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Mathematics Major

Earn a bachelor's degree in mathematics

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A math degree will help you develop problem solving skills valuable in a wide variety of careers and industries. At SBU you also can choose to combine your mathematics degree with another major or minor in another discipline, such as computer science or business, to add depth to your academic program and expand career possibilities available to you.

As a math major at SBU, you will benefit from small class sizes allowing you to interact closely with your classmates and build lifelong friendships. You also will form close relationships with your faculty, who are highly qualified in the field of mathematics, work hard to stay current on mathematics trends and frequently presenting at conferences and seminars.

According to the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), mathematics is the 12th highest paying college major in the first five years after graduation. A mathematics degree from SBU will equip you for success in a variety of careers as you learn how to become a creative analytical thinker with the problem-solving skills employers desire.

The Mathematics degree is offered through SBU's College of Professional Programs. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree plan

Student leaders group

The SBU Advantage

  • Put your learning into action by leading math labs, serving as a math tutor or helping with math contests SBU hosts for elementary and middle school students.
  • Engage in research alongside a faculty member while still an undergraduate student.
  • Utilize mathematics technology such as cutting-edge GeoGebra, software which is used to illustrate various mathematics topics.

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

As a math major, you will take a course from the Strait Center, Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith, and will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses, including Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Careers

Those who study mathematics at SBU have pursued a variety of careers at organizations such as:

  • Cerner Corporation
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • NASA
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Wake Forest School of Medicine
  • Williams Companies

Graduate schools

Many of our graduates have pursued further education at institutions such as:

  • Baylor University
  • Clemson University
  • Missouri State University
  • Oklahoma State University
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Nebraska

Abraham Pascoe
"In talking to my colleagues I have realized that much of what I was taught at SBU was explained better to me than to my colleagues at their undergraduate universities. I have a clearer understanding and better methods for how to do things, which has helped me better collaborate at graduate school."
Abraham Pascoe '16
Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant in Mathematics at Missouri State University

Full-Time Faculty

Steve Bowling

Dr. Stephen Bowling, Professor
Tim Chappell

Dr. Tim Chappell, Associate Professor
Bob Glasgow

Dr. Bob Glasgow, Professor

Scholarships

As a math major, you will have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded departmental scholarships including:

  • Friends of the School of Arts and Sciences Scholarship - an endowed scholarship fund established by the curators and friends of the School of Arts and Sciences for students who are enrolled at SBU with a major in the College of Science and Mathematics and have demonstrated high academic honors and good balance between the academic, spiritual, and social aspects of campus life.
  • Jerry and Martha Harns Scholarship - an annual scholarship established by Colonel and Mrs. Harns to students majoring in mathematics or science.

Mathematics Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

MAT 1195 Calculus I 5
CIS 1033 Foundations of Computer Science 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

MAT 2255 Calculus II 5
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
MAT 3332 Symbolic Logic and Set Theory 2
UNI 1121 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1
Total hours 17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

MAT 2263 Calculus III 3
MAT 3343 Mathematical Statistics 3
MAT 3323 Linear Algebra 3
CIS 1144 Computer Science I (required for BS) 4
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

MAT 3313 Abstract Algebra (spring, even) or  
  Elective 3
MAT 3353 Integrated Mathematics (spring, even years, or Winterfest, odd) or  
MAT 4483 Contemporary Geometry (spring, odd) or  
MAT 3363 Differential Equations or elective 3
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
  Cultural Studies 2-3
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
Total hours 17-18
 

Junior

Fall Semester

MAT 3343 Math Technologies (fall or Winterfest, even) or
  
MAT 3372 Elective 2-3
MAT 3382 History of Mathematics (fall, odd) or  
SCF 3422 Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith (support course-Fall or Winterfest, even) or  
MAT 4433 Numerical Methods (fall, even) or  
  Elective 2-3
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
CHE/PHS Physical science elective 4
  Foreign Language (if B.A.) or elective 4
Total hours 15-17

Spring Semester

 MAT 3313 Abstract Algebra (spring, even) or  
  Elective 3
 MAT 3353 Integrated Mathematics
(spring, even, or Winterfest, odd) or		  
MAT 4483 Contemporary Geometry (spring, odd) 3
HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
  Electives 4
  Foreign Language (if B.A.) or elective 4
Total hours 17
 

Senior

Fall Semester

 MAT 3372 Math Technologies (fall or Winterfest, even) or  
  Elective 2-3
MAT 3382 History of Mathematics (fall, odd) or  
MAT 4433 Numerical Methods (fall, even) or  
  Elective 2-3
MAT 4663 Advanced Calculus (required) 3
  Electives 8
Total hours 15-17

Spring Semester

 MAT 3313 Abstract Algebra (spring, even) or  
  Elective 3
MAT 3353 Integrated Mathematics (spring, even, or Winterfest, odd) or  
MAT 4483 Contemporary Geometry (spring, odd) 3
PSY 1013 General Psychology 3
  Electives 9
Total hours 18

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Mathematics Plan (PDF)

Mathematics with Stats Minor Plan (PDF)

Computer Science and Mathematics Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

CIS 1144 Computer Science I 4
MAT 1195 Calculus I 5
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
CIS 1033 Foundations of Computer Science 3
  Gen Ed or Graduation Requirement 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

CIS 1154 Computer Science II 4
MAT 2255 Calculus II 5
MAT 1173 Discrete Mathematics 3
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
  Gen Ed or Graduation Requirement 3
Total hours 16
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

CIS 1163 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3
ECO 2023 Microeconomics 3
MAT 2263 Calculus III 3
CIS 2213 Systems Analysis and Design 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or Graduation Requirement or MAT elective 2
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

CIS 2013 Networks 3
CIS 3333 Algorithms and Data Structures 3
MAT 3332 Symbolic Logic and Set Theory 2
LDR 4043 Ethics and Professional Development 3
  Gen Ed science with lab 4
  Gen Ed or Graduation Requirement or MAT elective 2
Total hours 17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

CIS 4433 Numerical Methods 3
MAT 3323 Linear Algebra 3
MAT 3343 Probability and Statistics 3
PHY 2215 University Physics 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

CIS 3323 Database Management 3
CIS 3413 Machine Organization 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or Grad Req or CS/MAT elective 2
Total hours 17
 

Senior

Fall Semester

CIS 4462 Applied Software Engineering I 2
CIS 3423 Programming Languages 3
MAT 4663 Advanced Calculus 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or Grad Req or MAT elective 2
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

CIS 4472 Applied Software Engineering II 2
CIS 4423 Operating Systems 3
MAT 3313 Abstract Algebra 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
  Gen Ed or CS/MAT elective 3
Total hours 14

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements. Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Computer Science and Math Plan (PDF)