The mathematics program at Capital is designed to complement the university's strong liberal arts tradition while providing a solid foundation in both classic and contemporary mathematical topics.
Mathematics majors typically begin their studies with a two-course sequence in calculus and a course in discrete mathematics. Required courses at the intermediate level include: an introduction to proofs, linear algebra, abstract algebra, mathematical statistics, differential equations and a third course in calculus. Those who intend to teach also complete a college geometry course. Many majors elect additional courses dealing with topics such as numerical analysis, complex variables or advanced calculus.
During their junior and senior years, students participate in a departmental seminar that features students' research and presentations. To emphasize the applicability of mathematics and its relation to other disciplines, majors also complete certain supporting courses in the sciences and in computing.
Approach
Mathematics faculty members at Capital are committed to the university's mission to provide personalized quality education. This commitment is especially reflected in professors' willingness to provide individual assistance outside the classroom. Faculty members also are knowledgeable about the appropriate use of computing technology to enhance student learning in mathematics. Computing resources such as graphing calculators and symbolic computational software play an integral role in many mathematics courses.
Careers and Placement: The university's location in the state's capital allows mathematics majors to take advantage of the city's business and technological opportunities through internships and part-time employment. Students also serve as paid tutors and laboratory supervisors on campus.
Graduates of Capital's mathematics program have been very successful, whether they have attended graduate school or entered the work force. Many have gone on to complete graduate degrees in mathematics or related disciplines such as computer science and meteorology.
Numerous careers require the ability to solve problems, and a mathematics major helps develop that ability. Capital mathematics graduates have been successful in a variety of careers, including teaching, systems analysis, actuarial science, research and development, and quality control. Several have attained high-level management positions in their firms.
What Are Some of Our Alumni Doing Now?
They are:
- Secondary School Teachers
- Research and Development Managers
- Design Engineers
- Vice Presidents and Controllers
- Materials Managers
- And doing actuarial and computational finance work
They work in organizations as diverse as:
- Public and private school systems
- Eastman Kodak
- The NutraSweet Company
- GE Lighting System
- AT&T Information Systems
- FirStar Bank
- Daytronic Corporation
- IBM
- AT&T
- State of Ohio
- Battelle Memorial Institute
- Cynergy
Four-Year Sample Schedule of a Mathematics Major:
Freshman-Fall Semester MATH 230 Calculus I-4 UC 110* College Reading & Writing-3 UC 200* Cultural Pluralism-3 UC 150* Global Awareness-3 Elective-3 | Sophomore-Fall Semester MATH 252 Mathematical Proofs-3 PHYS 220 General Physics I-4 UC 220* Religion-3 CS 245 Computational Science-4 Elective-3 | Junior-Fall Semester MATH 310 Mathematical Statistics-3 Seminar-1 UC 310* Humanities-3 UC 230* Social Science-3 Elective-3 Elective-3 | Senior-Fall Semester Mathematics Elective-3 Seminar-1 MATH 320 Linear Algebra-3 Elective-3 Elective-3 Elective-3 |
16 hours | 17 hours | 16 hours | 16 hours |
Freshman-Spring Semester MATH 231 Calculus II-4 UC 120* Oral Communication-3 MATH 251 Discrete Mathematics-3 Elective-3 Elective-3 | Sophomore-Spring Semester MATH 330 Calculus III-4 PHYS 221 General Physics II-4 UC 210* Fine Arts-3 UC 240* Science and Technology-3 Elective-3 | Junior-Spring Semester MATH 321 Abstract Algebra-3 MATH 335 Differential Equations-3 Seminar-1 MATH 340 History of Math-3 Elective-3 Elective-3 | Senior-Spring Semester Mathematics elective-3 UC 410* Ethical Issues-3 Seminar-1 Elective-3 Elective-3 Elective-3 |
16 hours | 17 hours | 16 hours | 16 hours |
All courses subject to availability and adviser approval.
* All undergraduates must demonstrate that these General Education goals have been met.