Programs of Study
Mathematics Major
Mathematics is fundamental to both the theoretical and the practical problem-solving components of virtually every field of study.
The purpose of the mathematics major at Lander University is to provide students with the opportunity and the direction to enjoy the intellectual challenges of mathematics, and also to provide them with the mathematical knowledge necessary to function competently in graduate school and/or in employment requiring mathematical skills.
A successful graduate with a mathematics major will have specific competency in:
- The Foundations of Mathematics. This includes first and foremost a firm grounding in the major concepts of mathematics needed for successful continued learning in the field. Students must learn to analyze a given situation, extract the pertinent facts, and then draw correct conclusions. Specifically included are basic algebraic operations, the elements of set theory, and the fundamentals of logic.
- Advanced Algebra. This includes knowledge of the basic constructs in the fields of linear and abstract algebra. Specifically the student should have a clear understanding of the concepts of group, ring, field, and vector space.
- Analysis. This includes the calculus and at least one of the fields of real or complex analysis. Students must have knowledge of continuity, differentiation, integration, sequences and series, and multivariable calculus. Additionally, all students will be able to solve the basic differential equations that arise in common applications.
- Probability and Statistics. This includes the acquisition and analysis of data, probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, estimation using confidence intervals, testing of hypotheses, and linear regression.
The course requirements for the mathematics degree are:
- Core curriculum courses to meet the Lander University general education requirements
- Math 131 Differential Calculus
- Math 132 Integral Calculus
- Math 231 Calculus III
- Math 232 Multivariable Calculus
- Math 240 Differential Equations
- Math 308 Linear Algebra
- Math 311 Mathematical Statistics
- Math 321 Abstract Algebra I
- Math 325 Discrete Mathematics
- Math 431 Real Analysis
- Math 400 Math Capstone Course
- CIS 130 Problem Solving and Programming Methods
- CIS 230 or CIS 102 or CIS 202
- Phys 211 General Physics I
- Phys 212 General Physics II
- Completion of either the modern algebra sequence (Math 321-322 Abstract Algebra I and II) or the analysis sequence (Math 431-432 Real and Complex Analysis)
- 9 hours of content electives chosen from Math 204 Operations Research, Math 212 Statistical Methods II, or any 300-level mathematics content course
A minimum of 39 semester hours in mathematics courses is required.
NOTE: A student obtaining secondary teacher certification is required to take:
- Math 350 Math History
- Math 351 Geometry, and
- Math 451 Secondary Math Methods
The program requirements for the mathematics major and the dual-degree program are articulated on the individual program worksheets in the Lander University Catalog available from the Admissions office.
An example of a typical four-year program is provided for general guidance only. Individual student schedules can vary considerably and should be discussed with a faculty advisor in order to allow completion of a degree program in a timely manner.
Lander University is an institutional member of the Mathematical Association of America, which is the organization devoted to the college level teaching of mathematics.
