Department of Mathematics
| Professors |
Kiran R. Bhutani, Chair; Alexander Levin |
| Professors Emeriti |
Victor M. Bogdan; Lawrence Somer |
| Associate Professors |
Sherif El-Helaly; Curtis Holliman; Donald Larson; Guoyang Liu; Farzana McRae; Vijay Sookdeo |
| Assistant Professors |
Peter Ulrickson |
| Clinical Associate Professor |
Ravi Kalpathy |
| Clinical Instructors |
Joshua Himmelsbach |
Mathematics, the language of science, is an essential part of work done in the natural sciences, engineering, economics, and other areas. Since ancient times and in many civilizations, mathematics has been central in human thought and critical to many aspects of intellectual development and progress. The Department of Mathematics offers courses and degree programs reflecting the place and various roles of mathematics in modern civilization.
For students majoring in the humanities or the social sciences, the department offers MATH 111, MATH 112, MATH 114, MATH 168, MATH 175, and MATH 187; MATH 111 is a prerequisite for MATH 112.
For students in the natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics (and any student with an interest in and aptitude for mathematics), the department offers a sequence in calculus and differential equations: MATH 121, MATH 122, MATH 221, and MATH 222.
Upon entering the university, all students whose major programs require calculus must take the Calculus Placement Test, which helps determine placement relative to the two calculus choices, MATH 111 and MATH 121. Students who aim to take calculus but need additional preparation either take one of our online precalculus review courses (Math 11 or Math 21) or take MATH 108 or MATH 110 before taking calculus. (MATH 110 is open to majors in Business or Economics only.)
For additional information about our math placement exam, visit https://mathematics.catholic.edu/academics/math-placement-exam/index.html
For additional information about our online precalculus review course, visit https://mathematics.catholic.edu/academics/online-precalculus-review-course/index.html
Students who have prior coursework in calculus may obtain advanced placement in calculus by consulting the department. Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the AB or BC Advanced Placement Test in Calculus should inquire about receiving course credit for MATH 121 - MATH 122.
The following is a list of some disciplines and mathematics courses (after MATH 121 and MATH 122) relevant to them:
| Discipline |
Relevant Math Courses |
| Biology |
MATH 407, MATH 431, MATH 432 |
| Chemistry |
MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 407, MATH 431, MATH 432 |
| Computer Science |
MATH 301, MATH 314, MATH 321, MATH 322, MATH 407, MATH 408, MATH 415, MATH 431, MATH 432, MATH 434 |
| Economics |
MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 301, MATH 407, MATH 431, MATH 432, MATH 434 |
| Engineering |
MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 301, MATH 309, MATH 314, MATH 321, MATH 322, MATH 407, MATH 421, MATH 422, MATH 424, MATH 431, MATH 432, MATH 434 |
| Finance |
MATH 431, MATH 434 |
| Physics |
MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 301, MATH 321, MATH 322, MATH 407, MATH 415, MATH 421, MATH 422, MATH 424, MATH 431, MATH 432, MATH 441 |
A full listing of undergraduate courses can be found on the department website.
The department offers five undergraduate degree programs: B.A. in mathematics, B.S. in mathematics, B.S. in mathematics/secondary education, B.S. in mathematical finance, and B.S. in mathematics/physics. Depending on their interests, the programs prepare students for graduate studies, for work in industry, or for teaching at the secondary level. All degrees include some mathematics elective coursework. Students choose electives based on their interests and career goals, in consultation with the department’s undergraduate adviser and other faculty mentors. Independent study of advanced mathematical topics can also be pursued for elective credit.
All mathematics degree programs require MATH 121, MATH 122, MATH 221, MATH 222, and MATH 248 (or placement out of these courses) and some coursework in physics and/or computer science. Freshmen and sophomores who have obtained a 2.5 or better grade point average in MATH 121, MATH 122, MATH 221, and MATH 248 will be accepted into the program. An average of at least 2.0 in the upper-level (MATH 301, MATH 321, MATH 322, and MATH 400 level and above) courses is required for graduation.
Majors
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
The requirements for the major can be found at Mathematics - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
The requirements for the major can be found at Mathematics - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
There is a specific webpage for Online Precalculus Review Course: https://mathematics.catholic.edu/academics/online-precalculus-review-course/index.html
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education (Temporarily Suspended)
The requirements for the major can be found at Mathematics and Secondary Education - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
This program is designed for those who plan a career in teaching mathematics at the secondary level. Students who complete this degree earn certification to teach in a public school. Interested students should consult the undergraduate advisers in the departments of both mathematics and education early in the major in order to plan a schedule of required courses from both fields.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/Physics
The requirements for the major can be found at Mathematics and Physics - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Finance
The requirements for the major can be found at Mathematical Finance - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Minors
Minor in Mathematics
The requirements for the minor can be found at Mathematics - Minor
The minor in mathematics is designed for those students with an interest in mathematics either for its own sake or as it relates to their major field. Certain majors (Engineering, Physics, Computer science) have mathematics requirements which will fulfill a considerable portion of the requirements for the math minor. Students interested in those concentrations are strongly encouraged to take additional mathematics courses needed to complete the minor.
Minor in Actuarial Sciences
The requirements for the minor can be found at Actuarial Sciences - Minor
The minor in actuarial sciences is a joint venture between the Mathematics Department and the Busch School of Business. The goal of this program is to prepare students to meet and exceed the typical requirements for an entry level position as an actuary. After completing the program, students will be qualified to take the first two actuarial exams offered by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA).
The course requirements for the minor will vary depending on whether or not a student is enrolled in the Busch School of Business.
Minor in Mathematical Finance
The requirements for the minor can be found at Mathematical Finance - Minor
Mathematical Finance uses tools of mathematics and statistics to understand the dynamics of variability in financial markets. Coursework in Mathematical Finance opens up careers in investment banking, risk management, hedge funds, financial analysis, data analysis, actuarial science, insurance, and more. The Department of Mathematics, jointly with the Busch School of Business, offers a Minor in Mathematical Finance. The minor is open to all interested students.
An introductory accounting course (ACCT 205) is required as a prerequisite for FIN 226. Students who have not yet met this requirement may need seven courses to complete the minor.
Minor in Statistics
The requirements for the minor can be found at Statistics - Minor
Statistics is a field that is growing ever more relevant in modern society and careers, as the world has now entered the era of "big data." Statistical analysis can be applied in a tremendously wide array of disciplines, including social sciences, applied sciences, business, and the humanities. Students of all majors and backgrounds are encouraged to add the Statistics minor to their program of study.
An introductory statistics course (e.g. MATH 114, ECON 223, or similar) is required as a prerequisite for MATH 314. Students who have not yet met this requirement may need seven courses to complete the minor.