- abstract reasoning and quantitative manipulation
- development of an understanding of animate and inanimate systems
- learning how physical laws shed light on the building blocks of the world
- have a strong background in mathematics
- enjoy thinking critically and solving problems
- are analytical and organized in your thought process
- benefit from challenging classes such as real analysis, linear and abstract algebra, calculus and differential geometry
- explore other math-related concepts in two semesters of chemistry, biology, physics or computer science
- broaden your base of liberal arts knowledge as the B.A. in mathematics offers students a slightly more diverse program of study, allowing for them to take more classes outside of the department
Belmont Abbey’s mathematics department strongly encourages mathematics majors to complete a minor in an area of interest. This is important for those mathematics majors who wish to pursue interdisciplinary graduate studies or careers anchored in mathematics.
- engineering
- teaching
- actuarial science
- computer programming
- graduate school
- statistics
- business
- physics
- finance
- computer science
With a constant demand for mathematicians in fields like business or engineering, mathematics majors are well prepared to pursue a wide range of jobs or careers. A mathematics degree from Belmont Abbey College entails a liberal arts core and approach to mathematics, giving our graduates a broad and dynamic grounding for their math pursuits.
The Abbey Difference:
Guided by the tenets of Catholicism and the Benedictine hallmarks, Belmont Abbey College strives to provide its students with a well-rounded education that promotes wise and ethical decisions.
The Mathematics and Physics Department endeavors to help students understand mathematical language and ideas, which will promote abstract reasoning and quantitative literacy. We also strive to give our students an appreciation of the fundamental laws that reflect the order and beauty of the physical world.
Since an understanding of Mathematics and Physics is crucial in assessing many of the issues facing the world today, we strive to give our students the tools of critical analysis that will enable them to participate in public discourse as responsible citizens and to promote the common good.
Our students will also be prepared for successful careers in all fields which require an understanding of Mathematics and Science.
Program Requirements
(This option is available for traditional students only.) To be eligible for acceptance into the degree program, the student must have completed MA 201, and must have earned a grade of “C” or better. In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements:
- MA 152 Trigonometry (or demonstrated proficiency in the subject)
Major requirements:
- MA 201 Calculus I
- MA 202 Calculus II
- MA 203 Calculus III
- MA 208 Statistics
- MA 222 Discrete Mathematics
- MA 311 Elementary Linear Algebra
- MA 321 Differential Equations
- MA 419 Modern Algebra
- MA 430 Real Analysis
- MA 490 Senior Seminar I
- MA 491 Senior Seminar II
- CS 234 Introduction to C++
Any two from among the following:
- MA 235 History of Mathematics
- MA 305 Advanced Statistics
- MA 335 Advanced Calculus
- MA 340 Numerical Analysis
- MA 350 Probability
- MA 405 Topology
- MA 410 Elementary Number Theory
- MA 415 Partial Differential Equations
- MA 420 Geometry
- MA 435 Complex Analysis
- CS 325 Logic and Algorithms
Other Courses
Students complete one of the following course combinations to meet the remainder of the 120 hours required for the degree:
- PY 201 with PY 202 and 22-25 hours of General Electives
- CH 105 and CH 106 with 22-25 hours of General Electives
- Two lab-based Biology courses at the 200 level or higher with 22-25 hours of General Electives
- CS 201 and CS 234 with 23-26 hours of General Electives
Note: Although an internship is not required, it is strongly recommended.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
(This option is available for traditional students only.)
To be eligible for acceptance into the degree program, the student must have completed MA 201, and must have earned a grade of “C” or better. In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements:
- MA 152 Trigonometry (or demonstrated proficiency in the subject)
Major requirements:
- MA 201 Calculus I
- MA 202 Calculus II
- MA 203 Calculus III
- MA 208 Statistics
- MA 222 Discrete Mathematics
- MA 311 Elementary Linear Algebra
- MA 321 Differential Equations
- MA 419 Modern Algebra
- MA 430 Real Analysis
- MA 490 Senior Seminar I
Any one of the following:
- MA 235 History of Mathematics
- MA 305 Advanced Statistics
- MA 335 Advanced Calculus
- MA 340 Numerical Analysis
- MA 350 Probability
- MA 405 Topology
- MA 410 Elementary Number Theory
- MA 415 Partial Differential Equations
- MA 491 Senior Seminar II
- CS 234 Introduction to C++
- CS 325 Logic and Algorithms
Other Courses:
- General Elective hours (33-36 hours)
Note: Although an internship is not required, it is strongly recommended.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
- MA 201 Calculus I
- MA 202 Calculus II
- Any two 200 level or higher mathematics courses and one 300 or higher level mathematics course or one 200 level or higher mathematics course and one 300 level or higher mathematics course and CS 325 Logic and Algorithms.
The preponderance of the hours above MA 201 must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Students majoring in Mathematics may not minor in Physics-Mathematics. The Physics-Mathematics minor is specifically for students who are not Mathematics majors.
- MA 201 Calculus I
- PY 201 General Physics I
- PY 202 General Physics II
- PY 303 Calculus-based Physics III
- MA 202 Calculus II or MA 208 – Statistics
The preponderance of the hours above MA 201 must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Required Courses for Actuarial Science Minor:
- MA 208 Statistics (3)
- MA 311 Linear Algebra (3)
- EC 201 Introductory Economics I (3)
- EC 202 Introductory Economics II (3)
Any one of:
- MA 305 Advanced Statistics (3)
- MA 321 Differential Equations (3)
- MA 350 Probability (3)
Any one of:
- BU 310 Finance (3)
- BU 311 Financial Management (3)
- EC 317 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
The preponderance of these courses must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Required Courses for Physics Concentration:
- PY 201 General Physics I
- PY 202 General Physics II
- PY 303 Modern Physics
The preponderance of these courses must be taken at Belmont Abbey College.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Belmont Abbey College does not offer a degree in Mathematics Education. The following courses offered by our Department of Education, however, may be useful for Mathematics students interested in a teaching career.
- ED 300 Introduction to Education
- ED 399 Diversity in Education
- ED 305 Introduction to the Exceptional Child
Highlights of your experience:
Faculty:
Dr. Igor Strugar
Chair and Associate Professor of Mathematics/Physics Department
B.S., University of Montenegro
M.S., University of Belgrade
Ph.D., University of Toledo
Dr. Rajive Tiwari
Professor of Physics/Coordinator of Physics-Mathematics Minor
B.S., St. Stephens College
M.S., Rutgers University
Ph.D., Rutgers University
Elias Correa-Torres
B.A., Florida State University
M.S., Florida State University
Ph.D., Florida State University
M.A., St. John’s University
Janet Miller Rasmussen
B.A., Sacred Heart College
M.A., Appalachian State University
Kelly Smalenberger
Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics
B.A., Northeastern Illinois University in Mathematics
M.S., University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Ph.D. (candidate), University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Dr. Ashley White
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
B.S. Mathematics North Carolina State University
B.S. Philosophy North Carolina State University
M.S. Mathematics North Carolina State University
Ph.D. Mathematics North Carolina State University
Teaching does not take place through the content of lectures alone, it permeates the totality of the student-professor relationship. My attitude, my reaction to the unexpected, the respect that I show for a student are all intangible textbooks that I use in and out of the classroom.
-Dr. Rajive Tiwari
