an excellent foundation for many careers in mathematical sciences. A double-major or minor in economics is a strong, marketable addition to the mathematics major, and either combination can be completed in 8 semesters.

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences (MATH 111, CIS 181) met/major
Laboratory Science (PHYS 211 or PHYS 212) met/major
Science, Technology & the World waived
Social Science (ECON 120) met/major
European History or United States History 3
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion 3
Arts 3
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies 2 or 3
Bible 3
Christian Beliefs 3
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 42-43
Major requirements 60
Free electives 21-20
Total credits 123