The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program is designed to prepare students for either graduate studies in mathematics or applied mathematics in industry, including modeling, simulation, risk analysis (actuarial science), program development, cryptography, and statistical analysis. Because of the wide variety of opportunities for graduates, the program does not focus on any one specific career, but instead equips the student with fundamental critical thinking, logical reasoning skills, as well as the foundational technological and mathematical tools, necessary for pursuing any of these choices. Internships in specific areas of applied mathematics or summer research experiences are strongly encouraged. For more information on opportunities for employment, visit our “Careers” link under “Why Study Math?”.
The program also explores the relationship between Christian faith and the practice of mathematics, both from a historical and from a contemporary perspective.
Requirements for the B.S. degree in Mathematics are available from the Bethel College catalog (PDF).
Please contact us if you are interested in more information about the major.
B.A. Degree
Program Requirements:
| General Studies | HOURS | ||
| COMM | 171 | Speech Communication | 3 |
| ENGL | 101 | Written Communication II | 3 |
| ENGL | 102 | Written Communication III | 3 |
| PSYC | 182 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PHED | 100 | Lifelong Physical Awareness | 0.5 |
| SOC | 151 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| BIBL | 215 | Old Testament Literature | 3 |
| BIBL | 216 | New Testament Literature | 3 |
| (Foreign Language) | 6 | ||
| (History Elective) | 3 | ||
| (Art/Drama/Music Elective(s)) | 3 | ||
| (Literature Elective) | 3 | ||
| PHIL | 150 | Logic and Critical Thinking | 2 |
| PHIL | 250 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| THEO | 110 | Exploring the Christian Faith | 3 |
| PHIL | 452 | Senior Experience | 1 |
| PHED | 112-136 | Physical Education Activities | 1.5 |
| 47 | |||
| Cognates | HOURS | ||
| ITSC | 121 | Computer Programming I | 3 |
| PHYS | 121 | General Physics I | 4 |
| (Additional Science with Lab) | 4 | ||
| 11 | |||
| Major Courses | HOURS | ||
| MATH | 110 | Introductory Seminar in Math | 1 |
| MATH | 131 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH | 132 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH | 231 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH | 242 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 4 |
| MATH | 252 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MATH | 293 | Mathematical Theory and Proof | 3 |
| MATH | 341 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MATH | 361 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| Plus 9 hours from the following courses | |||
| MATH | 210 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH | 221 | Number Theory and History Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH | 225 | Problem Solving Seminar | 1-3 |
| MATH | 301 | Preparation for the Actuarial Exams | 1 |
| MATH | 329 | Special Topics in Mathematics | 3-6 |
| MATH | 331 | Modern Geometry | 3 |
| MATH | 354 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH | 357 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| MATH | 351 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
| MATH | 352 | Advanced Statistical Methods | 3 |
| MATH | 364 | Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH | 401 | Preparation for the Math subject GRE | 1 |
| ITSC | 122 | Computer Programming II | 3 |
| Plus a capstone course selected from the following | |||
| MATH | 395 | Undergraduate Research Experience | 1-3 |
| MATH | 396 | Internship | 1-3 |
| 39-41 | |||
Note: Credit for an internship under another prefix may be granted toward the MATH 396 (Internship) requirement. Students must petition for and receive written consent for this substitution from the department
Electives needed to complete Major: 25-27
Total number of hours: 124
