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Mathematics

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Minor
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Discover the Beauty and Versatility of Mathematics

Mathematics is a study of patterns that involves both rigor and creativity, revealing its inherent beauty and powerful applications. Majoring in mathematics provides students with a strong foundation for various fields of study, fostering critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom. Through their studies, students can appreciate the logical structure of mathematics to search for truth and beauty, while also preparing for diverse and impactful careers. Students can pair their degree with a second major or a minor in data analytics, finance, economics, or education, to name a few.

Mathematics Secondary Education:

The secondary math education certification program closely mirrors the mathematics program but includes preparation for certification to teach at the secondary school level through collaboration with the Department of Education. Students gain a deep understanding of mathematical proofs, logical structures, and solutions to concrete and abstract problems while also developing the skills necessary for effective classroom instruction. Those interested in pursuing secondary education certification can learn more here: Education Certification: Grades 7-12.

Contact

Daniele Arcara
Office Phone: 724-805-2934
Email: daniele.arcara@stvincent.edu

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Program Highlights

Group photo of students and faculty members proudly holding a Pi Mu Epsilon banner.

Pi Mu Epsilon

Every year, the math department inducts new members into Pi Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor society. We recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement in the field of mathematics among our students.

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The Putnam Competition

Since 2016, SVC students have participated in the William Lowell Putnam Competition, regarded as one of the most challenging mathematics competitions for undergraduate students in the US and Canada. Students employ abstract reasoning, problem solving, and mathematical tools to tackle rigorous problems ranging from a variety of topics such as group theory, graph theory, number theory, and set theory.

A woman in a patterned dress explains continuous random variables on a whiteboard, illustrating a normal distribution and Z-scores.

Excellent Faculty

Our full-time faculty have PhD degrees in mathematics and are active in their research, publishing in national and international refereed math journals and joining intensive pedagogically focused workshops. Several of our professors are part of the Mathematical Association of America’s Project NExT which gives our faculty access to resources and a community of other mathematicians devoted to teaching.

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Field Experiences for Math Education Majors

Starting freshman year, students engage in field experiences that build essential skills in diverse settings. Integrated with coursework, these experiences allow immediate application of educational theories. Opportunities include the Bearcat B.E.S.T. program, environmental education at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, lesson planning for homeschooling students in our STEP-Up program, and immersive co-teaching. By their 14-week student teaching internship, students are fully prepared to lead. Learn more details about our educational field experiences.

Careers after Saint Vincent

A degree in mathematics opens doors to a wide range of careers. Our advanced courses foster higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping students with the analytical abilities needed to tackle complex problems in various fields. As a result, math majors find employment in diverse areas, leveraging their systematic reasoning to excel in multiple career paths.

Alumni will go into successful careers as:
  • Actuaries
  • Attorneys
  • Bankers
  • Corporate managers
  • Cost analysts
  • Engineers
  • Software developers
  • High school teachers
  • Physicians
  • Professors

Our students have secured jobs and internships at a variety of companies in their field and enrolled in prestigious graduate schools.
  • BNY Mellon
  • Various local and out-of-state high schools
  • Talcott Financial Group
  • PNC
  • Northwestern
  • Notre Dame
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • UNC-Chapel Hill
  • US Navy
  • Syracuse

Student Spotlight

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    Emily Hoover C’19

    “Deciding to attend Saint Vincent College was undoubtedly the easiest and best decision I have made. I enjoyed being challenged and exposed to different variations of the mathematics field. As a commercial credit analyst, I evaluate the creditworthiness of businesses and individuals applying for commercial loans. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education I received during my time at SVC. It not only helped prepare me for a career utilizing my mathematics degree, but it also helped to prepare me for life after college.”

    Commercial Credit Analyst, Somerset Trust Company

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    Zachary Schuler C’20

    “My time studying math at Saint Vincent was priceless. I had the chance to take a wide variety of classes. Whether it was a calculation heavy class like Differential Equations or a theory-focused class such as Graph Theory, being surrounded by like-minded and motivated peers provided the perfect environment for me to develop my mind and problem-solving abilities. In addition, the opportunities provided by the math club and the math faculty were essential in developing the toolset that I use throughout my career.”

    Senior Software Engineer for PNC bank

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    Emily Bosche C’23

    “Even though I took the psych route after SVC, the curriculum in the math department has been extremely applicable in the work I've done. I've applied concepts from C++, Linear Algebra, and both Probability and Statistics courses to my psychology coursework assignments, data analysis, and exploration.”

    Doctoral student, Social Psychology Program in the Conflict Resolution Lab, University of Pittsburgh

Required Curriculum

The mathematics major is part of The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing  and is supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.

  • Required Courses

    Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics

    Major Requirements (41 or 43 Credits)
    MA 111 Analytical Calculus I
    MA 112 Analytical Calculus II
    MA 211 Analytical Calculus III
    MA 212 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
    MA 251 Linear Algebra
    MA 231 Methods of Proof
    MA 501 Capstone I

    Three other MA courses at 200 or 300 levels
    (3 credits each)**

    Two MA courses at 400 level
    (4 credits each)

    One of these courses:
    CS 110 C++ Programming I
    CS 190 Programming Language Lab: Python
    CS 270 Introduction to Numerical Computation
    ENGR 115 Intro to Engineering Computation

    Take four credits of Natural Science and Lab:
    BL 150 /151 General Biology I and Lab
    BL 152 / 153 General Biology II and Lab
    CH 101 / 103 General Chemistry I and Lab
    CH 102 /104 General Chemistry II and Lab
    PH 111 / 113 General Physics I and Lab
    PH 112 / 114 General Physics II and Lab

    Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics

    Major Requirements (60 or 62 credits)
    MA 111 Analytical Calculus I
    MA 112 Analytical Calculus II
    MA 211 Analytical Calculus III
    MA 212 Ordinary and Partial
    Differential Equations
    MA 251 Linear Algebra
    PH 111/113 General Physics I and Lab
    MA 231 Methods of Proof
    MA 501 Capstone I
    MA 502 Capstone II

    Four other MA courses at 200 or 300 levels
    (3 credits each)

    Four MA courses at 400 level (4 credits each)

    One of these courses:
    CS 110 C++ Programming I
    CS 190 Programming Language Lab: Python
    CS 270 Introduction to Numerical Computation
    ENGR 115 Intro to Engineering Computation

    Take four credits of Natural Science and Lab:
    BL 150 / 151 General Biology I and Lab
    BL 152 / 153 General Biology II and Lab
    CH 101 / 103 General Chemistry I and Lab
    CH 102 / 104 General Chemistry II and Lab
    PH 112 / 114 General Physics II and Lab

    Minor Requirements
    (At Least 18 Credits)
    MA 111 Analytical Calculus I
    MA 112 Analytical Calculus II
    MA 211 Analytical Calculus III

    Two more courses at 200+ level (6-8 credits)

    Teacher Certification Requirements
    All students who are interested in pursuing the teacher certification should contact the chairperson of the Education Department at their earliest possible convenience (see additional information under the Education Department). Students must also declare their Education minor in the Registrar’s Office. The required Mathematics courses would be MA 111, MA 112, MA 211, MA 212, MA 231, MA 251, MA 301, MA 311 or MA 241, MA 421, MA 451, and MA 501. Other courses in other disciplines are also required.

  • Key Courses

    The mathematics major instructs students in precise, detailed work, following multi-step procedures, and building logical reasoning skills. Advanced courses push students to see mathematics as more than numeric computations, expanding their ability to consider multiple viewpoints and approaches to problem solving and learning.

    History of Mathematics
    This course is a survey of mathematics from ancient times to modern times and looks at the historical context and implications of various mathematical discoveries, in addition to exploring the lives of the mathematicians responsible for these breakthroughs. Topics include ancient counting systems, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, and introductory number theory.

    Calculus Sequence
    In the calculus sequence, students explore the concept of "arbitrarily small" and learn to sum infinite series enabling students to calculate instantaneous rates and areas under curves, study differential and integral calculus, and understand their inverse relationship. These courses reveal the beauty and power of calculus in understanding the world.

    Statistics Sequence
    This two-semester sequence of courses covers the foundations of statistics. Topics include laws of probability, probability functions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and linear regression. Students build statistical models and develop skills for implementing regression analysis in real-world problems. In the second semester, students complete projects that culminate in a presentation at our SVC Academic Conference.

    Graph Theory
    This course focuses on Graph Theory, which had its origins in the Konigsberg Bridge Problem solved by Leonard Euler in 1735. Besides its current value as an exciting, accessible branch of mathematics, it has multiple applications in chemistry, operations research, social sciences, and computer science.

     

Resources and Facilities

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    Collaborative Learning Program (CLP)

    The CLP is a weekly study hour for specific math courses where students exchange ideas with knowledgeable upperclassmen and fellow classmates in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, while attaining better insight and skill at solving problems covered in course content.

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    Math Tutoring Room

    The math tutoring room is staffed by student tutors throughout the week. This free service is available to all students seeking help with their math courses. It's also a fantastic work-study opportunity for upperclassmen, allowing them to gain valuable experience while supporting their peers.

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    Tenley Hall

    Located in the state-of-the-art Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion, our math department offers a stimulating and collaborative environment. Sharing a floor with the computer science department and with the physics department just downstairs, students have ample opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Our space features faculty offices, cozy sitting areas for informal study sessions, and a spacious tutoring room staffed by upperclassmen.

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