The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics is designed to meet the needs of students with a wide variety of interests. All mathematics majors complete a basic core of required mathematics courses and then choose elective courses to tailor the program of study to meet their individual goals. Along with the standard program of study for the B.A. in mathematics, the department also offers a Concentration in Statistics and a Teachers Option. The Concentration in Statistics is designed to prepare students for careers in industry or for graduate study in statistics or data science. The Teachers Option requires students to choose courses that meet the requirements for state certification in mathematics.
Required Courses
All students seeking the B.A. in mathematics must complete the following six courses:
- MATH 1510 - Calculus I
- MATH 1520 - Calculus II
- MATH 2530 - Calculus III (must be taken at Saint Louis University with a grade of at least “C-”)
- MATH 2660 - Principles of Mathematics
- MATH 3120 - Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MATH 3850 - Foundations of Statistical Analysis.
Remaining Coursework
The remaining coursework will depend on the particular program of study chosen. The remaining requirements for the Concentration in Statistics and Teachers Option are described separately, below. Students must complete four additional 3000- or 4000-level MATH or STAT courses numbered above 3120, including at least two 4000-level MATH or STAT courses and one of the five sequences in fundamental areas of mathematics:
- Differential Equations: MATH 3550 and either MATH 4550 or MATH 4570
- Algebra: MATH 4110 and either MATH 4120 or MATH 4150
- Real Analysis: MATH 4210 and either MATH 4220 or MATH 4230
- Complex Analysis: MATH 4310 and either MATH 4320 or MATH 4360 (these two courses are offered sporadically)
- Probability and Statistics: MATH/STAT 3850 and one of MATH/STAT 4800, MATH/STAT 4840, or MATH/STAT 4870.
Additionally, students seeking the B.A. in mathematics are expected to learn basic computer programming and are required to complete either CSCI 1060 Scientific Programming or CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming.
A GPA of 2.00 (“C” average) or higher is required in 3000- or 4000-level MATH and STAT courses counting toward the major.
Concentration in Statistics
The remaining coursework for students seeking the B.A. in Mathematics with a Concentration in Statistics must include
- MATH/STAT 4800 Probability Theory
- MATH/STAT 4850 Mathematical Statistics
along with two additional courses from the following list:
- MATH 4210 Introduction to Analysis
- MATH 4230 Multivariable Analysis
- MATH/STAT 4840 Time Series
- MATH/STAT 4860 Statistical Models
- MATH/STAT 4870 Applied Regression
- CSCI 4750 Machine Learning.
Students choosing the Concentration in Statistics must complete CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming.
Teachers Option
The remaining coursework for students seeking the B.A. in Mathematics with the Teachers Option must include
- MATH 4050 History of Mathematics
- MATH 4110 Introduction to Abstract Algebra or MATH 4210 Introduction to Real Analysis
- MATH 4410 Foundations of Geometry or MATH 4430 Non-Euclidean Geometry
along with one additional course chosen from the following list:
- MATH 3550 - Differential Equations
- MATH 4800 - Elementary Theory of Probability
- MATH 4850 - Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 4870 - Applied Regression
- MATH 4150 - Number Theory.
Students seeking the Teachers Option are not required to complete a course in computer programming.