Mathematics - Major/Minor

For information, contact Dr. Joshua Harrington, jsharrin@cedarcrest.edu, 610-606-4666, ext. 4454.

Program Description

The mathematics department is dedicated to engaging students in the exciting study of mathematics, both for the beauty inherent in pure mathematics as well as the power and utility of the subject in applications across all fields of modern life. The mathematics program emphasizes an understanding of the nature and structure of mathematics, its processes and applications, and is designed to develop in students’ problem-solving, abstract reasoning, and logical thinking skills. Ambitious students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research and other creative projects, possibly in concert with the Honors Program. The Department is strongly committed to giving its majors a solid and broad-based mathematical foundation that helps prepare them for a wide range of careers requiring strong analytical skills, as well as graduate study in mathematics or a professional area such as medicine or law.
Program objectives are:

• To explore the range, beauty and power of mathematical ideas
• To develop quantitative problem-solving skills which transfer to other academic contexts
• To gain facility in the language and techniques of mathematics
• To develop the ability to critically interpret the numerical, symbolic, and technical information that characterizes life in this millennium
• To understand and write mathematical proofs and participate in the mathematical discovery process
• To construct, analyze, and verify elementary mathematical models in a wide range of disciplines
• To use relevant technology applicable to mathematics to enhance learning and develop computer skills vital to intellectual life
• To prepare for mathematical careers in education, government, business, and industry, or an advanced degree in mathematics or a related field

Program Mission Statement

The mathematics program emphasizes creative engagement in mathematical thinking and confident problem solving, skills widely recognized as critical in confronting our national and global challenges. The course of study stresses analytical and logical reasoning skills based on classical mathematical thought. Grounded in the liberal arts, the curriculum stresses an understanding of the nature and structure of mathematics, its processes, and applications. Courses in this major are designed to develop in the student critical thinking skills and the ability to apply them to problems within various disciplines as well as cross-disciplinary problems. The B.S. in Mathematics is a versatile and empowering degree, enabling the graduate to work in a wide variety of career areas in satisfying, challenging positions, and at salaries well above those job fields traditionally occupied by women. A mathematics major can lead to graduate study in mathematics, but also prepares a student for programs in law, finance, and medicine. Despite dramatic increases in the number of women studying sciences and technology, mathematics remains a disciplinary stronghold, an area in which women are still vastly underrepresented. The Department is intensely committed to increasing the participation of women in mathematics and mathematics education, and affirms the importance of this goal for a women’s college.

Total number of credits required by program: 41

Program Requirements

A student must achieve a grade of C or better in all mathematics courses and cognate courses to be qualified for the degree in Mathematics. At least 18 credits of Mathematics courses must be taken at Cedar Crest.

Mathematics Major

Course Requirements for the Mathematics Major

MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 210 Mathematical Statistics and Probability 3 credits
MAT 211 Calculus III 3 credits
MAT 212 Vector Calculus 3 credits
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 311 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MAT 316 Modern Algebra 3 credits

Plus choose 3 courses from the following:
MAT 208 Mathematical Modeling 3 credits
MAT 313 Differential Equations 3 credits
MAT 320 Computing in Mathematical Research 3 credits
MAT 321 Numerical Analysis 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits
MAT 325 Discrete Mathematics II 3 credits
MAT 338 Number Theory 3 credits
MAT 339 Complex Variables 3 credits
MAT 350 Advanced Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 390 Independent Study in Mathematics 1-3 credits

Plus the following courses:
PHY 101 Introductory College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 201 Introductory College Physics II 4 credits

Liberal Arts Curriculum Requirements fulfilled within the Major

Students fulfill the Information Literacy requirement through satisfactory completion of MAT 316.
Students fulfill the Technology requirement through the satisfactory completion of MAT 141, MAT 142, MAT 210, MAT 211, and MAT 212.
Students who double major in secondary education will fulfill the Oral Presentation requirement through the satisfactory completion (C or better) of EDU 346 and EDU 373. Students who are not completing a double major in secondary education must fulfill the Oral Presentation requirement with the satisfactory completion (C or better) of COM-100 or THS 105.

Secondary Certification in Mathematics

Students also seeking a double major in secondary education must consult the Education Department and plan a program before registering for the sophomore year. Students preparing for a secondary teaching certificate must include the following courses in their program of study:
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of critical topics from calculus.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly using correct mathematical terminology and proper mathematical notation.
• Students will identify, formulate, and analyze real world problems using mathematical techniques.
• Students will be able to summarize and describe data, conduct graphical analyses, carry out basic statistical procedures and effectively write up the analysis.
• Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of algebra and algebraic structures.
• Students will demonstrate a sound conceptual understanding of mathematics through the construction of mathematically rigorous and logically correct proofs.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to independently research the mathematics necessary to solve an extensive problem, formulate the solution to the problem, and present the solution to peers.

Mathematics Minor

Required Courses for the Mathematics Minor (18 credits)

Choose six from the following courses:
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 208 Mathematical Modeling 3 credits
MAT 210 Mathematical Statistics and Probability 3 credits
MAT 211 Calculus III 3 credits
MAT 212 Vector Calculus 3 credits
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 311 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MAT 313 Differential Equations 3 credits
MAT 316 Modern Algebra 3 credits
MAT 320 Computing in Mathematical Research 3 credits
MAT 321 Numerical Analysis 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits
MAT 324 Discrete Mathematics II 3 credits
MAT 335 Introduction to Topology 3 credits
MAT 338 Number Theory 3 credits
MAT 339 Complex Variables 3 credits
MAT 350 Advanced Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 360 Special Topics in Mathematics 1-3 credits
MAT 390 Independent Study in Mathematics 1-3 credits