Mathematics

Mathematics

at a glance

Major icon MAJOR Minor icon MINOR

If you like to solve problems, get a kick out of building and interpreting models and have an eye for detail, then study mathematics with us! At AMU, you will dive into mathematics via the Catholic liberal arts tradition. Along the way you will pick up the practical and computational skills to succeed in a variety of career paths.

Careers: Analyst, research scientist, engineer, consultant, actuary

mathematics the whole equation

CAREER PROSPECTS: THE WHOLE EQUATION

Many students think that majoring in mathematics will only prepare them for a teaching career. But you can do so much more! This major is an excellent way to prepare for a career in business or law. Studies show that mathematics majors consistently score higher than most other majors in entrance exams for graduate school, law school, medical school and business school.

light bulbFast Fact: Several AMU students have participated in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), doing mathematical research for 8-10 weeks in the summer for a stipend of about $4,000.

man writing equations skills you will gain

Skills you will gain with

A MATHEMATICS DEGREE

  1. Critical thinking and problem solving. The ability to use theory and data to create practical solutions for individuals and businesses is a highly marketable asset.
  2. Oral and written communication. Whether you’re a consultant, actuary or doing your own research, the ability to collect and clearly present information will set you apart in your field.
  3. Quantitative and computer proficiency. As technology progresses at a rapid pace, you can embrace new programs and software to keep your skills fresh.
man writing equations skills you will gain

CAREER PATHS

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A look into the

Mathematics DEPARTMENT

Richard Dittus, Sr., Ed.D.

Instructor of Mathematics

Richard DittusEducation: B.A., Mathematics & Social Science, Fordham University; M.A., Education with Mathematics specialization, Fordham University; Ed.D., Education Leadership, Higher Education, Nova Southeastern University
Office: Canizaro Library 227
Email: richard.dittus@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2551

Michael Marsalli, Ph.D.

Chair of the Mathematics Department, Professor of Mathematics

Michael MarsalliEducation: A.B., Mathematics, University of Chicago; Ph.D., Mathematics, University of Michigan
Office: Henkels 3069
Email: michael.marsalli@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1606

SAVERIO PERUGINI, PH.D.

PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Saverio PeruginiEducation: B.S., Computer Science, Villanova University; M.S., Computer Science, Virginia Tech; Ph.D., Computer Science, Virginia Tech
Office: Henkels 2048
Email: Saverio.perugini@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7920

 

DARIO VALDEBENITO, PH.D.

ASSISTANT OF MATHEMATICS

Dario ValdebenitoEducation: B.S., Mathematical Engineering, University of Chile; M.S., Mathematics, University of Minnesota; Ph.D., Mathematics, University of Minnesota
Office: Prince 107
Email: Dario.valdebenito@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7949

 

  • One of our recent alumna won a prestigious scholarship from the AMS to study mathematics in Moscow, Russia.
  • Several of our recent mathematics students have spent their summers participating in Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs. This is an opportunity to do mathematical research at another university for 8-10 weeks in the summer and be paid a stipend of about $4000.
  • Majoring in mathematics is an excellent way to prepare for a career in business or law. Studies show that mathematics majors consistently score higher than most other majors in entrance exams for graduate school (GRE), law school (LSAT), medical school (MCAT), and business school (GMAT) – in fact, higher than pre-law, pre-med, and business majors in their respective exams.
  • If you cannot fit the full major in your schedule, consider a mathematics minor. It only takes six MATH or STAT courses numbered 150 or higher.
  • The patron saint of mathematicians is Saint Hubert ( c. 656–727 A.D.), whose feast day is celebrated on November 3rd.
  • Pope Sylvester II (c. 946 – 12 May 1003) was a mathematician; he reintroduced the abacus to Europe, and may have been the first to bring the decimal system using Arabic numerals to Europe.

In addition to the core curriculum, mathematics majors take the following courses

  • MATH 151 Calculus I
  • MATH 250 Calculus II
  • MATH 251 Vector Calculus
  • MATH 270 Scientific Programming
  • MATH 310 Algebraic Structures or MATH 311 Linear Structures
  • MATH 330 Probability
  • MATH 490 Senior Seminar

Required Core Courses in the Sciences and Foreign Language

Two of the following: PHYS 221, PHYS 222, or PHYS 223

  • LATN 101 Elementary Latin
  • LATN 102 Intermediate Latin

Elective Major Courses (three required)

  • MATH 201 History of Mathematics
  • MATH 231 Mathematical Statistics and Design of Experiments
  • MATH 252 Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MATH 311 Linear Structures
  • MATH 312 Number Theory
  • MATH 350 Real Analysis
  • MATH 351 Complex Analysis
  • MATH 352 Partial Differential Equations
  • MATH 360 Differential Geometry
  • MATH 361 Geometric Topology
  • MATH 491 Undergraduate Research

Note: Students double-majoring in Mathematics and Economics may select at most two of the following courses as part of their mathematics electives:

  • ECON 403 Introduction to Econometrics
  • MATH 231 Mathematical Statistics and Design of Experiments
  • STAT 230 Applied Statistics
Click the button to view our typical 4-year plan.

Several of our recent mathematics students have spent their summers participating in Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs. This is an opportunity to do mathematical research at another university for 8-10 weeks in the summer and be paid a stipend of about $4000.

Even though many mathematics majors do go on to rewarding careers in teaching at the primary, secondary, and collegiate levels, many more go on to careers outside of academics. In fact, according to a National Science Foundation survey of recent college graduates, more than half of mathematics majors go on to careers in business, industry, and government.

More to help you

ON YOUR JOURNEY

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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