Mathematics Major
Learning mathematics at LVC is unique. The combination of a friendly atmosphere, dedication to high academic standards, critical mass of students studying mathematics, successful graduates, and caring faculty set the program apart from math departments at other colleges.
The major in mathematics is the foundation of the department's curriculum. The basic program can be complemented with other courses depending on a student's interests. Common directions of study include preparation for secondary school teaching, graduate school, or for a career in statistics or operations research.
LVC math majors pursue a range of careers, often as programmers, analysts, and application consultants. Math majors preparing for work in secondary education find many opportunities. Those with additional course work in economics and business find careers in management - many in banking and finance.
The major provides excellent preparation for further study. Recent graduates have attended the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University, University of Oregon, and The Pennsylvania State University for graduate study.
Mathematics, actuarial science, and computer science majors constitute seven percent of the student body at LVC, as compared to the national average of less than one percent.
Recently, LVC mathematics majors have obtained positions as a teacher, operations research analyst, bank credit analyst, marketing manager, and mutual fund accountant.
The Mathematical Physics Research Group brings mathematics, physics, and computer science students together for research projects-mostly in quantum information science.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in mathematics
Required courses:
MAS 099 Presentation Attendance| The aim of this course is exposure to mathematics beyond the classroom curriculum. The course requirement is attendance at a minimum of six formal presentations on mathematical topics given at conferences, colloquia or symposia at a minimum of two separate events (that is, a conference or event). Presentations should have a title and abstract and may be given by faculty or students; poster sessions do not count. 0 credits. |
| A calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). 4 credits. |
| Second semester of a calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). Prerequisite: MAS 111; Corequisites: MAS 113, 114. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 112 and MAS 162. 4 credits. |
| An introduction to college mathematics for potential mathematical science majors. 1 credit. |
| Second semester. Introduction to college mathematics for potential mathematical science majors. 1 credit. |
| Introduction to logic, set theory and proof techniques. Prerequisites: MAS 251 or ASC 281. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to linear algebra including systems of equations, vectors spaces and linear transformations. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 261. 3 credits. |
| Introduction to mathematical ideas used in computing and information sciences: logic, sets and sequences, matrices, combinatorics, induction, relations and finite graphs. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 162. 3 credits. |
| Multivariate calculus including partial differentiation, multiple integration, vector fields and vector functions. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 162. 3 credits. |
Take five (5) more MAS courses subject to:
At most one of MAS 266, MAS 270, or ASC 385
At least four fof MAS 311, 322, 325, 335, 371, 372, 390
At least one of MAS 311 or MAS 322
A 400 level ASC course mas substitute for MAS 335 and ASC 385 may be substituted for MAS 266 or MAS 270
ASC 385 Mathematics of Finance I| Measurement of interest, time value of money, annuities, amortization and sinking funds, bonds, capitalized cost, net present value, yield rates, yield curves, duration, immunization; derivative products including calls, puts, forwards, and swaps. Prerequisite: MAS 112 or 162. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to ordinary differential equations. Prerequisites: MAS 112 or MAS 162. 3 credits. |
| A more advanced version of MAS 170 intended for students with some calculus background. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits. |
| Convergent and divergent series, limits, continuity, differentiability and integrability; Fourier series. Prerequisites: MAS 202, 222, and 251. 3 credits. |
| Introduction to algebraic structures including groups, rings and fields. Prerequisites: MAS 202, MAS 222, and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
| Axiomatic development of absolute, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: MAS 202, MAS 222, and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
| Introduction to some operations research techniques including linear programming, queuing theory, project scheduling, simulation and decision analysis. Prerequisites: MAS 222 or MAS 251 or MAS 202. 3 credits. |
| A mathematical introduction to probability, discrete and continuous random variables, and sampling. Prerequisites: at least two of MAS 202, 251, and ASC 281. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the mathematical foundations of statistics including sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear models and multivariate distributions. Prerequisite: MAS 371. 3 credits. |
MAS 390
Total of 37 credits
Mathematics majors are advised to take at least one computer science course or have equivalent experience.
For students transferring into the Department of Mathematical Sciences after having completed two semesters of calculus, the MAS 111, 112, 113, 114 requirement may be replaced with MAS 161, 162, and one other MAS course numbered 200 or higher, which is not otherwise used to fulfill the requirements of the student's major and is approved by the student's advisor.