Mathematics (bachelor’s degree)
The Bachelor of Science in mathematics allows students to tailor their degree to best fit their interests, calling and goals. Students can choose between two concentrations -- pure mathematics and applied mathematics. The program has a strong emphasis on research and our program allows students to apply what they have learned to their own research projects.
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in mathematics gives you a solid theoretical foundation in mathematics along with strong research experience. You’ll be able to tailor your degree to match your interests and goals by choosing from two concentrations: pure mathematics or applied mathematics, an interdisciplinary degree with offerings from our physics, engineering and chemistry programs.
Program Benefits
- Graduate with the skills and experience you need to be competitive in a variety of STEM careers.
- Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Participate in our robust undergraduate research programs.
What to Expect
As a student in Trevecca’s mathematics program, you’ll be able to tailor your coursework to match your interests and goals. You can choose from two concentrations: pure mathematics or applied mathematics. If you choose the pure mathematics major, all of your coursework comes from the mathematics department. If you choose the applied mathematics major, you’ll be part of an interdisciplinary program which combines a strong foundation of mathematics with courses from our physics, engineering or chemistry departments.
In both the pure mathematics and applied mathematics programs, you’ll be able to take advantage of our small class sizes and strong mentoring relationships with your professors who will challenge you to apply what you’ve learned in hands-on research. Every student in the mathematics department presents research at Trevecca’s Student Research Symposium as part of our strong commitment to undergraduate research.
You’ll also be encouraged to participate in the math community beyond Trevecca’s campus. Many students participate in math competitions at the national and international levels and have received awards for their undergraduate research. Our majors also apply for internships, conferences, and research projects around the world. Many of them attend the NSF Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and the Joint Mathematics Meeting, the world’s largest annual mathematics conference.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your mathematics degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and who will help you establish a strong, biblical worldview.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreCareer Opportunities
The growing market for STEM jobs means your mathematics degree positions you for incredible career opportunities and equips you for future studies in a variety of graduate degree fields. Our past graduates have master’s and Ph.D. degrees in finance, business, mathematics, probability, actuarial studies, physics, law and education. More specifically, your degree prepares you to excel in roles such as:
- Data science
- Actuary
- Statistician
- Operations research analyst
- High school mathematics teacher
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Calculus I
MAT 1510
A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.
Calculus II
MAT 1520
A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.
Calculus III
MAT 2510
A study of partial derivatives and multiple integrals and additional topics in vector-valued functions.
Perspectives in Mathematics
MAT 1400
An introduction to mathematical thought for students, especially freshmen, who are interested in a mathematics major or minor, or for any student interested in learning about some important ideas and uses of mathematics. Several contemporary mathematical topics will be studied, such as recently solved problems, orders of infinity, Fermat's last theorem, Tangles and knot theory, cryptography, the fourth dimension, the four-color theorem, topology, or fractals and chaos. Graded S, U.
Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
MAT 2600
Study of basic ideas and methods of mathematics including sets, logic, proof techniques, relations, functions, mathematical induction, and modular arithmetic. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAT 1520.
Linear and Matrix Algebra
MAT 3090
Linear equations, vector operations, matrices, determinants, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, singular values and singular vectors, canonical forms, polynomial functions of matrices, vector spaces, and related topics.
Introduction to Real Analysis
MAT 4030
Modern Algebra
MAT 4060
Sets, groups, rings, and fields. Logical rigorous proofs and analysis are emphasized.
Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries
MAT 4080
A study of plane geometry based on Euclid's axioms, both with and without the parallel postulate. The course includes formal study of the consequences of these axioms, transformational geometry, and algebraic models of both Euclidean and non-Euclidean systems.
Seminar in Mathematics
MAT 4335
Projects and paper presented to the mathematics faculty and other mathematics majors. To be taken by seniors.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Junior Seminar in Biology/Chemistry/Physics
PHY 3335/BIO 3335/ CHE 3335
Requires students to participate in professional development activities designed to prepare them to apply for summer research/externship positions, graduate school, medical programs, and/or jobs in scientific or technical fields. In addition, students will explore the integration of faith with their desired profession.
Junior Seminar in Mathematics
MAT 3335
Requires students to participate in professional development activities designed to prepare them to apply for summer research/internship positions, graduate school, and/or jobs in mathematical, scientific or technical fields. In addition, students will explore the integration of faith with their desired profession.
CHOOSE THREE OF THE FOLLOWING
Differential Equations
MAT 3020
An introduction to ordinary differential equations, including linear and nonlinear equations with applications, power series solutions, and Laplace transforms.
Theory of Probability and Mathematical Statistics
MAT 3000
Probability of sample spaces, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions. Analysis of the principles of descriptive and inferential statistics.
Discrete Methods
MAT 3010
Discrete mathematical ideas including graph theory, counting techniques, recurrence relations, and methods of solving applied problems.
Introduction to Operations Research
MAT 3050
Study of methods and ideas in operations research including linear programming using the simplex method and interior point methods, nonlinear programming, stochastic processes and Markov chains.
Topics in Mathematics
MAT 4110
In-depth coverage of one topic to be selected from pure or applied mathematics, with regard to interest of the instructor and students. Possible topics include combinatorics, number theory, differential geometry, topology, numerical analysis, coding theory, cryptology, partial differential equations, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, probability, or statistics. Permission of the instructor required. May be repeated for credit.
General Education — 48-50 hours
General Electives — 8-15 hours
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.