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. Courses in the math major include calculus, linear algebra, graph theory, statistics, and more.
Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is nationally recognized as a top university by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes. 98 percent of our students, including those in the math major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2021).
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.
Sample Courses
Xavier is known for providing an education that’s both challenging and personal. Here are some courses that are part of the math major at Xavier:
Statistical Inference (MATH 312) - Maximum likelihood principle, Bayesian estimation, properties of estimators, sufficiency, likelihood ratio tests, chi-square distribution, t distribution, F distribution, power, nonparametrics, bootstrap, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo.
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) - The synthesis, formulation and solution of various problems in applied mathematics and related fields.
Abstract Algebra (MATH 340) - Groups, isomorphism, homomorphism, normal subgroups, rings, ideals, fields.
Real Analysis (MATH 370) - Rigorous development of calculus of functions of a single variable. The real number system, topology of the real line, continuity, uniform continuity, the derivative, the Riemann integral, sequences and series of real numbers, and uniform convergence.
Student Clubs
The following clubs are popular choices for students in the math major.
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 and meet with fellow number people.
Finance Association
Students in this club get opportunities to network with finance executives and learn about finance careers.
Career Outcomes
98% of Xavier students, including those in the math major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2021).
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
Take the Next Step
Research Opportunities for Math Majors
Xavier offers special summer research programs locally, as well as opportunities to get involved in a national project. Senior projects are completed under the supervision of a faculty member, with review during a final presentation.
Cincinnati: A City of Opportunity for Math Majors
Cincinnati is ranked the #1 Best City for College Graduates (smartasset.com) and the #15 Best Place to Start a Career (WalletHub). Students in the math major take advantage of for-credit internships and employment opportunities at multiple Fortune 500 companies, private companies, nonprofit organizations and other businesses.
What is Jesuit Education?
A Xavier education is more than your typical college experience. Drawing on a Jesuit Catholic educational model which emphasizes ethics, responsibility and service, students get the support they need to succeed and make a difference in the world. The result is an education that’s as encouraging as it is challenging, and as enriching as it is demanding.
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."