About the Mathematics Major

Develop your abstract reasoning capabilities, strong problem-solving skills, and the creative thinking abilities to be successful wherever you take your talents. As society becomes more technologically based, gain knowledge and critical experience for your career through a diversity of topics and versatility of knowledge gained in a liberal arts environment.

Often, many Southern Virginia University students choose mathematics as an additional major or minor to more greatly develop their abstract resonaling capabilities in preparation for graduate school—especially within the highly mathematical science fields like biochemistry.

Overall, our math majors enjoy close relationships with their professors and classmates and have multiple opportunities for involvement, including attending James Madison University’s yearly math conference SUMS and joining the invigorating Math Club on campus.

Math Education Track

Nationally and regionally accredited in math education, Southern Virginia students on the math education track will graduate certified to teach mathematics at a high school level anywhere in the country. Those interested in majoring in mathematics at Southern Virginia are advised to begin the program their freshman year to remain on track for graduation.

Learning Outcomes

• Competently work with the concepts of calculus, differential equations, geometry, analysis, algebra, and statistics.
• Learn to read, understand, analyze, and produce proofs at increasing depth. Use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding, solve mathematical problems, and judge the reasonableness of results.
• Exhibit knowledge of formulating and solving problems, interpreting solutions, and modeling techniques central to applications of mathematics.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate mathematics and other quantitative ideas in written and oral forms.

Getting Started in the Mathematics Major

1. Enroll
   

   Begin by taking Calculus (MAT 241/242) in your first year

2. Contact
   

   Get in touch with Professor Thomas Bell to discuss your interests and goals

3. Declare
   

   Turn in a completed Declare Major form to the Registrar’s Office

Alumni Success

Spencer Dennis (’21)

Math Major Co-authors COVID-19 Medical Research Paper Published in International Forum

Read More

In the News

• How One Math Professor is Leveraging iPad Technology in All Corners of His Classroom
• Math Major to Attend UVA Engineering Graduate Program
• Knights Awarded Best Domain at NCSU Hackathon

Resources:

• Course Requirements
• Major Checklist
• Minor Checklist

Faculty Contacts:

• Thomas Bell, Ph.D. – Program Coordinator
• Doug Cheney, M.S.
• Jared McBride, Ph.D.
• Rachel Mawson, M.S.

“Studying mathematics within a liberal arts environment greatly enhances any career or field of study one may pursue, as math is present in almost everything. Students in the math program develop personal and professional relationships with their peers and professors both in and outside of the classroom that last beyond graduation.”

– Professor Thomas Bell