Mathematics Faculty

Dr. Randal Beck
Dr. Eun-Joo Lee
Dr. Daniel R. Miller, Chair

Dr. James Rauff

Dr. Michael Rogers
Dr. Joe A. Stickles

Mathematics Major Requirements

Students planning to major in mathematics may earn either a B.A. or B.S. degree. A mathematics major should be prepared to enroll in Mathematics 140, Calculus I, or a higher course during the first semester at Millikin. Mathematics 100, 106, 112, 114, 117, 120, and 125 do not count toward a major or minor.

All majors are required to successfully complete the common foundation courses comprised of four mathematics courses:

• MA140 Calculus I
• MA240 Calculus II
• MA208 Discrete Mathematics
• MA303 Linear Algebra

The department may waive one or more of the foundation course requirements for students with advanced high school mathematics preparation.

There are four options for students interested in a mathematics major:

   Mathematics Major Track I  - Applied Mathematics

   Mathematics Major Track II - Secondary Education

   Mathematics Major Track III - Actuarial Science

   Mathematics Major Track IV - Computer Science

Track I: Applied Mathematics Major       Careers in Applied Mathematics

Students interested in immediate employment or graduate study in applied mathematics should elect this option. In addition to the foundation requirements, students must take;

• MA250 Calculus III
• MA302 Algebraic Structures
• MA305 Differential Equations
• MA313 Numerical Analysis
• MA499 Senior Seminar
• Two (2) courses selected from:
  • MA301 College Geometry
  • MA304 Probability and Mathematical Statistics
  • MA308 Theory of Computation
  • MA314 Advanced Mathematics Statistics
  • MA320 History of Mathematics
  • MA472 Internship
• Computer Science I (CS130) is highly recommended for applied mathematics majors

Minor in Applied Mathematics

A minor in applied mathematics is an excellent complement to majors in the natural sciences, social sciences, computer science, and business. To receive a minor in applied mathematics a student must successfully complete the following course of study.

• MA140 Calculus I
• MA208 Discrete Mathematics
• MA240 Calculus II
• MA303 Linear Algebra
• At least two (2) other mathematics courses numbered 300 or higher.

Track II: Mathematics Major with Secondary Education Certification

Students interested in teacher certification should elect this option. In addition to the foundation requirements, students must take;

• MA220 Statistical Methods
• MA301 College Geometry
• MA302 Algebraic Structures
• MA304 Probability and Mathematical Statistics
• MA320 History of Mathematics
• MA425 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Grades 6 through 12
• Two (2) courses selected from:
  • MA250 Calculus III
  • MA305 Differential Equations
  • MA313 Numerical Analysis
  • MA314 Advanced Mathematics Statistics
  • MA471 Internship in Methods of Teaching Mathematics
  • MA491 Independent Study

Teacher certification also requires special coursework in education and other areas. See the School of Education section for details. Students should consider preparation in a second teaching field to increase the breadth of their knowledge and the probability of finding a teaching position upon graduation. Past experience indicates that biological, physical or general sciences, computer science or physical education (coaching) combinations with mathematics are sought by schools.

Middle School Mathematics Endorsement for Elementary Education Majors

Elementary education majors may earn a middle school endorsement in mathematics by following this option.  In addition to courses required by the School of Education for elementary certification, ED440 and ED450 are required for a middle school endorsement.  See the School of Education section for details.

• MA112 Mathematics Content for Elementary School Teachers

• MA120 Elementary Probability and Statistics

• MA140 Calculus I

• MA208 Discrete Mathematics

• MA220 Statistical Methods

• MA301 College Geometry

• MA320 History of Mathematics

• MA425 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Grades 6 through 12

Mathematics Concentration for Elementary Education Majors

Elementary education majors may earn a concentration in mathematics by taking a total of 15 credit hours in mathematics, six of which must be from 300-level or above courses.  

Track III: Actuarial Science       Becoming an actuary

Students interested in becoming an actuary should elect this option. In addition to the foundation requirements, students must take;

• MA220 Statistical Methods*
• MA250 Calculus III
• MA304 Probability and Mathematical Statistics
• MA313 Numerical Analysis
• MA314 Advanced Mathematical Statistics
• MA499 Senior Seminar

The following courses are highly recommended.

• EC100  Macroeconomics*
• EC110  Microeconomics*
• CS130  Computer Science I 
• AC230  Introduction to Financial Accounting
• AC240  Introduction to Managerial Accounting
• MK300 Introduction to Marketing
• FI340  Introduction to Financial Management*
• FI352  Investments

 

*Approved VEE Courses at Millikin University

The following courses have been approved by the Society of Actuaries for VEE at Millikin University:

VEE Economics -  EC100 and EC110

VEE Statistical Methods (regression component) – MA220

VEE Corporate Finance – FI340

Students who have completed Track III and all highly recommended courses will be prepared to take the first two Actuarial Examinations (1/P and 2/FM) of the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Society of Actuaries.

Students who complete any two of the courses FI354, FI365, FI361, EC310, EC312 or EC322 in addition to all of the highly  recommended courses will earn a minor in Finance from the Tabor School of Business.

Track IV:  Computer Science

Students interested in computational mathematics and computer science should elect this option. In addition to the foundation requirements, students must take

• MA250 Calculus III
• MA313  Numerical Analysis
• MA308  Theory of Computation 
• MA499  Senior Seminar

• CS130  Computer Science I
• CS230  Computer Science II
• CS335  Advanced Computer Programming
• CS337  Algorithms and Data Structures

For more information about majoring in mathematics at Millikin University please call Dr. Miller (217-424-6215 ).