Mathematics – Major/Minor
For information, contact Patrick Ratchford.
The mathematics major/minor programs train the student in analytical and logical
reasoning skills, based on classical mathematical thought. The curriculum
emphasizes an understanding of the nature and structure of mathematics, its
processes and applications, and is designed to develop in the student critical
thinking skills and the ability to apply them to problems in various
disciplines. The Department is strongly committed to giving its majors a solid
and broad-based mathematical foundation that helps prepare them for a variety
of careers as well as graduate study in mathematics.
Program Objectives
• To explore the range, beauty and power of mathematical ideas
• To develop quantitative problem-solving skills which transfer to other academic
contexts
• To gain facility in the language and techniques of mathematics
• To develop the ability to critically interpret the increasing amounts of
numerical and symbolic information to which we are exposed
• To read, verify and construct mathematical proofs and participate in the
mathematical discovery process
• To construct, analyze, and solve elementary mathematical models in applied
mathematics
• To use appropriate technology applicable to mathematics to enhance learning and
enrich the intellectual environment
• To prepare for mathematical careers in education, government, business, and
industry, or advanced academic training in mathematics or related fields
Grade Requirements
A student must achieve a grade of C or better in all mathematics courses and
cognate courses to be qualified for the degree in Mathematics. At least 18 credits of Mathematics courses must be taken at Cedar Crest.
Requirements for the Mathematics Major
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 210 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
MAT 211 Calculus III 3 credits
MAT 212 Calculus IV 3 credits
MAT 316 Modern Algebra 3 credits
MAT 350 Advanced Calculus I 3 credits
Plus choose 3 courses from the following:
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 311 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MAT 313 Differential Equations 3 credits
MAT 321 Numerical Analysis 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits
MAT 335 Introduction to Topology 3 credits
MAT 338 Number Theory 3 credits
MAT 339 Complex Variables 3 credits
MAT 351 Advanced Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 390 Independent Study in Mathematics 1-3 credits
Plus the following courses:
PHY 101/102 Introductory College Physics 4 credits each term
CIS 135 Introductory Programming in C++ 3 credits
College-wide Requirements
Students fulfill the Information Literacy requirement through satisfactory
completion of MAT 316 and MAT 350.
Students fulfill the Technology requirement through the satisfactory completion
of MAT 141, MAT 142, MAT 210, MAT 211, MAT 212, and CIS 135.
Students who complete a co-major in secondary education will fulfill the Oral
Presentation requirement through the satisfactory completion (C or better) of
EDU 346 and EDU 373. Students who are not completing a co-major in secondary
education must fulfill the Oral Presentation requirement with the satisfactory
completion (C or better) of CST 110 or THS 105.
Secondary Certification in Mathematics
Students preparing for a secondary teaching certificate must include the
following courses in their program of study:
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 311 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits
Requirements for the Mathematics Minor
Choose six from the following courses:
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 210 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
MAT 211 Calculus III 3 credits
MAT 212 Calculus IV 3 credits
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 311 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MAT 313 Differential Equations 3 credits
MAT 316 Modern Algebra 3 credits
MAT 321 Numerical Analysis 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits
MAT 335 Introduction to Topology 3 credits
MAT 338 Number Theory 3 credits
MAT 339 Complex Variables 3 credits
MAT 350 Advanced Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 351 Advanced Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 360 Special Topics in Mathematics 1-3 credits
MAT 390 Independent Study in Mathematics 1-3 credits
Students also seeking a co-major in education must consult that department and
plan a program before registering for the sophomore year.