Mathematics is a great way to explore the workings of our world; indeed, some of the greatest achievements of the human mind belong to the discipline of mathematics. A good example is calculus: it has provided a framework which helps us understand population growth, engineering, economics, and even sports. The invention of calculus by Newton and Leignitz ranks with the works of Shakespeare, Beethoven, and Einstein in the spectrum of human accomplishment throughout history.

Mathematics, including calculus, algebra, analysis, graph theory, number theory, and their applications, gives structure and logic to a universe that sometimes seems fraught wtih inexplicable issues. However, there are two central ideas which underpin all of mathematics: infinity and absolute truth. Without an understanding of these conceptual pillars, we cannot unlock the power of all creation, because they are also central to attaining an insight into the nature of God. It follows naturally that mathematics provides a wonderful vehicle for one of the main tenets of Christiain education: the integration of faith and learning. For all these reasons, the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio Valley University provides the following two programs.

A Bachelor of Science with a major in mathematics will prepare students for a variety of options upon graduation. Students in the program will study the structure, form, and relationships of our world from a quantitative perspective and learn to analyze, digest, and use them more completely for the benefit of humanity. Students will develop competence in the language of science, logic, problem solving, numerical career skills, application of abstract concepts, writing with the discipline, and data collection and analysis.

Students seeing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics must meet the following requirements:

1. Satisfy all the university's requirements for a degree, including the following:
   • General Institutional Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree
   • General Education Requirements
   • Writing competency Requirements
   • Bible Course Requirement
   • Diversity Requirement
     
     
2. Receive formal admission to the program, preferably during the student's sophomore year while completing the lower core curriculum.
    
3. Earn at least a 2.5 GPA on all mathematics courses.
    
4. Complete a portfolio of work satisfactory to the math faculty.
    
5. Complete the requirements in a minor approved by the math faculty.
    
6. Complete the following computer science and natural science courses, worth 13 credit hours (these can be used to fulfill general education requirements):
   • CIT 140 - Information Processing (2 credit hours)
   • CIT 248 - Structured Programming (3 credit hours)
   • NSC 244 - Physics I (4 credit hours)
   • NSC 245 - Physics II (4 credit hours)
     
     
7. Complete one of the following sequences, worth 6 or 8 credit hours:
   • ACC 221 & 222: Accounting I and Accounting II (6 credit hours)
   • NSC 141 & 142: General Biology I and II (8 credit hours)
   • NSC 145 & 146: General Chemistry I and II (8 credit hours)
     
     
8. Complete 45 credit hours distributed as follows

14 credit hours of required lower level core curriculum
MAT 229 - Introduction to Statistics (3 credit hours)
MAT 241 - Calculus and Analyltics I (4 credit hours)
MAT 242 - Calculus and Analytics II (4 credit hours)
MAT 252 - Discrete Mathematics (3 credit hours)

18 credit hours of required upper level core curriculum
MAT 301 - Calculus and Analytics III (3 credit hours)
MAT 321 - Statistical Methods (3 credit hours)
MAT 325 - Foundations of Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAT 401 - Differential Equations (3 credit hours)
MAT 340 - Linear Algebra (3 credit hours)
MAT 410 - Modern Algebra (3 credit hours)

6 credit hours of mathematics electives, chosen from the following:
MAT 310 - Foundations of Geometry (3 credit hours)
MAT 420 - History of Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAT 421 - Probability (3 credit hours)
MAT 430 - Introduction to Real Analysis (3 credit hours)

7 credit hours of required professional courses
MAT 289 - Mathematics Practicum (2 credit hours)
MAT 333 - Professional Writing for mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAT 451 - Senior Seminar (3 credit hours)

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dr. Dan Doak
304.865.6162
dan.doak@ovu.edu

Updated February 2010

Mathematics in particular, and higher education in general, is concernerd with abstraction, not just in scientific learning, but also in humane learning: abstraction trains the intellect and helps to form good habits of mind. Mathematics is an excellent discipline on which to center a well-rounded liberal arts education, since it explicitly leads students to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and precise communication. Mathematics is the language of description, analysis, and design used in the study of structure, form, and relationship, common threads in areas of human endeavor beyond just the sciences. Quick reflection brings to mind music, language, and art, any of which could be included in this program as a minor. Additionally, the Bachelor of Arts requires foreign language competency, which is sueful in unlocking various components of a complete education. Considering this context, the Bachelor of Arts in mathematiucs offers a satisfying major to Ohio Valley University students, providing intellectual challenge, and developing necessary skills of reason. For employability, its completion would be an excellent recommendation of a well-rounded applicant. A command of mathematical skills and processes allows one to deal with complex challenges more efficiently and effectively, solve practical problems, and consider theoretical alternatives.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics must meet the following requirements:

1. Satisfy all the university's requirements for a degree, including the following: General Institutional Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree, General Education Requirements, Writing competency Requirements, Bible Course Requirement, and Diversity Requirement.
    
2. Receive formal admission to the program, preferably during the student's sophomore year while completing the lower core curriculum.
    
3. Earn at least a 2.5 GPA on all mathematics courses.
    
4. Complete a portfolio of work satisfactory to the math faculty.
    
5. Complete the requirements in a minor approved by the math faculty.
    
6. Complete two semesters of a foreign language, or equivalent.
    
7. Complete the following computer science and natural science courses, worth 9 credit hours (these can be used to fulfill general education requirements):
   CIT 140 - Information Processing (2 credit hours)
   CIT 248 - Structured Programming (3 credit hours)
   NSC 244 - Physics I (4 credit hours)
    
8. Complete 42 credit hours distributed as follows

14 credit hours of required lower level core curriculum
MAT 229 - Introduction to Statistics (3 credit hours)
MAT 241 - Calculus and Analyltics I (4 credit hours)
MAT 242 - Calculus and Analytics II (4 credit hours)
MAT 252 - Discrete Mathematics (3 credit hours)

18 credit hours of required upper level core curriculum
MAT 301 - Calculus and Analytics III (3 credit hours)
MAT 321 - Statistical Methods (3 credit hours)
MAT 325 - Foundations of Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAT 401 - Differential Equations (3 credit hours)
MAT 340 - Linear Algebra (3 credit hours)
MAT 410 - Modern Algebra (3 credit hours)

3 credit hours of mathematics electives, chosen from the following:
MAT 310 - Foundations of Geometry (3 credit hours)
MAT 420 - History of Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAT 421 - Probability (3 credit hours)
MAT 430 - Introduction to Real Analysis (3 credit hours)

7 credit hours of required professional courses
MAT 289 - Mathematics Practicum (2 credit hours)
MAT 333 - Professional Writing for mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAT 451 - Senior Seminar (3 credit hours)
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dr. Dan Doak
304.865.6162
dan.doak@ovu.edu

Updated February 2010