Mathematics
Program Details
The study of mathematics is more than memorizing formulas and performing calculations. It’s about developing imaginative models whose solutions reveal how numbers and patterns impact the world around us. From the science of high-resolution satellite imagery to the geometry behind famous works of architecture, mathematics is present in almost every aspect of life.
As a student in the math major, you’ll explore concepts of higher mathematics while honing your skills in logical thinking, problem solving, analyzing data and creating models of real-world phenomena. You’ll also have the option to tailor the math major to your interests, whether that’s teaching, joining the workforce or entering a postgraduate degree program.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Optional Concentration
Economics
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Mathematics major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- MATHEMATICS 170 Calculus I............ 4cr.
- COMPUTER SCIENCE 170 Computer Science I............ 3cr.
- Second Language............ 3cr.
- ENGLISH 101 English Composition............ 3cr.
- First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I............ 0cr.
Spring
- MATHEMATICS 171 Calculus II............ 4cr.
- MATHEMATICS 225 Foundation of Higher Math............ 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 100 Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- THEOLOGY 111 Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II............ 0cr.
Fall
- MATHEMATICS 220 Calculus III............ 4cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Lit & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Writing Flag............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 200 Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
Spring
- MATHEMATICS 240 Linear Algebra ............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS Elective............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspective............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Reasoning Flag............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
Fall
- MATHEMATICS 340 Abstract Algebra............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS Elective............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspectives, Lecture & Lab............ 4cr.
- Oral Communication Flag............ 3cr.
- Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- MATHEMATICS 370 Real Analysis............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS Elective............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS 391 Mathematics Seminar I............ 1cr.
- Natural Science Elective, Lecture & Lab............ 4cr.
- Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- MATHEMATICS Elective............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS 392 Mathematics Seminar II............ 1cr.
- E/RS Flag............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- MATHEMATICS Elective............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS 393 Mathematics Seminar III............ 1cr.
- DCR Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Math Courses
Sample courses within the math major curriculum:
- Differential Calculus (MATH 180) - This is a first course in single-variable calculus, which focuses on thoroughly investigating the theory and application of derivatives. Topics include: classes of functions, limits, continuity, L’Hôpital’s Rule, interpretation of derivatives, derivative rules, related rates, the Mean Value Theorem and optimization.
- Foundations Of Higher Math (MATH 225) - This course covers propositional and predicate logic; methods of proof, including direct approaches, contradiction, contraposition, mathematical induction; sequences, recursion, recurrence relations; set theory; functions and relations. Primary emphasis on proof-writing.
- Cryptology (MATH 316) - The making and breaking of secret ciphers and codes. Classical ciphers: shift, affine, Vigenère, substitution, Hill, one-time pads, and Enigma. A brief introduction to number theory. Modern methods: RSA algorithm, DES, AES: Rijndael, discrete logarithms and elliptic curves.
- Mathematical Modeling (MATH 325) - This course examines the practical application of mathematical principles across diverse fields, emphasizing the synthesis, formulation, and resolution of real-world problems
- Computer Science I (CSCI 170) - This course is an overview of computer science. Topics include problem solving and algorithms, machine architecture, operating systems, assembly language, higher level programming languages, compilers, limits of computation, networking, applications and social/ethical issues.
Math Careers
99% of Xavier students, including those in the math major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Career Opportunities: Accountant, Budget Analyst, Cryptographer, Data Scientist, Economist, Financial Analyst, Financial Manager, Investment Analyst, Insurance Underwriter, Mathemetician, Math Teacher/Professor, Market Research Analyst, Statistician
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for positions in business and industry.
Math Clubs
- Mathematics Club- Xavier's Mathematics Club promotes the interest of math on campus. Members meet regularly and organize networking events, discuss career paths and share ideas.
- Actuarial Science Club- Students who participate hear testimonies from actuaries in the field, have the chance to job shadow at a local insurance company in Cincinnati and even get to travel.
- Economics Association- Xavier students in the Economics Student Club learn about employment opportunities, take trips to area firms and host speakers while making a positive difference in the community. They also cultivate opportunities to meet and network with business leaders in Cincinnati.
- Finance Association- Students in this club get opportunities to network with finance executives and learn about finance careers.
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Gain Expertise in a Curriculum Focused on Research
As a student in the math major, you'll engage in hands-on research guided by faculty mentors and present your work at regional meetings, national meetings and the annual Celebration of Student Research. You can also take part in special summer research programs at the local and national level.
Get Certified to Teach High School Mathematics
At Xavier, you can major in mathematics while working toward specific requirements for secondary (high school) teacher certification. Our department collaborates closely with the School of Education to provide a program tailored to prepare you for a teaching career.
Kickstart Your Career in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio is a hub for industries like finance, technology and healthcare, all of which value strong mathematical skills. This means you'll have access to internship and job opportunities with local companies, offering valuable real-world experience and potential career paths.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Mathematics Major at Xavier University
Xavier’s Mathematics program develop a student's capacity to undertake intellectually demanding mathematical tasks by emphasizing general mathematical reasoning through mastery of varied subject matter. Upon successful completion of the program, the student should be well prepared for graduate studies in mathematics and related disciplines, for teaching at the secondary level and for immediate employment by industry in a position which makes use of the talents and abilities of one trained in the mathematical sciences.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."