Mathematics, the engine of a changing economy.

Knowledge of mathematics and the deductive reasoning and quantitative analysis skills it requires are highly sought after in the business world. Nichols Mathematics Program gives you a strong foundation for success, particularly for positions that require focused decision-making.

You’ll learn the mathematical theories, computational techniques and algorithms that mathematicians use to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics and business problems.

If you want to teach, you may also enroll in the Educator Preparation Program and apply for a license to teach mathematics at the middle and secondary school levels.

As a Mathematics Program graduate, your sought-after knowledge and skills will open doors in virtually every industry:

  • insurance
  • education
  • healthcare
  • financial services
  • government agencies
  • emerging technology

A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for research in many areas of computer science, social science and engineering.

Career Success!

Katy L. Kryzwick

Class of 2011: Katy L. Kryzwick
Hometown: Torrington, CT
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Education
Position: Western Carolina University, NC: graduate student

How she did it:
Katy L. Kryzwick thought she wanted to be a teacher but did a flip-flop in the fall of 2010. After speaking to two very important mentors, Resident Director LeighAnn Soucy and Dr. Joanne Newcombe, she decided to get a master’s in College Student Personnel.

Kryzwick’s mother was initially nervous about her daughter heading to graduate school. “But, I involved my Mom in every step of the application process, including campus visits,” says Kryzwick. And by taking an assistant resident director position at Western Carolina University, she gets free room and board. “All I have to do is pay for tuition and books,” she says.

On July 15th, Kryzwick will move into her campus apartment with its reserved parking space. “I hope I have the same feeling of belonging that I did when I first moved to the Hill.”

Courses

Mathematics majors must complete 120 credit hours (approximately 40 courses), including courses from the foundation and liberal arts core curricula, focused electives and these required specialization courses:

Required Courses

MATH 191
 
Calculus II		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A standard course in integral calculus. Topics include methods of integration, applications of integration, areas, volumes, and surface areas. Exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions will be utilized. Practical applications of the material will be stressed.
Prerequisite: MATH 190 or its equivalent
MATH 215
 
Statistics I		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A first course in probability and statistics covering descriptive statistics, statistical graphs, probability, probability distributions, and sampling, and hypothesis testing. Elements of regression and correlation are potential topics. Statistical tables and the Microsoft Excel software package will be used throughout the course.
Prerequisite: MATH 117 or MATH 121 or MATH 190
MATH 229
 
Calculus III		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A third course in calculus, covering infinite sequences, series, curves, surfaces in spaces, vectors, functions of several variables, and multiple integrals. Arc length, curvature, partial derivatives, Lagrange multipliers, and the introduction to differential equations are also potential topics.
Prerequisite: MATH 191
MATH 348
 
Linear Algebra		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A standard course in linear algebra covering linear systems and their solutions, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, quadratic forms, rank, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
Prerequisite: MATH 191
MATH 442
 
Abstract Algebra		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

This course is designed to introduce students to basic algebraic structures. Topics include sets, the integers and their properties, groups, rings, integral domains, and fields.
Prerequisite: MATH 191
MATH 349
 
Differential Equations		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

Topics covered are first-order differential equations, linear first-order equations, exact equations, second- and higher- order differential linear equations, first-order linear systems of differential equations, and Laplace transforms. 
Prerequisite: MATH 229
MATH 362
 
Foundations of Mathematics		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

Topics will include propositional logic, predicates and proofs, set theory, mathematical induction, number theory, relations and functions.
Prerequisite: MATH 191
MATH 395
 
Discrete Mathematics		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A first course in discrete mathematics intended to present both theory and applications from areas such as network- ing and computer science. Topics will include sets, relations, mathematical induction, graphs, trees, matchings, network flows, combinatorics, and recurrence relations.
Prerequisites: MATH 191
MATH 440
 
Real Analysis		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

In this course, students will develop a deeper understand- ing and appreciation of the underlying theory of numbers, sets, and calculus. Formal proofs will be introduced and emphasized. Topics include sets and functions, mathematical induction, structure of numbers, the completeness axiom, countability, sequences, convergence, the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem, Cauchy sequences, continuity, limits, differentiation, mean value theorem, and Riemann integration.
Prerequisites: MATH 191 and MATH 362
MATH 441
 
College Geometry		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

This course involves a formal study of the concepts of geometry, the development of Euclidean geometry, and an introduction to non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisite: MATH 191
MATH 470
 
Topics in Mathematics		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

Possible areas of study are numerical analysis, the history of mathematics, advanced probability, techniques in mathematical problem solving, number theory, interest theory, actuarial exam preparation, and regression analysis. There are other topics that will be considered depending on student need and interest.
Prerequisites: Will vary depending on the content of the course

 

College Catalog

Review or download the college catalog for additional details and information about courses and requirements.

Key Faculty
Nicholas Gorgievski
  • Nicholas Gorgievski
  • Program Chair
Mark Naigles
  • Mark Naigles
Jason Price
  • Jason Price

Questions about the Mathematics Program? Contact Professor Nicholas Gorgievski, Program Chair, at nicholas.gorgievski@nichols.edu or 508-213-2269.