School of Science & Agriculture · Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s in Mathematics
Learn to reason, model, and solve problems with math.
Enjoy puzzles, patterns, and proofs? MVU’s mathematics major takes you through calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical reasoning, then lets you choose advanced courses and finish with a senior research paper.
120
credit hours to graduate
38–39
credit hours in the major
On campus
in Marshall, Missouri
4 years
at a full-time pace
Why mathematics at MVU
Understand math, then use it
Build a strong core, then choose the advanced topics that interest you.
A strong core
Take three semesters of calculus, linear algebra, and an introduction to mathematical reasoning and proof.
Choose your focus
Pick 15 hours from probability and statistics, differential equations, numerical analysis, geometry, abstract algebra, and real variables.
Senior research
Finish with Senior Seminar, where you write a research paper, plus a comprehensive exam.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Enjoy solving problems and working with patterns.
- Want to explain ideas clearly and logically.
- Prepare for graduate school or a math-heavy career.
- Pair math with another major, such as computer science.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Represent mathematical ideas with symbols, graphs, numbers, and words.
- Read, write, and communicate mathematics.
- Use mathematical reasoning to solve problems, including word problems.
- Apply mathematics in everyday life.
- Use technology to solve problems and judge whether answers make sense.
How the degree works
How your 120 credit hours add up
Here’s how the degree is built. Your advisor helps you choose courses each term.
01
General education core
At least 42 credit hours across writing, speaking, math, science, social science, and the humanities.
02
Mathematics core
24 credit hours: Calculus I, II, and III, Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning, Linear Algebra, and Senior Seminar.
03
Mathematics electives
15 credit hours of upper-level math that you choose with your advisor.
04
Electives or a minor
Use the rest of your 120 hours for electives, a minor, or even a second major.
Good to know: At least 9 credit hours of your math electives must be taken at MVU. Every senior takes a comprehensive exam and completes Senior Seminar, which includes a research paper.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
Here are the courses in the major. Your advisor helps you plan the order.
Mathematics core (24 credit hours)
- MATH 190 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5 credits)
- MATH 240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (5 credits)
- MATH 250 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
- MATH 315 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (5 credits)
- MATH 360 Linear Algebra
- MATH 485 Senior Seminar
Mathematics electives (15 credit hours from this list)
- MATH 330 Probability and Statistics
- MATH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations
- MATH 350 Numerical Analysis
- MATH 380 Foundations of Geometry
- MATH 420 Modern Abstract Algebra
- MATH 430 Real Variables
- MATH 349/449 Special Topics in Mathematics (1 credit)
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science: 7 hours from at least two subjects, including a lab (BS); 3 hours (BA and BFA)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts: 9 hours (BS) or 12 hours (BA and BFA) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
- Plus one Writing Intensive (WI) course and one Service Learning (SL) course, which can overlap with other requirements
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a major GPA of 2.0 or higher, with no grade below C and no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete at least 36 credit hours of upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses.
- Complete your last 30 credit hours, and at least 12 hours of your major, at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation and pay the $100 graduation fee.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
Is there a minor?
Yes. The mathematics minor adds math to any other major.
How do I finish the major?
In your senior year, you’ll take a comprehensive exam and complete Senior Seminar (MATH 485), which includes a research paper.
Can I add a minor or a second major?
Yes. A minor is optional and appears on your transcript; it must be in a different subject than your major. You can also double major by completing all the requirements for both majors. You’ll receive one diploma.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every major course.
- At least 36 upper-division credit hours.
- Your last 30 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, math electives, or how to plan your degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
Bachelor’s in Mathematics
