Mathematics program

Study 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.

Undergrad major Undergrad minor Teacher license Graduate degree

Mathematics

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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Applied Emphasis

Applied math is a branch of mathematics that concerns itself with mathematical methods used in science, engineering, business and industry. 

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Education

The Mathematics Education Program and associated benchmark assessments lead to endorsement for a Wisconsin teaching license in middle and high school mathematics for grades 4-12 (1400). Students in all education programs must satisfy the School of Education (SOE) core requirements.

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Undergrad dual degree

Receive an undergraduate degree in both Mathematics and Engineering. This degree path involves collaboration with partner institutions. Students who express interest in the dual degree program will be selected for entrance into the UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, UW-Stout, University of Minnesota Duluth, or Winona State University for a portion of the program.

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A program within the Department of Mathematics & Statistics

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.

Portrait of Haley Klundt

My math professors at UWL instilled in me the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and confidence, often through tough love and by pushing me to reach beyond my self-prescribed boundaries.

Haley Klundt

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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 in math occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, which will result in about 37,100 job openings per year. 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?

Small class sizes

Class sizes are small; calculus classes are typically 25 to 30 students and upper level classes are typically 10 to 20 students.

Faculty are excellent teacher-scholars

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.

Mathematics and Statistics Club

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.

Research opportunities

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.

Modeling contests

Students can participate in local, regional and international mathematics or statistics modeling contests.

Connect to study and socialize

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.

Tutoring opportunities

Math majors can work from 5-15 hours a week as a tutor in the Tutoring & Learning Center or as a peer teaching assistant.

Internship and part-time job opportunities

Students can obtain internships and part-time jobs with local business and engineering firms, public utilities, and medical and governmental research institutions.

Strong complement to elementary education

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.

Strong complement to STEM and Social Science fields

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)

Sample courses

MTH 265 Mathematical Models in Biology An introduction to the use of calculus and stochastic based models to the biological sciences. Mathematical tools such as discrete and continuous differential equations, linear algebra, phase portraits, probability theory and descriptive and inferential statistics that are necessary to analyze and interpret biological models will be covered. Biological topics may include single species and interacting population dynamics, modeling infectious diseases, enzyme kinetics, and quantitative genetics. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 175 or MTH 207. Offered Spring.

MTH 308 Linear Algebra with Differential Equations This course will study linear algebra with emphasis on computer programming and applications. Specific topics include systems of linear equations, matrix operations, linear independence, linear transformations, matrix factorization, vector spaces and subspaces in R^n, basis and dimension, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, systems of first order linear differential equations, dynamical systems, inner products and orthogonality, least squares, and singular value decomposition. Software will be integrated throughout the course to complement mathematical content. Lect. 3, Lab. 1. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 208 or MTH 265 or (MTH 207 and CS 225 or MTH 225). CS 120 or concurrent enrollment highly recommended. Offered Fall, Spring.

MTH 407 Real Analysis I This course covers the basic theory underlying the differential and integral calculus. Convergence of sequences is examined. Theoretical concepts of calculus are examined and particular attention is given to writing proofs. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 225 or CS 225; grade of "C" or better in MTH 309 and MTH 310. Offered Fall.

MTH 480 Studies in Applied Mathematics Advanced studies of applications of mathematics and computation to solve problems and understand processes from a variety of fields (for example, industry, medicine and the physical and life sciences.) Requirements include an application/ modeling project with a written report and class presentation. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 353. Offered Spring - Even Numbered Years.

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