JLH-Math-Class

Areas of Focus in Math

Recommended Electives for Selected Areas of Focus in Mathematics

Valparaiso University’s mathematics and statistics department has developed recommended programs of study appropriate for students who are interested in several particular fields. Click on one of the tabs below to see the recommended electives for that field.

Students who are interested in teaching high school mathematics are recommended to take the following courses as two of three “elective” requirements in the mathematics major:

MATH 312 History of Mathematics 3 Credits
MATH 314 Elements of Geometry 4 Credits

Students interested in the field of operations research are recommended to use the following courses to fulfill some of the mathematics major requirements:

Course Title Credits
MATH 320 Dynamical Systems 3 Credits
MATH 322 Optimization 3 Credits
MATH 421 Combinatorics I 3 Credits
MATH 422 Combinatorics II 3 Credits
MATH 451 Analysis I 3 Credits
STAT 344 Stochastic Processes 3 Credits

Students interested in applied (scientific) mathematics are recommended to use the following courses to fulfill some of the mathematics major requirements:

Course Title Credits
MATH 270 Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Credits
MATH 330 Partial Differential Equations 3 Credits
MATH 334 Complex Variables 3 Credits
MATH 370 Numerical Analysis 3 Credits
MATH 451 Analysis I 3 Credits
MATH 452 Analysis II 3 Credits
MATH 461 Abstract Algebra I 3 Credits

Students preparing for graduate school in mathematics are recommended to use the following courses to fulfill some of the mathematics major requirements:

Course Title Credits
MATH 334 Complex Variables 3 Credits
MATH 371 Experimental Mathematics 3 Credits
MATH 451 Analysis I 3 Credits
MATH 452 Analysis II 3 Credits
MATH 461 Abstract Algebra I 3 Credits
MATH 462 Abstract Algebra II 3 Credits