Areas of Study

Mathematics Majors

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

• Mathematics
• Mathematics with emphasis in Actuarial Science
• Mathematics with emphasis in Data Science
• Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification

The curriculum is structured to meet the overlapping needs of students who fall in one or more of the following categories:

• those who intend to pursue graduate work in mathematics and related fields;
• those who will apply mathematics in the natural sciences, social sciences, business or other areas;
• those who plan to become actuaries;
• those who plan to become data scientists; 
• those who plan to become high school mathematics teachers; and
• those who plan to become computer scientists.

Requirements for mathematics majors

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 MA140, Calculus I, or a higher course during the first semester at Millikin. MA098, MA109, MA110, MA112, MA113, MA115, MA130, and MA131 do not count toward a major or minor.

All majors are required to complete the common foundation courses. This foundation is comprised of the following five mathematics courses.

• MA140. Calculus I
• MA208. Discrete Mathematics
• MA240. Calculus II
• MA303. Linear Algebra
• MA304. Probability

The department may waive one or more of the foundation course requirements for students with advanced high school mathematics preparation.  For the specific course requirements for each track, see the listings under the Area of Study link on the sidebar.