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Home » Arts and Sciences » Academics » Degrees » Undergraduate » Mathematics B.A.
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Mathematics, B.A.

  • Overview
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Requirements
  • Roadmap

Mathematics emphasizes careful reasoning, along with the analysis and solution of problems. A major or minor in mathematics at Saint Louis University will appeal to students who like to develop their skills in problem-solving and analytical thinking. For this reason, mathematics is also an appropriate major for students planning careers in law or medicine.

Saint Louis University’s mathematics program combines the features of both small and large schools to create a compelling educational experience. Students can expect a student-friendly environment, with math courses for majors being small in size and taught by regular faculty. Faculty get to know students and provide individual attention.  Students are recruited for participation in math contests and other opportunities, including part-time positions as graders, tutors and learning assistants.

Like a large school’s program, math at SLU also has enough breadth to let students tailor their upper-division math courses to their interests and goals. Students interested in pure mathematics can choose theoretical courses that provide a solid preparation for graduate school.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics is designed to meet the needs of students with a wide variety of interests. All mathematics majors complete a core of six required mathematics courses and then choose elective courses to tailor the program of study to meet their individual goals. Along with the standard program of study for the B.A. in mathematics, the department also offers a concentration in statistics and a teachers option. The concentration in statistics is designed to prepare students for careers in industry or for graduate study in statistics or data science. The teachers option requires students to choose courses that meet the requirements for state certification in mathematics.

Teaching Option

For students who are planning a career in secondary education, SLU's math degree offers an option featuring courses that meet the requirements for state certification in mathematics.

Concentration in Statistics

The concentration in statistics is for students who plan to pursue a career in analyzing data.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The SLU Mathematics and Computer Science Club gives students interested in mathematics and computer science a chance to explore relevant topics outside of the classroom. The club holds weekly meetings that bring students and faculty together for a wide range of activities, including mathematical puzzles, integration bees, game beta testing and career-focused presentations by industry experts.

Careers

Graduates in mathematics and statistics are versatile. They enter jobs in business, industry, medicine, government and education.  Mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists, actuaries, analysts and consultants are in high demand and lead rewarding and well-compensated careers.

Many of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in mathematics, statistics, or other fields. Students with mathematics and statistics degrees are attractive to professional graduate schools in law, medicine and business for their analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem-solving environment.

Some of the industry and government employers where our graduates have found success include:

  • Allstate
  • Ameren
  • Boeing
  • Booz Allen Hamilton Consulting
  • Boston Scientific
  • Cofactor Genomics
  • Georgia-Pacific
  • Kemper Insurance
  • Mercer
  • MetLife
  • Milliman
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • National Security Agency
  • NISA Investment Advisors
  • Varsity Tutors

Admission Requirements

Freshman

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, undergraduate applicants will not be required to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants will be evaluated equally, with or without submitted test scores.

Begin Your Application

Transfer

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.

International Applicants

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to solve a variety of mathematical problems.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to recall important mathematical definitions and results (for example, theorems).
  3. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to apply mathematical reasoning, including formulating definitions.
  4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to apply the methods of direct and indirect proof.
  5. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate mathematical ideas and concepts clearly in written problem solutions.

Mathematics students must complete a minimum total of 33 credits for the major.

Course List
Code Title Credits
Core Requirements
College core requirements57-66
For additional information about core courses
Mathematics Required Courses
MATH 1510Calculus I4
MATH 1520Calculus II4
MATH 2530Calculus III ‡4
MATH 2660Principles of Mathematics3
MATH 3120Introduction to Linear Algebra3
STAT 3850Foundation of Statistics3
Beyond the foundation mathematics courses listed above, all students must complete a minimum of 12 further credits at the 3000-level or above, 6 credits of which must be at or above the 4000-level. These 12 credits, one sequence and electives. These courses ensure that all students learn fundamental topics in mathematics and have an opportunity to build depth in one or more areas of their choosing.
Sequence requirement
Students must complete a sequence at the upper division level, selected with the educational and career plans of the individual student in mind.6
Differential Equations Sequence:
MATH 3550
Differential Equations
And one of the following:
MATH 4550
Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
or MATH 4570
Partial Differential Equations
Statistics Sequence:
MATH 3850
Foundation of Statistics
And one of the following:
STAT 4800
Probability Theory
or STAT 4840
Time Series
or STAT 4870
Applied Regression
Algebra Sequence:
MATH 4110
Introduction to Abstract Algebra
And one of the following:
MATH 4120
Linear Algebra
or MATH 4150
Number Theory
Analysis Sequence:
MATH 4210
Introduction to Analysis
And one of the following:
MATH 4220
Metric Spaces
or MATH 4230
Multivariable Analysis
Complex Analysis Sequence:
MATH 4310
Introduction to Complex Variables
And one of the following:
MATH 4320
Complex Variables II
MATH 4360
Geometric Topology
Mathematics Electives
Depending on the number of credits taken to satisfy the other requirements, students will need to take 2-3 additional courses at the 3000 level or higher. Students must include at least two 4000 level classes. MATH 3110 does not count as an elective, since credit is not given for both MATH 3110 and MATH 3120.
Computer Programming
CSCI 1060Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming3-4
or CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
Track or Concentration Option
Students have the option to pursue one of the following, if desired15-18
Teachers Option
Statistics Concentration
General Electives5-18
Total Credits120
‡

MATH 2530 Calculus III (4 cr) must be taken at Saint Louis University with minimum grade of “C-”

Track and Concentration Requirements

Students have the option to pursue one of the following, if desired:

Teachers Option

Course List
Code Title Credits
Required Courses
MATH 4050History of Mathematics3
MATH 4110Introduction to Abstract Algebra3
or MATH 4210 Introduction to Analysis
MATH 4410Foundations of Geometry3
or MATH 4430 Non-Euclidean Geometry
Elective
Select one of the following:3
MATH 3550
Differential Equations
MATH 4800
Probability Theory
MATH 4850
Mathematical Statistics
MATH 4870
Applied Regression
MATH 4150
Number Theory
Total Credits12

Statistics Concentration

Course List
Code Title Credits
Required Courses
MATH 4800Probability Theory3
MATH 4850Mathematical Statistics3
CSCI 1300Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming4
Elective Courses
Select two of the following:6
MATH 4210
Introduction to Analysis
MATH 4230
Multivariable Analysis
MATH 4840
Time Series
MATH 4870
Applied Regression
CSCI 4750
Machine Learning
Total Credits16

Continuation Standards

Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 cumulative GPA in their mathematics major or minor courses by the conclusion of their sophomore year, must maintain a minimum of 2.00 cumulative GPA in these courses at the conclusion of each semester thereafter, and must be registered in at least one mathematics course counting toward their major or minor in each academic year (until all requirements are completed).

Bachelor of Arts Core Curriculum Requirements

Course List
Code Title Credits
Core Components and Credits
Foundations of Discourse3
Diversity in the U.S.3
Global Citizenship3
Foreign Language0-9
Fine Arts3
Literature6
Mathematics3
Natural Science6
Philosophy9
Social Science6
Theology9
World History6
Total Credits57-66

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses [numbered below 1000]).
  • Complete either the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
  • Complete Major Requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate, and/or elective credits to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Courses listed under the intensive English program do not count toward graduation requirements. EAP 1500 College Composition for International Students (3 cr), EAP 1900 Rhetoric & Research Strategies (3 cr) and EAP 2850 Nation, Identity and Literature (3 cr) count toward graduation requirements as equivalents to Department of English courses.

    In addition to those courses, six credits from EAP/MLNG courses at the 1000 level or higher may count toward graduation requirements
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
  • Complete department/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
MATH 1510 Calculus I 4
UNIV 1010 Enhancing First-Year Success 1
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
 Credits14
Spring
MATH 1520 Calculus II 4
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
MATH 2530 Calculus III 4
MATH 2660 Principles of Mathematics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 3120 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
MATH 3850 Foundation of Statistics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
Mathematics or Statistics Sequences 1 3
CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 4
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Spring
Mathematics or Statistics Sequences 1 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
Mathematics or Statistics Elective 2 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Spring
Mathematics or Statistics Elective 2 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits122
1

Students may choose among five different sequences in Mathematics and Statistics. 

  • Algebra Sequence: MATH 4110 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (3 cr) and one of either MATH 4120 Linear Algebra (3 cr) or MATH 4150 Number Theory (3 cr).
  • Complex Analysis Sequence:MATH 4310 Introduction to Complex Variables (3 cr) and either MATH 4320 Complex Variables II (3 cr) or MATH 4360 Geometric Topology (3 cr).
  • Differential Equations Sequence: MATH 3550 Differential Equations (3 cr) and either MATH 4550 Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos (3 cr) or 
  • Real Analysis Sequence:MATH 4210 Introduction to Analysis (3 cr) and one of either MATH 4220 Metric Spaces (3 cr) or MATH 4230 Multivariable Analysis (3 cr).
  • Statistics Sequence:STAT 3850 Foundation of Statistics (3 cr) and one of: STAT 4800 Probability Theory (3 cr), STAT 4840 Time Series (3 cr), or STAT 4870 Applied Regression (3 cr).
2

Any 3000- or 4000-level MATH or STAT course numbered higher than MATH 3120 Introduction to Linear Algebra.  Students must complete at least two 4000-level MATH or STAT courses.

Teachers Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
MATH 1510 Calculus I 4
UNIV 1010 Enhancing First-Year Success 1
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
 Credits14
Spring
MATH 1520 Calculus II 4
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
MATH 2530 Calculus III 4
MATH 2660 Principles of Mathematics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 3120 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
Pure Mathematics Elective 1 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Spring
MATH 4050 History of Mathematics 2 3
MATH/STAT 3850 Foundation of Statistics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
Mathematics or Statistics Elective 3 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Spring
Geometry Elective 4 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits121
1

See note below about the Pure Mathematics Requirement.

2

See note below about the History of Mathematics Requirement.

3

See note below about Mathematics and Statistics Electives.

4

See note below about the Geometry Requirement.

Program Notes

Pure Mathematics Requirement

Students can satisfy the pure mathematics requirement by completing either MATH 4110 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (3 cr) or MATH 4210 Introduction to Analysis (3 cr).

History of Mathematics Requirement

MATH 4050 History of Mathematics (3 cr) is typically offered in the spring of even-numbered years. Students may need to adjust their schedule accordingly.

Mathematics and Statistics Elective

MATH 3550 Differential Equations (3 cr), MATH 4800 Probability Theory (3 cr)/STAT 4800 Probability Theory (3 cr), or MATH 4150 Number Theory (3 cr).

Geometry Requirement

Students can satisfy the geometry requirement by completing either MATH 4410 Foundations of Geometry (3 cr) or MATH 4430 Non-Euclidean Geometry (3 cr). One of these two courses will typically be offered in the spring of odd-numbered years. Students may need to adjust their schedule accordingly.

Statistics Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
MATH 1510 Calculus I 4
UNIV 1010 Enhancing First-Year Success 1
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
 Credits14
Spring
MATH 1520 Calculus II 4
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
MATH 2530 Calculus III 4
MATH 2660 Principles of Mathematics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 3120 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
MATH/STAT 3850 Foundation of Statistics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 4
Mathematics or Statistics Elective 1 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits16
Spring
Mathematics or Statistics Elective 1 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
MATH/STAT 4800 Probability Theory 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
Spring
MATH/STAT 4850 Mathematical Statistics 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
A&S Core 3
Elective (if needed) 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits122
1

See note below about Mathematics and Statistics Electives.

Program Notes

Mathematics and Statistics Elective

Students must choose two courses from: MATH 4210 Introduction to Analysis (3 cr), MATH 4230 Multivariable Analysis (3 cr), MATH 4840 Time Series (3 cr)/STAT 4840 Time Series (3 cr), MATH 4870 Applied Regression (3 cr)/STAT 4870 Applied Regression (3 cr), CSCI 5750 Introduction to Machine Learning (3 cr).

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