Mission Statement
The mathematics major at Bethany offers courses in both applied and theoretical mathematics to prepare students for advanced studies as well as careers in mathematics. It does this within a Christ-centered, liberal arts framework that encourages breadth as well as depth of knowledge. Mathematics, the study of patterns and structures more than of numbers, is presented as a means to enable students to practice independent thinking so as not to be shaken from the eternal foundation on which our moral and spiritual growth is based. Students develop analytical reasoning and the ability to apply mathematical logic to solve problems, thus improving critical thinking abilities.
Program Goal
Apply mathematical critical thinking and reasoning skills to better understand the inherent beauty and structure of God’s creation.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Formulate and apply algorithms to solve mathematical problems, implementing technology when appropriate, and judge the validity of the results.
- Model and analyze real world problems by reformulating these problems in a mathematics context through drawing inferences from data represented graphically, verbally, numerically, or symbolically.
- Organize and explain mathematical ideas in written and verbal form, including proper use of terms and notation.
- Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts in algebra and analysis.
- Develop and evaluate mathematical proofs.
- Elucidate the interdependency of different areas of mathematics and the connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
Student Stories
Anna Cepek (’12)
Anna, a 2012 Bethany graduate, recently completed her PhD in mathematics from Montana State University and is headed to South
Angela Kraft (’12)
While at Bethany, Angela was involved in two different Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) during summer breaks. She also presented
Craig Rossiter (’12)
Craig Rossiter, a 2012 Bethany graduate, went to graduate school for a Master’s in Actuarial Science and is now working
Contact for more information
Mathematics Faculty
These faculty teach many of the courses that comprise the Math Major. See also the Mathematics Department.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Brittany Espinoza MH 314 507-344-7587 | Assistant Professor | MH 314 507-344-7587 | |
| Julie Kjeer MH 312 507-344-7397 | Dean of Faculty | MH 312 507-344-7397 | |
 | Aaron Ollrich MH 313 507-344-7343 | Assistant Professor | MH 313 507-344-7343 | |
Entry into the Major
A student may be admitted to the major after completing MATH243 Multivariable Calculus. Extraordinary cases will be dealt with on an individual basis. Students will be granted entry into the major if they have met the following requirements:
- Achieved an overall GPA of 2.5 or better
- Achieved a grade of “C+” or better in MATH151 Calculus I, MATH152 Calculus II MATH243 Multivariable Calculus
- Secured an advisor within the mathematics major.
Requirements
The major in mathematics requires a minimum of 43 credits distributed as follows:
Core Requirements
Students must achieve an average of a 2.5 GPA or better in the required core courses (27 credits):
- COMS103 Intro to Programming I 3 cr.
- MATH151 Calculus I 4 cr.
- MATH152 Calculus II 4 cr.
- MATH243 Multivariable Calculus 4 cr.
- MATH295 Foundations of Abstract Mathematics 3 cr.
- MATH441 Real Analysis 3 cr.
- MATH351 Linear Algebra 3 cr.
- MATH451 Abstract Algebra 3 cr.
Major Electives
Any combination of at least 12 credits:
- MATH260 Differential Equations 3 cr.
- MATH321 Probability and Statistics I 3 cr.
- MATH322 Probability and Statistics II 3 cr.
- MATH330 Discrete Mathematics 3 cr.
- MATH360 Graph Theory 3 cr.
- MATH370 College Geometry 4 cr.
- MATH380 Numerical Analysis 4 cr.
- MATH385 Mathematical Modeling 3 cr.
- MATH480 Topics in Mathematics 1–4 cr.
- MATH499 Mathematics Internship 1–4 cr.
Capstone
At least 4 credits:
The minor in mathematics requires:
- MATH151 Calculus I 4 cr.
- MATH152 Calculus II 4 cr.
- MATH243 Multivariable Calculus 4 cr.
- MATH295 Foundations of Abstract Mathematics 3 cr.
Electives (at least 6 credits):
- Any Mathematics (MATH) courses numbered above MATH243
- COMS103 Intro to Programming I 3 cr.
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the elementary education major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.