Mathematics is the universal language used to communicate across disciplines. Studying mathematics develops students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills by exploring formal logic, proof writing, and computational techniques. These skills are in demand in a wide variety of careers, such as education, finance, data science, business/market research, and graduate school. Professionals working in math-related fields tend to earn above-average salaries and report above-average job satisfaction.
A major in mathematics at Kentucky Wesleyan is designed to enable students to succeed in their chosen career or to pursue graduate studies. Various active-learning strategies and relatively small class sizes ensure students experience personalized instruction. Mathematics majors develop and present mathematical arguments in a collaborative and student-led setting. The diverse backgrounds of the faculty provide a variety of different research opportunities in pure, applied, or educational research.
Graduates of the mathematics program will be able to perform mathematical computations, write and communicate mathematical ideas and proofs, and make connections between mathematical areas. Connections between other disciplines are explored, and students are welcome to double major in other fields including physics, chemistry, and biology. Offerings include a Bachelor of Science degree and a minor in Mathematics.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will perform quantitative operations efficiently and correctly.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in writing and analyzing written mathematical proofs.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral communication of mathematical reasoning through the defense of proofs or problem solving.
- Students will successfully apply mathematical concepts between mathematical sub-disciplines.
Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics
43 Semester Credit Hours
Core Requirements
- MATH 121 – Calculus I (4)
- MATH 221 – Calculus II (3)
- MATH 222 – Calculus III (3)
- MATH 301 – Differential Equations (3)
- MATH 303 – Introduction to Higher Mathematics (3)
- MATH 307 – Linear Algebra (3)
- MATH 330 – Theory of Probability (3)
- MATH 400 – History of Mathematics (1)
- MATH 401 – Analysis (3)
- MATH 402 – Abstract Algebra (3)
Students must take six (6) hours of upper-level mathematics courses.
Supporting Requirements
One year of general physics or general chemistry.
Students with a strong high school background may omit MATH 121 but still must complete thirty hours of Mathematics.
Students who are seeking Secondary Certification are required to take MATH 113, MATH 304, & MATH 305.
Students going to graduate school are encouraged to take more Mathematics courses.
Sample Four-Year Plan for B.S. in Mathematics
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hrs. | Spring Semester | Hrs. |
| MATH 121 | 4 | MATH 221 | 3 |
| ENGL 111 | 3 | ENGL 112 | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| KW 101 | 0 | Semester Hours | 15 |
| Semester Hours | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hrs. | Spring Semester | Hrs. |
| MATH 222 | 3 | Upper-Level MATH Elective | 3 |
| MATH 303 | 3 | Physics/Chemistry II with Lab | 4 |
| Physics/Chemistry I with Lab | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| CL 101 | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 14 | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hrs. | Spring Semester | Hrs. |
| MATH 330 | 3 | MATH 307 | 3 |
| MATH 402 | 3 | Upper-Level MATH Elective | 3 |
| MATH 400 | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Semester Hours | 15 |
| Semester Hours | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hrs. | ||
| MATH 301 | 3 | Spring Semester | Hrs. |
| MATH 401 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | Elective | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 15 | ||
| Total Program Hours | 122 | ||
*Students must take at least seven (7) upper-level courses.
**At least one course taken above must be multi-cultural or a separate multi-cultural course is required.
***Must have one year of general physics or general chemistry (PHYS 211/212 & 221/222, or CHEM 121/131 and 122/132)
****This is written to allow the second senior semester to be devoted to student teaching. Those who are not going into education can distribute their math courses and General Education requirements to reflect the availability of this extra semester.
Mathematics Minor
22 Semester Credit Hours
Requirements for Mathematics Minor
- MATH 121 – Calculus I (4)
- MATH 221 – Calculus II (3)
- MATH 222 – Calculus III (3)
- MATH 303 – Introduction to Higher Mathematics (3)
Theory Course – Choose one (1) of the following courses:
- MATH 401 – Analysis I (3)
- MATH 402 – Abstract Algebra (3)
- MATH 405 – Topology (3)
Applied Course – Choose one (1) of the following courses:
- MATH 301 – Differential Equations (3)
- MATH 307 – Linear Algebra (3)
- MATH 330 – Theory of Probability (3)
An additional three (3) credit hours of upper-level mathematics is required.
Course Scheduling
Notice that upper-level requirements are offered on an every-other-year basis. Math majors should take care to enroll in required courses as they are offered. Upper-level courses which are required for the major are offered every other year.