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Mathematics

Program Features

Xavier’s Mathematics program provides students with a broad foundation for the study and application of higher mathematics, enabling them to argue logically and rigorously, think abstractly, formulate and solve problems, analyze data, and create and analyze models of real-world phenomena.

Students graduate prepared to enter graduate school, teach math in secondary schools and enter the job force.

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 Mathematics 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.

Related Programs

Related Majors

Related Minors

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Professional Education
  • Economics
  • Statistics

Related Graduate Programs

View a full listing of all of Xavier's majors and minors.

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.

All Xavier Clubs

Outcomes

97% of students from Xavier's undergraduate STEM programs, including Mathematics, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating.

Top Jobs: Software Engineer, Actuarial Analyst, Associate Consultant, Chemist, Developer, Electrical Engineer, Research Engineer

Top Companies: Good Samaritan Hospital, The Christ Hospital, AT&T, 84.51, TBM Consulting, ScribeAmerica, GE Aviation

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All for one

Xavier is ranked #1 for its excellent academic reputation among top competitors in the region. Students get the most out of their education, from rigorous classroom studies to experiential learning in the real world.

Research Opportunities

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.

Math Research Projects

Professional Experience

Students participate in funded internships and work on campus as a paid tutor in the Mathematics Tutoring Lab or the Learning Assistance Center.

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Personal Attention

With introductory classes of sizes in the 20s and smaller upper level classes, individual attention and faculty support are readily available. Each student in our department receives individual academic advising from members of the department.

Math Student Says at Xavier, You Can Find Ways to Give Back in Any Major

Kelly DeLano, a junior from Grand Rapids, Mich., was drawn to Xavier because of the emphasis on social justice and community service. She appreciated that no matter what major she chose, there was still a way to get involved in those areas.

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."

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