Mathematics Program

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the mathematics program is to develop students who understand mathematics as an academic discipline, who can use mathematics as a problem-solving tool in other disciplines, and who are skilled in mathematical reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking and communication.

The mathematics program achieves this purpose when its students

• have received a coherent, broad-based coverage of the discipline of mathematics;
• demonstrate conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematics;
• can apply their knowledge to specific, constrained problems and produce solutions;
• possess a foundation of theory that will enable lifelong learning and development;
• meet State Department of Education standards for licensure in the area of mathematics (applies to education majors in mathematics only).

The information technology program at McPherson College commits itself to producing graduates who understand the field of computing as an academic discipline and as a profession within the context of a larger society.

The program achieves this purpose when its students

• have received a coherent and broad-based coverage of the discipline of computing;
• are prepared for graduate study as well as for the programming profession;
• understand the ethical and societal issues associated with the computing field;
• can apply their knowledge to specific, constrained problems and produce solutions;
• possess a foundation of theory that will enable lifelong learning and development;
• have experience with contemporary tools that lead to good experimental methods

Mathematics Major

The department offers a major and minor in mathematics. Mathematics is a discipline essential to all facets of the employment world and an excellent background for a variety of specific professions; the emphasis of our program is teacher preparation, and secondary teaching licensure is available. Mathematics is also an excellent background for graduate studies in diverse fields.

Requirements

42 hours of mathematics courses including the following:

G-MA111  Calculus I (4 hours)
MA112  Calculus II (4 hours)
G-MA123  Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
G-MA153  Principles of Geometry (3 hours)
G-MA201  Survey of Mathematics (3 hours)
MA212  Calculus III (4 hours)
G-MA221  Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
MA366  Differential Equations (4 hours)
*G-MA290  History of Mathematics (3 hours)
MA411  Introduction to Algebraic Structures (4 hours)
MA342  Modern Geometry (4 hours)
MA375  Junior Seminar (1 hour)
*MA475  Senior Project (2 hours)

Required Supporting courses (all mathematics majors)

IT 100  Computers and Information Technology (3 hours)
IT 200  Introduction to Programming (3 hours)
IT 201  Data Structures (3 hours)
PH205  College Physics I (5 hours)

Required Supporting Courses (students seeking teaching licensure)

See Teacher Education Handbook

Required Supporting Course (students not seeking teaching licensure)

PH205  College Physics II (5 hours)

Mathematics Minor

Requirements

G-MA 111  Calculus I (4 hours)
MA 112  Calculus II (4 hours)
G-MA 221  Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)

Plus one course from the following list
G-MA123  Discrete Math (3 hours)
G-MA153  Principles of Geometry (3 hours)
G-MA201  Survey of Mathematics (3 hours)
*G-MA290  History of Mathematics (3 hours)

Plus one course from the following list
MA212  Calculus III (4 hours)
MA366  Differential Equations (4 hours)
MA342  Modern Geometry (4 hours)
MA411  Algebraic Structures (4 hours)