Mathematics
Why Mathematics at Valpo?
Grounded in logic, we radiate valuable solutions. At Valpo, you’ll discover the elegant power of mathematics and develop skills that shine across industries. A mathematics major builds strong problem-solving and analytical skills that stand out to a wide range of employers. Our curriculum is designed for you to explore a variety of interests, giving you flexibility to pursue a second major and combine math with another field.
From your first day at Valpo, you’ll have opportunities to put theory into practice through hands-on learning. Our students collaborate with peers in student organizations, including Valpo’s Math Club and the university’s chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. You can also engage with fellow students in conferences and competitions, such as the Indiana Collegiate Mathematics Competition. Students in our mathematics program participate in real-world consulting with partners, applying their skills in impactful projects on campus and beyond.
Mathematics Highlights
Multiple Concentration Pathways
Specialize your education to your career goals with concentrations including: secondary education, actuarial science, operations research, scientific mathematics, and preparation for graduate studies.
The Mathematics Colloquium
Students and faculty gather weekly in our unique Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium to share insights, spark new ideas, and present their work.
Expert Faculty Mentors
Our professors are dedicated to your success and are here to help and guide you throughout your educational journey.
Mathematics Major
Requirements
Upon entry to Valparaiso University, students are given a preliminary placement into appropriate mathematics classes through our math placement process, which evaluates ACT or SAT math scores and high school GPA. Students can change their preliminary placement to a higher level by taking our math placement assessment.
Advanced Placement (AP) credit in calculus or statistics may override the usual math placement process, allowing students to begin with more advanced courses.
Your education will go beyond numbers at Valpo, giving you a well–rounded background. As part of general education classes, you’ll explore the liberal arts and illuminate your knowledge about the world and your place in it. All students at Valpo also take interdisciplinary Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) courses during their first year, building a strong foundation of communication and critical thinking skills.
Valpo offers either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in mathematics, allowing you to specialize your education based on your interests. Students can also tailor their elective courses with one of our concentration pathways designed for specific areas of focus in the field.
For a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, students complete the following major requirements:
| Major Requirements: Minimum 35 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| MATH 132 | Calculus II | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 253 | Calculus III | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 264 | Linear Algebra | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 266 | Transitions in Mathematics | 2 Cr. |
| MATH 299 | Mathematics Colloquium II | 1 Cr. |
| MATH 399 | Mathematics Colloquium III | 1 Cr. |
| MATH 499 | Mathematics Colloquium IV | 1 Cr. |
| One Course from the Following Options: | ||
| MATH 126 | Calculus and Functions Part II | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 Cr. |
| Electives | ||
| Two Courses from the Following Options: | ||
| MATH 421 | Combinatorics I | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 422 | Combinatorics II | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 451 | Analysis I | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 452 | Analysis II | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 453 | Topology | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 461 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 462 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 Cr. |
| Three Additional MATH or STAT or DATA Courses of 3 Credits or More Numbered 270 or Above |
||
| Additional Required Courses: | ||
| One Statistics Course from the Following Options: Note: The recommended statistics course is STAT 240. |
||
| STAT 140 | General Statistics | 3 Cr. |
| STAT 240 | Statistical Analysis | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | 3 Cr. |
| BUS 205 | Business Statistics | 3 Cr. |
| CE 202 | Statistical Applications in Civil, Engineering | 3 Cr. |
| One Computing Course from the Following Options: | ||
| CS 156 | Fundamentals of Programming | 3 Cr. |
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | 3 Cr. |
| DATA 151 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 251 | Engineering Programming I | 3 Cr. |
| STAT 361 | Introduction to R | 1 Cr. |
| STAT 362 | Introduction to Python | 1 Cr. |
| STAT 363 | Introduction to SAS | 3 Cr. |
Mathematics
Career Outcomes
In today’s data–driven world, a major in mathematics unlocks a bright future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in math occupations – including actuaries, data scientists, and mathematicians – are projected to grow much faster than the national average through 2033. Professionals in this group earned a median annual salary of $101,460 in 2023, reflecting the strong demand for math expertise across industries. Alumni of Valpo’s mathematics program have also succeeded in graduate programs across diverse fields and advanced studies in law, medicine, and business.
Careers in Mathematics:
- Actuary
- College math professor
- Data scientist
- Financial analyst
- High school math teacher
- Operations research analyst
- Research mathematician
- Software developer
- Statistician
