Students write an equation on the blackboard with a calculator in hand.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

We go beyond the numbers. Mathematics at the University of St. Thomas consists of applied and pure mathematics, highlighting the inherent beauty of the discipline and its applications.

Why Study Mathematics at St. Thomas?

You have your choice between tracks in pure mathematics, mathematics education or applied mathematics. You will be supported by dedicated faculty, as well as the Mathematics Resource Center (MaRC) and Center for Applied Mathematics (CAM). You can engage with faculty in collaborative research, using mathematics to solve real-world problems for various industries. Our graduates leave St. Thomas with a versatile skill set and in-depth knowledge benefitting them in a variety of careers, including law, education, actuarial science and more.

Just the Facts

Course Requirements

Four-Year Plan

Degrees Awarded

Collaborative Research Opportunities

Course Requirements

You will take a variety of courses focusing on topics such as calculus, geometry, linear algebra, probability and abstract algebra. Beyond these courses, you will bolster your knowledge and skills with computer science and statistics courses as well.

Four-Year Plan

Please consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Degrees Awarded

Please consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Collaborative Research Opportunities

We encourage all of our students to pursue research with a faculty member and through the Center for Applied Mathematics. We offer paid positions over the summer and throughout the school year for research, as well as financial support for you to present your research findings at conferences.

Course Requirements

Four-Year Plan

Please consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Degrees Awarded

Please consult the Undergraduate Catalog.

Collaborative Research Opportunities

Solving Real Problems

Our faculty are your teachers and mentors. Alumni are putting their knowledge and skills to good use every day. Your fellow students will challenge you to tackle big problems, developing skills needed for a long and fulfilling career.

Dr. Christina Knudson

Dr. Christina Knudson teaches mathematical statistics and probability using a “flipped” classroom. Students first watch her lectures on YouTube, and then deepen their understanding of the material by collaborating on a variety of problems when they come to class. Dr. Knudson’s statistics students also implement statistical methodology in R, a statistical computing language and environment. Due to how often they are programming, students become proficient coders by the end of the semester.

Erin Buchmann ‘17

Erin drew on her undergraduate research experience and degrees in applied mathematics and psychology to design two neuroscience research studies at the University of Maryland before beginning her position as a medical technician with Fairfax Eye Associates. She conducted research with Dr. Eric Rawdon, participated in the COMAP modeling competition and served on the leadership board for the Math and Actuarial Science Club while she was at St. Thomas.

Ashley Woracheck

Ashley is a secondary education math major, MaRC tutor, grader for two math courses and a teaching assistant. She completed a course focusing on probability when she studied abroad at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. She is the recipient of the Hubert and Karin Walczak Endowed Scholarship, as well as the Elaine E. Dangers Scholarship. She enjoys working in the MaRC so much that she applied for a national certification in tutoring.

An individual presenting at a meeting to several members.

Career Paths

A degree in mathematics allows you to pursue a variety of career paths after graduation.

Lawyer
Forecaster
Statistician
Data Scientist
Actuarial Analyst
Math Teacher or Professor

Scholarships

We have scholarships for junior and senior math majors. Scholarships factor in a variety of criteria, such as GPA and overall standing the department.

Elaine E. Dangers Scholarship

We award the Elaine E. Dangers Scholarship, a renewable scholarship opportunity, to a junior mathematics major. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. We give preference to students demonstrating financial need who exhibit excellence in the classroom.

Hubert and Karin Walczak Scholarship

Seniors majoring in mathematics or actuarial science are eligible to apply for the Hubert and Karin Walczak Scholarship. The Walczak Scholar must have senior standing during the next academic year and at least a 3.5 GPA. Participation in department activities will also be taken into consideration.

RIMS Scholarship

Eligible students for the Risk Management Society (RIMS) Scholarship should expect to graduate between May 2018 and May 2019 with a major in actuarial science, math or business and will have at least a 3.5 GPA. The recipient(s) will be expected to engage with RIMS by promoting the organization to other St. Thomas students, and attending their meetings and events in the area.

A tutor helping a student with math in the MaRC.

Get Involved

You will have many opportunities to get involved at St. Thomas with student-run clubs and organizations, on-campus jobs and more.

CAM
The Center for Applied Mathematics hires summer research students, and sends multiple students to conferences throughout the year.

Student club
The Math and Actuarial Science Club sponsors speakers and social events each year, allowing you to build your professional network.

On-campus jobs
There are multiple opportunities for student employment through the MaRC and CAM, as well as a teaching assistant, grader for calculus courses and research assistant.

Faculty With Real Experience

Dr. Amy DeCelles

Dr. DeCelles uses methods of mathematical physics to answer open questions in number theory.

Dr. Sarah Anderson

Dr. Anderson examines problems in coding theory, particularly involving data storage and recovery.

Dr. Eric Rawdon

Dr. Rawdon recently received a three-year National Science Foundation grant to support research with students.

All Mathematics Faculty

A Tight-Knit Community of Students

Mathematics students support each other throughout their college journeys. Not only do they collaborate with each other in clubs, but they also have the chance to work on research projects with faculty members.

Professor and student conduct a research project

Get Social

The Math and Actuarial Science Club offers social events for majors, including presentations from local industry leaders. Members also volunteer in the community and with charities.

See the World

We offer a study abroad course examining the mathematics and mechanics of Byzantine, Greek, Roman and Islamic architecture.

Molly Peterson, director of the Math Resource Center, assists students

Individualized Attention

Class sizes are small for advanced classes, allowing for deeper exploration and understanding of course topics.

Professor Arkady Shemyakin speaks during presentations

We Have Your Back

Our faculty set up weekly office hours for students, and want to meet with them outside of these hours. If students can't make it, our faculty also encourage meetings at the MaRC.

Unique Opportunities

Our students are applying their knowledge and skills on real-world problems, and in their interactions with fellow students.

You can gain national certification in tutoring while working with the MaRC.

You can collaborate on and present research at math conferences with faculty.

We offer workshops for career development in education for secondary education math majors.

MaRC Facility

The Mathematics Resource Center (MaRC) is a warm, friendly space that offers free drop-in math tutoring for students.

CAM Facility

The Center for Applied Mathematics (CAM) supports and facilitates faculty and students research in the Mathematics Department.

Go Beyond the Numbers

Mathematics at St. Thomas teaches students to solve real-world problems by enhancing both their quantitative and qualitative skills throughout their undergraduate careers. Students graduate with a versatile skill set that can be applied to multiple industries.

Take the Next Step

There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.

Department of Mathematics

Related Majors and Minors

Mathematics pairs well with a number of other programs at the University of St. Thomas.