Requirements for a Major or Minor in Mathematics and Computer Science


Programs offered
• Programs in Mathematics
− Major in Mathematics (36 credits)
− Minor in Mathematics (20 credits)
− Major in Mathematics Education (42 credits plus 32 credits
in education)
− Mathematics add-on endorsement for Elementary
E
ducation majors (see education) (30 credits)

Faculty
Douglas R. Anderson, chair
Daniel P. Biebighauser
Oksana Bihun
James L. Forde, professor emeritus
Gerald A. Heuer, mathematician-in-residence
John C. Reber
William K. Tomhave
Xueqi Zeng

Mathematics
The math department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:
• demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of fundamental mathematical concepts and the nature of mathematical proof
• read mathematical literature and communicate mathematical ideas effectively both orally and in writing, using appropriate language, good notation, and sound mathematical reasoning
• apply mathematical knowledge from one branch of mathematics to another as well as to other disciplines
• use appropriate technology
• have good problem-solving skills, including the ability to formulate problems, solve them and interpret solutions
• understand the historical and cultural framework of mathematics and the relationship of mathematics to other sciences and to the needs of society in general

In addition, teaching majors will be able to:
• gather, analyze and interpret data in an unbiased manner
• demonstrate that they know and can apply the national and state standards for mathematics instruction

The mathematics department sponsors an honors program for exceptional students. For details, see the department chair.

A student’s initial placement in mathematics courses is determined on the basis of his or her high school record. This list may be helpful:
• With one year algebra and one year geometry or less, the recommended mathematics option is MATH 105 – Exploring Mathematics.
• With algebra, geometry and higher algebra, options are MATH 105 – Exploring Mathematics, MATH 110 – Precalculus, MATH 203 – Finite Mathematics or MATH 207 – Discrete Mathematics.
• With algebra, geometry and higher algebra senior math, options are MATH 121 – Calculus I, MATH 203 – Finite Mathematics or MATH 207 – Discrete Mathematics.

Major in Mathematics
The requirements for a major in mathematics are 36 credits:
• MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 122 – Calculus II, 4 credits
• MATH 210 – Linear Algebra, 4 credits
• MATH 223 – Calculus III, 4 credits
• 20 credits numbered 300 or above which must include MATH 402 – Mathematics Senior Seminar, 2 credits, and either MATH 325 – Modern Algebra, 4 credits, or MATH 330 – Real Analysis I, 4 credits.

A maximum of 4 credits in Cooperative Education may be counted toward a major in mathematics.

Recommended courses for students interested in graduate school in mathematics include:
• MATH 325 – Modern Algebra I, 4 credits
• MATH 330 – Real Analysis I, 4 credits
• MATH 328 – Complex Analysis, 4 credits
• MATH 425 – Modern Algebra II, 2 credits
• MATH 430 – Real Analysis II, 2 credits

Minor in Mathematics
The requirements for a minor in mathematics are 20 credits:
• MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 122 – Calculus II, 4 credits
• MATH 210 – Linear Algebra, 4 credits
• 8 additional credits numbered 200 or above to include at least one course numbered 300 or above. At most, 4 credits from MATH 250 – Pre-May Seminar or MATH 300 – May Seminar can be counted toward a minor in mathematics.

Major in Mathematics Education
This major prepares students to be recommended by the Concordia College department of education for Minnesota licensure to teach mathematics in grades 5-12. To be eligible to complete this major, the student must be admitted to the teacher education program. (See education pages for program information, requirements and course descriptions.)

The requirements for a major in mathematics education are 42 credits plus 32 credits in education:
• MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 122 – Calculus II, 4 credits
• MATH 207 – Discrete Mathematics, 4 credits
• MATH 210 – Linear Algebra, 4 credits
• MATH 223 – Calculus III, 4 credits
• MATH 315 – Probability and Mathematical Statistics, 4 credits
• MATH 320 – Geometry, 4 credits
• MATH 325 – Modern Algebra I, 4 credits
• MATH 402 – Senior Seminar, 2 credits
• 4 additional credits in mathematics, from courses numbered 300 or above
• 4 credits in applied statistics chosen from the following:
– ECON 274 – Introduction to Business and Economic Statistics, 4 credits
– PSYC 230 – Statistics and Psychological Measurement, 4 credits
– SOC 228 – Research Methods and Statistics, 4 credits
– MATH 205 – Introduction to Statistics, 4 credits
• EDUC 384 – Methods of Teaching in Mathematics, 4 credits (required methods of teaching course)
• Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 required coursework
A course in computer science is strongly recommended, such as CSC 104 – Software Applications or CSC 125 – Introduction to Computer Science.
Recommended supporting courses in mathematics for students with the following interests include:

Physical science
• MATH 311 – Differential Equations, 4 credits
• MATH 312 – Applied Mathematics, 2 credits
• MATH 315 – Probability and Mathematical Statistics, 4 credits
• MATH 335 – Operations Management/Research, 4 credits

Social and behavioral science
• MATH 203 – Finite Mathematics, 4 credits
• MATH 207 – Discrete Mathematics, 4 credits
• MATH 210 – Linear Algebra, 4 credits
• MATH 311 – Differential Equations, 4 credits
• MATH 315 – Probability and Mathematical Statistics, 4 credits

Elementary education
• MATH 102 – Fundamental Concepts of Modern Mathematics, 4 credits
• MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits
• MATH 207 – Discrete Mathematics, 4 credits
• MATH 215 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics, 2 credits
• MATH 220 – Introduction to Geometry Concepts, 2 credits

Actuarial sciences
• MATH 315 – Probability and Mathematical Statistics, 4 credits
• MATH 316 – Applied Statistical Models, 4 credits

In addition, the following business courses are recommended for students interested in actuarial science:
• ACCT 255 – Principles of Financial Accounting, 4 credits
• ACCT 256 – Principles of Managerial Accounting, 4 credits
• BUS 201 – Principles of Global Economics, 4 credits
• BUS 262 – Introduction to Business Law, 4 credits
• BUS 303 – Managerial Finance, 4 credits
• ECON 274 – Introduction to Business and Economic Statistics, 4 credits
• ECON 301 – Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, 4 credits
• ECON 302 – Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, 4 credits