Undergraduate Major Mathematics (BA)

Become a Versatile Asset as a Mathematics Major at SNHU

Math majors are versatile, a big plus if you value the freedom to explore a variety of career paths in your lifetime. As a math major you can apply your quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills in an almost unlimited number of fields and positions. SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics lets you take your passion for numbers, proofs and problem solving to the next level and prepare for careers that are not only command high salaries, but also have a high degree of job satisfaction.

When you earn your undergraduate degree in mathematics at SNHU, you'll develop an advanced ability in mathematical methods, reasoning and problem solving in three main areas of math: analysis, algebra and statistics. In addition to a broad base of mathematical knowledge, you'll become proficient in communicating about math, both orally and in writing.

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See Yourself Succeed in Mathematics

Whether you want to land a position in a quantitative field such as finance, economics, computer programming or statistics, or further your studies so you can ultimately pursue a career as a mathematician, the BA Mathematics degree program provides a strong foundation for building your future in some of the fastest growing careers.

During your studies, you'll gain an understanding of:

How to solve real-world problems involving calculus, including integration, trigonometric functions, differential equations, Taylor polynomials and infinite series
Direct, contrapositive, contradiction and induction methods of proof, as well as the relationship between problem-solving and the process of proving
Applying statistical techniques to a variety of applications in business and the social sciences, including probability distribution functions, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression
Mathematical topics related to the design, programming and application of computers: propositional logic, number systems, algorithms and pseudocode, encryption, matrix manipulation, combinatorics and other topics
Regression analysis and related topics, by hand and with a statistical software package.
Applied linear algebra and matrices topics that could be used to model applied mathematics problems in business, science, computer science and economics
Real analysis, addressing the transition from computational to theoretical calculus, with an emphasis on problem-solving and proof writing

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your bachelor's degree in mathematics at SNHU include:

Supportive community. Join the SNHU campus community of students who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
Affordability. SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire, and students who qualify could receive up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships. (This scholarship amount is only for students who do not need a visa to study in the U.S.)
Innovative programs. Study abroad at little or no extra cost.
Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands.
Opportunity. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities.
Campus experience. Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine.

Internships & Outcomes

Employers in a range of industries seek college graduates with quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills. Whether you earn a math degree online or on campus at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have the quantitative and critical-thinking skills that are valued in the workplace. With a college degree in math, you'll be prepared for a career in variety of fields:

Business
Actuarial Firms
Financial Services Firms
Utility companies
Consulting
Operations Research Firms
Insurance Agencies
Technical Journals

Mathematics majors enjoy a high degree of job satisfaction. A recent survey by CareerCast determined that actuaries, mathematicians and statisticians rank near the top of the nation's 200 best jobs list, when considering environment, income, outlook, physical demands and stress. People in these jobs often begin their studies with an undergraduate degree in math.

Mathematicians often find job opportunities in scientific research, as well as in scientific management and technical consulting services. Approximately 30% of mathematicians work for the federal government, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau also estimates that job opportunities for statisticians will increase 21% through 2024. Actuaries are also in demand, with employment projected to grow by 18% from 2014-2024. They also work for insurance agents and brokers, as well as managing companies.

Math majors command high salaries. A recent National Association of Colleges and Employers study showed that those in STEM disciplines are expected to be among the top paid graduates in the class of 2017.

Curriculum

From calculus to abstract algebra to statistics, the courses included in the mathematics major will help you develop advanced abilities in math. The skills you gain in this program are transferable across many industries and positions, allowing you to pursue a variety of career paths. If you decide to continue your studies with a graduate degree, your BA in math is good preparation. Advanced studies in math have been correlated to higher scores on graduate entrance exams, including the GMAT, GRE and LSAT.

SNHU faculty who teach in the mathematics program have years of experience as mathematicians and educators. They are well skilled in applying theories, principles and concepts of mathematics to real-world situations across a broad range of fields, such as business, economics, natural sciences and social sciences. Classes are highly engaging and use a variety of teaching strategies to keep classes stimulating, among them participatory lectures, group work and fun, math-themed events featuring guest lectures and panel discussions.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Career

SNHU's bachelor's in mathematics program includes:

General education
Degree-specific courses

General Education Program

Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills and insights you need to move forward. In recent years, employers have stressed the need for graduates with higher order skills - the skills that go beyond technical knowledge - such as:

Writing
Communication
Analysis
Problem solving

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

BA in Mathematics

Courses May Include

MAT 225 Calculus I: Single-Variable Calculus

Calculus is the mathematical study of change that has widespread applications in science, engineering, economics and business. This course provides a rigorous introduction to single-variable calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, applications of derivatives, and integration, including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This course will encourage students to think beyond memorizing formulas and to work towards understanding concepts.

MAT 275 Calculus II: Integration & Series

This course is a continuation of MAT 225 that deepens a student's understanding of single-variable calculus. Students will learn new techniques of integration, including substitution, integration by parts, partial fractions, and integration tables. This course will also extend a student's knowledge of addition. That is, students already know how to add two, three, or n numbers together but, in this course they will learn how to add an infinitely many numbers together. This will enable students to represent differentiable functions-including exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions-as functions that look like polynomials with infinitely many terms. In doing so, students will enhance their abilities to evaluate and estimate integrals. Finally, students will also learn about parametric curves and polar coordinates-both useful tools for describing the motion of moving objects such as projectiles, planets, or satellites-in order to apply single-variable calculus skills in additional settings. Students may not take both MAT 211 and MAT 275 for credit.

MAT 299 Mathematical Proof and Problem Solving

This course introduces students to the language and methods used to create and write mathematical proofs and solve problems. Methods of proof will include: direct, contrapositive, contradiction, and induction. Methods of problem solving will be based on Polya's four steps for problem solving. Students will learn about and utilize the many functions of proof including: verification, explanation, communication, discovery, justification, and inquiry. The course will also explore the relationship between problem solving and the process of proving. Students will explore fundamental abstract concepts in mathematics including: functions and relations, set theory, number theory, and logic.

MAT 325 Calculus III: Multivariable Calculus

Many real-world applications of calculus in science, engineering, economics, and business employ functions with many variables. This course extends the basic concepts of single-variable calculus developed in MAT 225 and MAT 275 to functions of several variables. Topics include vectors, the geometry of space, vector-valued functions, motion in space, partial derivatives and multiple integrals.

MAT 330 Differential Equations

Differential equations are useful in modeling real-world phenomenon involving rates of change such as the spread of disease, the change in a population, the free fall of an object, and the decay of a radioactive substance. This is a first course in differential equations. Topics include solving first- and higher-order differential equations and modeling with first- and higher-order differential equations.

MAT 350 Applied Linear Algebra

This is a first course in linear algebra and matrices. Topics include systems of linear equations, linear independence, matrices of linear transformations, matrix algebra, determinants, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. After mastering the basic concepts and skills, students will use their knowledge of linear algebra to model a selection of applied mathematics problems in business, science, computer science and economics.

MAT 415 Abstract Algebra

Algebra is concerned with sets of objects and operations on these sets. This course will take students beyond the real number and polynomials to groups and other algebraic structures. In a modern, or abstract algebra course, one assumes a small number of basic properties as axioms and then proves many other properties from the axioms. This will assist the student in becoming more proficient at proof-writing.

MAT 470 Real Analysis

This course provides a theoretical foundation for single-variable calculus concepts. Topics include the structure of the real numbers, sequences, continuity, differentiation and Riemann integration. This course will be run as a seminar that emphasize problem solving, proof writing and orally defending proofs.

Total Credits: 120

Program Outcomes

Campus Undergraduate Costs

Undergraduate Day Students Tuition Financial Aid

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals. More than 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid, and students who qualify could receive up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.