The study of mathematics introduces students to mathematical abstraction as well as how mathematics can be used to solve practical problems. Many courses in this discipline provide the basic foundations necessary to support study in all majors. Whenever possible, mathematics courses introduce concepts using applications, analytical solutions (equation solving), numerical approximations, and graphical interpretations.
A special feature of Marymount's mathematics program is the fall seminar series. Faculty members and students meet for one hour each week to hear presentations by professional mathematicians about their career paths. Students also give short presentations on mathematical topics of interest.
Beyond regular coursework, students have collaborated with several faculty members on joint research projects, most notably in mathematics education and in computational biology. Faculty and students regularly present their research findings at national conferences.
Marymount’s mathematics program prepares students for immediate careers in the field as well as for graduate study. Computation and modeling are intentionally infused into the major so students are ready for jobs that require strong technical abilities. Marymount mathematics majors can also earn licensure to teach middle school or high school mathematics.
After meeting the Liberal Arts Core, mathematics majors have 29 to 33 elective credit hours. Students are encouraged to apply those credits toward other options, such as teaching licensure in secondary mathematics or a minor or second major in biology, economics, or information technology. Mathematics majors are also eligible to participate in the five-year B.S./M.S. in information technology program. (See Information Technology, Combined B.S./M.S. Program for further information.)
Degree Requirements - Mathematics
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
MA 181, MA 200: Students may complete either MA 181 or the MA 171 and MA 172 sequence, which is the equivalent of MA 181, during the first year. Also, credit for MA 181 and MA 200 can be earned with appropriate AP exam scores. Students should take noted courses in a sequence specified by an advisor and, upon successful completion, may not subsequently register for a lower-numbered course in the calculus sequence.
MA 210, MA 309, MA 409: Transfer students or new majors who join the program after the fall semester of their sophomore year will take mathematics seminar classes every fall semester, starting with MA 210. Such students may need to make up the credit hours to meet the 120-credit minimum requirement toward graduation.
Sample Degree Plan - Mathematics
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| MA 181 | Calculus I * | 4 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
EN 101: Composition core course
MA 181: MT core course. Not all students should begin with MA 181. Follow placement recommendations and advisor guidance in course selection.
Year One - Spring
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| IT 130 | Java Programming | 3 |
| | |
| MA 200 | Calculus II * | 3 |
| OR | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
| | |
| MA 218 | Probability and Statistics * | 3 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
MA 200 is available in even-numbered Spring semesters. In odd numbered Spring semesters, students should complete an elective course.
EN 102: Composition core course
TRS 100: Theology core course
Year Two — Fall
| MA 210 | Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math | 3 |
| | | |
| PHYS 271 | General Physics I * | 3 |
| PHYS 271L | General Physics I Lab * | 1 |
| OR | |
| BIO 151 | General Biology I * | 3 |
| BIO 151L | General Biology I Lab * | 1 |
| | | |
| MA 230 | Scientific Computing | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 325 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| | |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
MA 325 is available in even-numbered Fall semesters. In odd-numbered Fall semesters, students should complete MA 230.
PHYS 271, BIO 151: NS core course
PHYS 271L, BIO 151L: NS lab core course
Year Two - Spring
| MA 215 | Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 200 | Calculus II * | 3 |
| | |
| MA 221 | Multivariable Calculus * | 4 |
| OR | |
| MA 257 | Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| | | |
| PHYS 272 | General Physics II * | 3 |
| PHYS 272L | General Physics II Lab * | 1 |
| OR | |
| BIO 262 | Genetics for Majors * | 3 |
| BIO 262L | Genetics for Majors Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
MA 200 and 257 are available in even-numbered Spring semesters. In odd numbered Spring semesters, students should complete MA 215 and 221.
PHYS 272, BIO 262: DSCI core course
Year Three - Fall
| MA 230 | Scientific Computing | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 325 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| | |
| MA 420 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 425 | Introduction to Real Analysis | 3 |
| | |
| MA 309 | Mathematics Seminar | 1 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
MA 325 and 420 are available in even-numbered Fall semesters. In odd-numbered Fall semesters, students should complete
MA 230 and 425.
Year Three - Spring
| MA 215 | Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 257 | Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| | |
| MA 221 | Multivariable Calculus * | 4 |
| OR | |
| MA 418 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| | |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
MA 257 and 418 are available in even-numbered Spring semesters. In odd-numbered Spring semesters, students should complete MA 215 and 221.
Year Four - Fall
| MA 400 | Internship | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 433 | Research | 1 |
| | |
| MA 420 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| OR | |
| MA 425 | Introduction to Real Analysis | 3 |
| | |
| MA 409 | Mathematics Seminar | 1 |
| | Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
MA 420 is available in even-numbered Fall semesters. In odd-numbered Fall semesters, students should complete MA 425.
Year Four - Spring
| MA 418 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| OR | |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
| | |
| | Four (4) electives | |
MA 418 is available in even-numbered Spring semesters. In odd-numbered Spring semesters, students should complete a Social Science (SS) core course.
Sample Degree Plan - Marymount University Mathematics (B.S.) and UND Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Marymount University has an agreement with the University of North Dakota for students to earn both a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of North Dakota and a degree in Mathematics from Marymount University. Students fulfill all requirements for both degrees while maintaining full-time status at Marymount University and enrolling in online courses at the University of North Dakota. Tuition each semester is due to Marymount University. This tuition covers Marymount courses as well as University of North Dakota courses. University of North Dakota courses are delivered online during the academic year. Students are required to complete three laboratory courses during two summers at the University of North Dakota. Interested students should work with their academic advisor at the beginning of their academic career to understand the full requirements of both programs. The advisor will guide the student through the application process and subsequent registrations. Application to the University of North Dakota occurs early during the fall semester of the first year. For more information and details, please see Marymount University Partnership with University of North Dakota Engineering.
Please note that this is a sample plan and requires 5 years; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections. Some courses are offered only every other year, and this plan assumes beginning in the fall of an odd year, but the program can be completed beginning any year.
Year One - Fall
| CHM 151 | Principles of Chemistry I * | 3 |
| CHM 151L | Principles of Chemistry I Lab * | 1 |
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| MA 181 | Calculus I * | 4 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
CHM 151: NS core course; fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
CHM 151L: NS lab core course; fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
EN 101: WR core course
MA 181: MT core course; fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering (Not all students should begin with MA 181. Follow placement recommendations and advisor guidance in course selection.)
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year One - Spring
| MA 200 | Calculus II * | 3 |
| MA 218 | Probability and Statistics * | 3 |
| IT 130 | Java Programming | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| ME 101+ | Introduction to Mechanical Engineering | 3 |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
EN 102: WR core course
MA 200: MT core course; DSCI core course; fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
MA 218: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 101: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Two - Fall
| MA 210 | Seminar with Introduction to Proofs through Discrete Math | 3 |
| PHYS 271 | General Physics I * | 3 |
| PHYS 271L | General Physics I Lab * | 1 |
| SOC 131 | Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective * | 3 |
| ENGR 200+ | Computer Applications in Engineering | 2 |
| HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course (PH 311 recommended) * | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
PHYS 271: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
PHYS 271: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
SOC-131: SS core course
ENGR 200: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
DF&R: Must choose a PH course that meets UND requirements
Year Two - Spring
| MA 221 | Multivariable Calculus * | 4 |
| MA 215 | Linear Algebra and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| PHYS 272 | General Physics II * | 3 |
| PHYS 272L | General Physics II Lab * | 1 |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| ENGR 201+ | Statics | 3 |
| ME 201C+ | Student Design Lecture | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
MA 221: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
PHYS 272 and PHYS 272L: Fulfill a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ENGR 201: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 201C: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Two - Summer
| ME 201C+ | Student Design Lecture | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
ME 201C: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Three - Fall
| MA 230 | Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MA 309 | Mathematics Seminar | 1 |
| MA 425 | Introduction to Real Analysis | 3 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
| ENGR 202+ | Dynamics | 3 |
| ME 341+ | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
ENGR 202: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 341: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Three - Spring
| MA 257 | Introduction to Number Theory and Proof Techniques | 3 |
| MA 418 | Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
| ENGR 203+ | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| ENGR 206+ | Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering | 3 |
| ENGR 460+ | Engineering Economy | 3 |
| ME 322+ | Design of Machinery | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
MA 418: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ENGR 203: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ENGR 206: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ENGR 460: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 322: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Four - Fall
MATH 266 transfers as MA 325; fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 301: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 306: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Tech Elective: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Four - Spring
| ME 323+ | Machine Component Design | 3 |
| ME 323L+ | Machine Component Design Lab | 1 |
| ME 418+ | Manufacturing Processes | 3 |
| ME 474+ | Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer | 3 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
ME 323 and 323L: Fulfill a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 418: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 474: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Four - Summer
| ME 418L++ | Manufacturing Processes Lab | 1 |
| ME 483++ | Mechanical Measurements Lab | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
ME 418L: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 483: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Five - Fall
ME 480: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
ME 487: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Tech Elective: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Year Five - Spring
ME 488: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Tech Elective: Fulfills a requirement for the UND degree in Mechanical Engineering
Courses marked with + are completed online through UND.
Courses marked with ++ are completed in person at UND.