Mathematics (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Actuarial Science degree program prepares mathematically talented students who have an interest in business applications for work in the actuarial science field. In this major, you will use a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to manage risk. You will prepare for work in the actuarial field while connecting faith and disciplinary expertise in unique and challenging ways.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Mathematics program can:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of foundational content of mathematics defined through the Mathematical Association of America.    
  2. Engage in scholarship in mathematics, demonstrating the professional skills of independent problem-solving, self-directed research, and oral and written communication.
  3. Skill in using appropriate technology to enhance understanding of mathematics and related disciplines, to simplify computation, and to present work professionally.
  4. Demonstrate an awareness of options for employment, voluntary service and/or graduate education in mathematics or closely related fields.
  5. Articulate a maturing understanding of how faith connects to mathematics.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CIS 181Computer Programming I

3

 

CIS 284Computer Programming II

3

OR

STAT 292Statistics for Mathematical Sciences II

3

 

ECON 120Principles of Macroeconomics

3

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 112Calculus II

4

MATH 195First Year Mathematics Seminar

3

MATH 211Calculus III

4

MATH 261Linear Algebra

3

MATH 362Algebraic Structures

3

MATH 412Introduction to Real Analysis

3

MATH 494Senior Mathematics Seminar

3

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 212General Physics II

4

STAT 291Statistics for Mathematical Sciences I

3

MATH 494: Fulfills Writing Enriched course requirement for major.

12 additional credits from the following:

MATH 301Numerical Analysis

3

MATH 308Differential Equations

3

MATH 341Mathematical Modeling

3

MATH 350Mathematics of Finance I

3

MATH 382Geometry

3

MATH 392History of Mathematics

3

MATH 405Introduction to Mathematical Research

3

MATH 490Topics in Mathematics

3

MATH 491Independent Study

1-3

ENGR 365Linear Systems

3

Any STAT 3xx or 4xx course

3

Note: Students in the mathematics and mathematics with teaching certification majors are encouraged to complete the sequence ECON 120: Principles of Macroeconomics and ECON 220: Principles of Microeconomics. The study of economics provides an excellent foundation for many careers in mathematical sciences. A double-major or minor in economics is a strong, marketable addition to the mathematics major, and either combination can be completed in 8 semesters.

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W)3
Mathematical Sciences (MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 211)met/major
Laboratory Science (PHYS 211 or PHYS 212) met/major
Science, Technology & the World waived
Social Science (ECON 120)met/major
European History or United States History3
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion3
Arts 3
First Semester of Language3
Second Semester of Language3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies 2 or 3
Bible3
Christian Beliefs3
Wellness course1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism3
QuEST requirements42-43
Major requirements 59
Free electives22-21
Total credits 123