Mathematics

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About

Solving problems that require critical and analytical thinking, as well as quantitative literacy, are fundamental to mathematics. These skills and abilities that employers value will be developed in courses provided by the Department of Mathematical Sciences, especially for those who choose one of the department’s three majors. Whether you have interest in an applied field of mathematics and/or in pursuing research or graduate work or in teaching mathematics at the secondary level, the SVSU mathematical sciences department offers courses to further your knowledge and has many dedicated faculty with diverse research interests to help educate you. Students are taught by full-time faculty in small classes in all of their major courses. Opportunities for funded undergraduate research with faculty are also available for work outside the classroom. The department is active in supporting the Math Club as well as the surrounding community and schools in math-related events. With the individualized attention majors in the mathematical sciences will receive in the classroom as well as outside the classroom, and with research opportunities and activities to support their mathematics education, students are prepared for their careers or further education after graduation from SVSU.

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Cardinal Points

The SVSU Department of Mathematical Sciences offers students the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research with financial support to carry it out.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences organizes community outreach programs for area middle and high school students such as the SVSU Math Tutoring and Mentoring Program, the Summer STEM Opportunities Camp and the annual SVSU Math Olympics competition.
Small class sizes (maximum of 30) and 23 full-time faculty assure students close and personal attention, including faculty advising.
Scholarships are available specifically for majors offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
The Math & Physics Resource Center provides free walk in tutoring support for all students in mathematics courses up through MATH 262 (Differential Equations). Mathematics majors are encouraged to apply for tutoring positions.

What You’ll Study

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers majors in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Mathematics for Teacher Certification. All three programs begin with a 4-semester calculus/differential equations sequence. So, if you are not sure which major you prefer, it is easy to change your mind during the first couple of years of study. The programs differ with the required upper level courses. Mathematics is a traditional math major offering the best preparation for future research in mathematics, including graduate school. It will offer the most practice with proof-writing and theoretical concepts, including abstract algebra, real analysis, and complex analysis. Applied mathematics emphasizes topics which are currently used in applied fields. These include probability, statistics, actuarial science, numerical analysis, and stochastic processes. Mathematics for Secondary Education leads toward teacher certification. However, it also offers good preparation for graduate school or other careers.
The department also provides all mathematics courses required for Elementary Education Mathematics majors.

Curriculum Map

There are also four-year plans for the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics majors for students beginning year 1 with MATH 120A (College Algebra) or MATH 140 (Introductory Mathematical Analysis)
A minor is required for each major.
The Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Mathematics for Teacher Certification majors require one computer science course involving a structured programming language suitable for mathematics– currently these are CS 110, CS 116 or CS 146.

Highlighted Courses

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Key Electives

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Programs

Majors

Other

Complimentary Majors/Minors

Beyond The Books

Student Research

Students have opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty with student financial support. This includes presenting the research at local, regional and national conferences. The Department of Mathematical Sciences has 19 Ph.D. faculty.

$Math students working together$

Math Competition

Students have the opportunity to participate in state and national level math competitions and attend a variety of speaker presentations, social activities, and community outreach activities. The Math Club is active on campus.

$Math students helping each other$

Outreach Activities

Students have the opportunity to be involved with several outreach activities with local middle and high schools that are supported and organized by the mathematics department.

After Graduation

$SVSU Math Classroom$

With a degree in Math you will be prepared to explore many different career outlets where your knowledge and skill are in great demand, including industry, government agencies, educational institutions, banking, and many others. Land a career in research, data science, teaching, actuary, finance, and numerous others. You will also be well-prepared to go on to graduate school, as several graduates of the SVSU Mathematics program have gone on to earn their doctorate from highly respected programs across the nation.

"Employment of math occupations is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, ..." (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Our Students After Graduation...

Employers

Auto-Owners Insurance
Northwestern Mutual
Ally Financial
Quicken Loans
Gateway Financial Solutions
Covenant Healthcare
Many Michigan schools (teachers)

Graduate Programs

Michigan State University
University of Nebraska
Purdue University
Boston University
Indiana University
Wayne State University
Central Michigan University

Career Opportunities

Actuary
Statistician
Financial Advisor
Teacher
Data Analyst
Mathematician

Cardinal Successes

The stories below offer insight into how our students have turned their SVSU education into successful opportunities yielding real-world success.

Dylan McKnight (Class of 2017)

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SVSU: Connect

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Fully integrated into social networks, SVSU Connect is a valuable networking space dedicated to the community of SVSU students, faculty, and alumni, cultivating a culture of helping and giving back. In addition to connecting with each other, students at all points along their journey can reach out to alumni mentors for guidance and insight into making the most of their SVSU experience, and successfully transitioning into life after graduation.