Saint Louis University offers you multiple options to customize your degree of study to fit your goals.
Undergraduate Degrees in Mathematics
Graduate Degrees in Mathematics
Math for Engineering and Physics Students
At SLU, mathematics courses are organized so that engineering and physics students can easily strengthen their degree programs by getting a minor or second major in mathematics.
Routinely offered upper-division mathematics courses in areas identified as engineering related include:
- MATH 3110: Linear Algebra for Engineers
- MATH 3150: Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MATH 3200: Numerical Analysis
- MATH 3550: Differential Equations
- MATH 3700: Advanced Math for Engineers
- MATH 4010: Probability
- MATH 4020: Statistics
- MATH 4030: Probability and Statistics for Engineers
- MATH 4510: Complex Variables I
- MATH 4520: Complex Variables II
- MATH 4550: Partial Differential Equations
- MATH 4570: Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
- MATH 4650: Cryptography
Since SLU’s engineering and physics degree curriculums do not allow for many extra courses, advanced planning is required to add more math. Students interested in this option should discuss the issue with their engineering advisor early in their career at SLU.
Minor in Engineering Mathematics
SLU’s minor in engineering mathematics requires four upper-division courses beyond calculus in branches of mathematics of interest to engineers.
Students in the Bachelor of Science program in physics fulfill the requirements for this minor as part of their regular degree program. Students in other engineering programs can complete the minor by taking one or two additional math courses. Examples of options that would strengthen an engineering degree include:
- Taking a course in advanced differential equations (such as MATH 4550: Partial Differential Equations or MATH 4570: Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos)
- Taking the year-long sequence in probability and statistics rather than the one-semester course (MATH 3810: Probability and Statistics for Engineers)
- Taking another upper division course that is engineering related (subjects such as numerical analysis, complex variables or cryptography)
Learn more about the Minor in Engineering Mathematics
Double Major in Mathematics
A double major in mathematics can help prepare engineering and physics students for graduate work.
- Students in engineering programs who would like to add a second major in mathematics only need to take four (electrical or computer engineering majors) or five (biomedical, aerospace or mechanical engineering majors) more courses in mathematics beyond their basic degree requirements.
- Students in the Bachelor of Science program in physics need only three extra math courses for a second major in mathematics.
The math major requires Calculus III, Principles of Mathematics and Linear Algebra, and five additional upper division math courses, including two year-long sequences. The most efficient way to complete the second major is to take a second course in differential equations and to take the year-long sequence in probability/statistics.
Math for Education Students
Typically students who want to be high school math teachers double major in mathematics and secondary education, so that they are formally certified to teach and also have a degree with a major in mathematics. SLU offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with at teaching track option.
This option starts with the standard lower-division track in mathematics:
- MATH 1510: Calculus I
- MATH 1520: Calculus II
- MATH 2530: Calculus III
- MATH 2660: Principles of Mathematics
- MATH 3150: Introduction to Linear Algebra
You must then complete four upper-division courses in areas specified by the requirements for secondary certification:
- MATH 3800: Elementary Theory of Probability (offered every fall)
- MATH 4050: History of Mathematics (offered every other spring)
- MATH 4110: Abstract Algebra (offered every fall)
- An advanced course in geometry: either MATH 4410: Foundations of Geometry or MATH 4470: Non-Euclidean Geometry (offered every other spring)
Finally, you must complete an upper-level mathematics elective, with attention paid to prerequisites.
This a tight schedule for students who wish to graduate in four years. Students who pursue this option are encouraged to contact both the School of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics early and to get an advisor in each department.
Math for Actuarial Students
One of the careers open to a math major is being an actuary, a professional who measures and manages risk and uncertainty. SLU offers students a chance to earn a minor in actuarial mathematics.
The path to becoming an actuary involves a number of professional exams. A reasonable path of preparation at SLU would be to start with calculus and introductory business courses as a freshman. You can then take MATH 3800: Elementary Theory of Probability (offered every fall) and MATH 4800: Probability Theory (offered every spring) during your junior year. You should also take MATH 3760: Financial Mathematics (offered in even-numbered falls).
With this sequence of courses, you will be prepared for the FM and the P actuarial exams by the end of your junior year and be very well qualified for an internship as an actuary the summer after junior year.
If you are considering a career as an actuary, contact either Mike May, S.J., or Julianne Rainbolt, Ph.D., as early as possible so that we can assist you in choosing courses, both within and outside of the math department, that will best prepare you.