Mathematics, B.A.

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.

Track and Concentration Requirements

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

Teachers Option

Statistics Concentration

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

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

Teachers Option

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

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).