Mathematics program
Undergrad major Undergrad minor Teacher licenseStudy a subject that is both beautiful and practical.
If you enjoy problem solving, abstract thinking, and structural beauty, this may be the right field for you. Mathematics can be studied by itself or in conjunction with other fields such as the biological and life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
The UW-La Crosse Department of Mathematics & Statistics serves a diverse group of students. The department nurtures all liberal arts students, giving students a solid foundation from which to study both the natural and social sciences and providing the tools needed in professional programs. The program is also dedicated to cultivating mathematics and statistics majors.
Math vs applied math
Mathematics is the science and art of pattern and idea. Applied math is a branch of mathematics that concerns itself with mathematical methods used in science, engineering, business and industry. There is no area that does not require some form of mathematical or statistical thought. It is an integral part of the liberal arts education and is the foundation for many areas of study.
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Careers in mathematics
Demand continues to be strong for the mathematically-trained person. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of math occupations is projected to grow 28 % from 2014 to 2024, which will result in about 42,900 new jobs. Growth is anticipated as businesses and government agencies continue to emphasize the use of big data, which math occupations can analyze.
Graduates have found numerous job opportunities that use their knowledge and competencies in a wide variety of careers. UWL math education majors are sought after to fill a huge need for quality math teachers across the country. Many statistics and applied math majors go on to jobs in industry as analysts, statisticians, and actuaries while others go on to professional programs such as law, medicine and health professions, or business.
Positions
- Mathematics or statistics professor
- Software engineer
- Plant manager
- Loan officer
- Mathematics teacher
- Data analyst
Further education
With degrees from UWL's program, students have gone to a variety of graduate programs.
- Mathematics
- Applied mathematics
- Statistics
- Engineering
- Computer science
What distinguishes UWL's Mathematics program?
Class sizes are small; calculus classes are typically 25 to 30 students and upper level classes are typically 10 to 20 students.
Faculty in the department are involved in research in areas of algebra, analysis, topology and geometry, statistics, applied mathematics, numerical analysis, education, and combinatorics and graph theory. This research is widely published in prestigious research journals, and many faculty have received numerous grants.
A student run Mathematics and Statistics Club meets at various times during each semester. Activities include talks by students and invited speakers, picnics, travel to conferences and friendly sporting contests with other clubs or faculty.
Many students participate in undergraduate research projects that result in publications and presentations at national conferences. The department has several research fellowships that provide funding for research.
Students can participate in local, regional and international mathematics or statistics modeling contests.
Mathematics and Statistics Resource Room is located within the department. This room is a place for math majors to study and socialize. There are also computers available for use.
Math majors can work from 5-15 hours a week as a tutor in the Murphy Learning Center or as a peer teaching assistant.
Students can obtain internships and part-time jobs with local business and engineering firms, public utilities, and medical and governmental research institutions.
The department also has an adviser who works closely with elementary education students who wish to minor in mathematics; a mathematics minor is a strong complement to an elementary education major.
A major or minor in Mathematics or Statistics works well in conjunction with almost any program at UWL, especially those in STEM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science) and the Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics)
Areas of study
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree Program
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree ProgramSample courses
MTH 310 Calculus III: Multivariable Calculus A continuation of Calculus II with a rigorous introduction to vector and multivariable calculus. Topics include vectors, parametric curves, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, the chain rule, Lagrange multipliers, extrema, double and triple integrals, the Jacobian and change of coordinates, and vector calculus in 2-D and 3-D spaces culminating with Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 208. Offered Fall, Spring.
MTH 225 Foundations of Advanced Mathematics An introduction to mathematical reasoning. Mathematical logic, including quantification and the predicate calculus is introduced and used to discuss set theory, relations, functions, counting, graphs, and algorithms. Elementary proofs, including proofs by induction are stressed. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 175 or MTH 207. Course not open to those who have credit in CS 225. Offered Fall, Spring.
MTH 309 Linear Algebra This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of linear algebra. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, vector spaces, subspaces, basis and dimension, linear transformations and their matrix representations, similar matrices and diagonalization, projections and orthogonalization, and applications. In addition to computational proficiency, there is an emphasis on conceptual understanding of definitions and theorems, as well as the comprehension and construction of proofs. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 208; grade of "C" or better in MTH 225 or CS 225. Offered Fall, Spring.
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