Mathematics

The mission of Mathematics at Olivet Nazarene University is to develop in its students the characteristics of logical and analytical thinking, an appreciation of the beauty of mathematical structures, and problem solving skills needed for career and personal achievement. 

Our students find satisfaction in solving tough problems, analyzing statistics, and/or unlocking the mysteries of the universe. They enjoy learning in collaboration with similarly interested peers, alongside faculty members who are experts in the field and care about their students.

Olivet’s mathematical alumni have gone on to do statistical analysis for the Mayo Clinic, operations research for World Vision, and data analysis for the Federal Reserve Bank, just to name a few. Some of our graduates have continued their mathematical studies in graduate school. Browse our page to discover where your math degree will lead you.

From the Blog

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Clubs and Activities

Math Club

Gather once a month for food and fun.  This group does some fun hands-on and interactive mathematics. Topics include, Benford's Law, Mathematical origami, The Great pi and e debate, Mathematical Murder Mystery, Slicing pizza, Pi day and a Mathematical Photo Scavenger Hunt.

Pi Mu Epsilon

Pi Mu Epsilon is a national mathematics honor society. The purpose of the Society is to promote scholarly activity in mathematics among the students in academic institutions. To be eligible for membership a student needs to have completed two mathematics courses beyond a year of Calculus and maintain a gpa of 3.0 or higher in mathematics as well as overall.

Competitions

Competition is a great way to distinguish oneself and the university and spark innovation. The three competitions that our students have participated in are the ACCA Calculus Competition, the Putnam Exam, and the Math Modeling Competition (MCM). 
See Past Results >>

Programs

B.S. Actuarial Science

The Actuarial Science degree is designed for students who wish to go into the actuarial profession. Our program prepares students for the first two exams (P and FM exams) and provides coursework for all three VEE (Validation by Educational Experience) areas: Economics, Corporate Finance, and Mathematical Statistics (which are not all available at many schools). Students should be able to take at least one exam by the end of their junior year, positioning them to be competitive for internships before graduating. The passing rates for Olivet students on these two exams is usually better than the overall passing rate for each exam. Are you unsure about becoming an actuary, but interested in professions that involve both business and mathematics? Then this is the degree for you!

B.A. Mathematics

The B.A. in Mathematics is a scaled down version of the B.S. in Mathematics, making it ideal for students who want to complete a double major. There is no limit to what you can pair the mathematics major with, because mathematics can apply to almost anything!

B.S. Mathematics

The B.S. in Mathematics gives students a strong foundation in mathematics, while allowing students to choose from a variety of upper division electives ranging from the theoretical to the applied. Many graduates have used their mathematics degrees as analysts in a variety of industries. Other graduates have gone on to receive master’s or doctoral degrees in graduate school. Do you like learning math but are unsure what you want to do as a career? Then this is the degree for you!

B.S. Mathematics Education

The Mathematics Education program prepares students to teach grades 6 through 12 in the state of Illinois; and our graduates have had no problem being hired in other states such as Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Colorado, and Florida, to name a few. The Mathematics Education degree is a complete degree in mathematics with a focus on teaching. A graduate with this degree has the same amount of mathematics as a graduate with the Mathematics B.A. degree, so there are lots of career paths open to Mathematics Education graduates, both inside and outside of education.

B.S. Data Science

The Data Science degree is designed for students who wish to enter the field of data science, also known as data analytics. Data Scientist is often cited as the hottest profession in the United States. This degree is interdisciplinary, with coursework primarily in mathematics and computer science. The mathematics coursework includes statistics and matrix based courses while the computer science courses cover the necessary information in databases and big data. Through these courses students will be exposed to the most heavily used packages in data science including SPSS and R, Excel, Access, SQL, and Python. The major also requires either a minor or a second major to represent an area of application. This application area can be anything from astronomy to zoology.

Data Science Minor

The department offers a minor in data science.  The minor requires 21 hours of mathematics as follows:
Required core courses:

MATH 241 Statistics (4 hours)
MATH 330 Regression and Time Series (3 hours)

COMP 150 Programming:  Control Structures (3 hours)
COMP 246 SQL Programmings (2 hours)
COMP 445 Big Data (3 hours)

BSNS 171 Computer Apps & Communication (3 hours)
BSNS 271 Computation & MGMT Support (3 hours)

Mathematics Minor

The department offers a minor in mathematics for students majoring in other areas. The requirements of the minor include 21 hours of mathematics and are:

MATH 147 Calculus I MATH 148 Calculus II MATH 351 Linear Algebra Nine additional hours of mathematics above MATH 148

Mathematics Education Minor

The department offers a minor in mathematics education. This minor is specifically for students pursuing a secondary teaching major in another field, but who also want to be qualified to teach mathematics. The minor requires 25 hours of mathematics as follows:

MATH 241 Statistics (4 hours) MATH 311 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours) MATH 373 Foundations of Mathematics (3 hours) MATH 430 Abstract Algebra (3 hours) MATH 455 Modern College Geometry (3 hours) EDUC 385 Middle/Secondary School Methods (Mathematics) MATH 147 Calculus I MATH 148 Calculus II MATH 151 Freshman Seminar in Mathematics MATH 351 Linear Algebra 10 Additional hours selected from

Statistics Minor

The department offers a minor in statistics. This minor was created due to the dramatic growth in the AP Statistics program and the recognition that many fields can benefit from effective data analysis. The minor requires 21 hours of mathematics as follows:
Required core courses:

MATH 241 Statistics (4 hours) PSYC 331 Basic Research and Statistics (4 hours) 

 

BSNS 440 Market Research
MATH 465 Probability and Mathematical Statistics
MATH/PSYC 4XX Introduction to Biostatistics and Epidemiology
PSYC 332 Advanced Research Statistics
PSYC 433 Quantitative Research project (1-3 hours)
MATH 330 Regression and Time Series or ECON 342 Intermediate Economic Statistics

At least 3 courses (9 hours) selected from the following list, at least one course (3 hours) must be outside of the student’s major:

Required Supporting course:

MATH 147 Calculus I (4 hours)