If you have a passion for mathematics, join us at Westminster College. Here, you can prepare for a successful and rewarding career in any number of fields. Our graduates have gone on to pursue job opportunities in applied mathematics, physics, economics, actuarial sciences, secondary education, computer science, and engineering. If you want to continue your education, Westminster will give you a solid foundation you need to succeed in graduate school and beyond.
With Westminster's Dual Degree Engineering Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in as little as five years.
From independent research to distinguished national mathematics competitions, math majors at Westminster College get a full – and fulfilling – academic experience.
With our small class sizes, you will engage with students and professors to develop strong skills in written and oral communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
You will have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty and present your work at the annual Undergraduate Scholars Forum as well as undergraduate mathematics conferences elsewhere. Many of our students also participate in national mathematics competitions and Data Fest at the University of Missouri.
Courses offered include linear algebra, probability and statistics, differential equations, higher geometry, abstract algebra, and advanced calculus. Advanced topics courses are available for independent research projects and special student interests, and previous topics have included cryptography, financial derivatives, and Riemannian geometry. Math majors are encouraged to join the Math Club and may be selected to join Pi Mu Epsilon, a nationally chartered honor society dedicated to the advancement of mathematics.
Math majors do research with faculty and present their work at the annual Undergraduate Scholars Forum as well as undergraduate mathematics conferences elsewhere. Many also participate in national mathematics competitions and Data Fest at the University of Missouri.
Our courses encourage the use of technology and teamwork, emphasizing graphing calculators and software such as Minitab, Maple, and MatLab/Octave.
Westminster graduates have gone on to study fields such as applied mathematics, physics, economics, actuarial sciences, secondary education, computer science, and engineering. Many students begin graduate studies, enter the field of education, or move into the areas of statistics or actuarial science.
“During my time at Westminster, I connected my love for mathematics with my passion for teaching. I continue to hold bonds with my mentors who supported me during my development as a math teacher.”
Alyssa Monroe '11 M.Ed UMC
Students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
Core Courses/Competencies
Major courses required include Calculus I, II, and III, Advanced Calculus, Linear Algebra, Modern Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Mathematics Programming Logic and Design, Fundamentals of Computer Science, and Physics.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences also offers a minor program of study in mathematics as well as coursework integral to the General Education Program and to programs in the physical sciences. Through the study of mathematical sciences, students acquire and enhance their problem-solving skills and learn to apply these to real-world issues. Majors and minors must earn an overall 2.3 GPA in all mathematics courses needed to satisfy major/minor requirements.
Check out what Westminster mathematics students and alums are doing and get department updates.
Westminster College has an excellent mathematics education program of study. It is accredited for both secondary and middle school mathematics teacher certification programs. Students in the program will be well-versed in teaching with technology as iPads are included for each student. The Westminster education department has a 99.6% placement rate, one of the highest in the state.
Absolutely. Many of our math majors elect to double major in programs which have included political science, physics, education, chemistry, economics, and even English or Spanish. It gives our graduates a competitive edge in job search and graduate school applications. It is also possible to minor in another program such as Dual Degree Engineering.
Courses offered include the calculus sequence, linear algebra, mathematical probability and statistics, ordinary differential equations, game theory, discrete math, and advanced levels of proof-based mathematics such as abstract algebra, higher geometry, and advanced calculus to name a few. Advanced topics courses are available for independent research projects and special student interests. Previous topics have included cryptography, actuarial mathematics, financial derivatives, and Riemannian geometry. Advanced placement into math courses is available with scores of 4 or 5 on math AP tests. You will have an advisor who will assist you with a four-year plan in mathematics. Math classes are kept small in size (typically below 24) for strong student/faculty interaction. See the math website for more information. https://www.wcmo.edu/academics/programs/mathematics.html
Yes. The Careers Services Office at Westminster assist undergraduates with searching for internships and jobs. Many resources are also provided including mock interviews, resume revision, etc. For more information: https://www.wcmo.edu/academics/ssc/career/index.html
Math majors are encouraged to join the Math Club and may be selected to join Pi Mu Epsilon, a nationally chartered honor society dedicated to the advancement of mathematics. Most recently, a Data Science track for mathematics majors has been launched at Westminster. Math and Mathematical Data Science majors may elect to participate in the annual DataFest at the University of Missouri, become involved in research with a faculty member, present research locally at our Undergraduate Scholars Forum, or apply for summer math REU’s.
A math minor allows students a quantitative advantage in the job market while pursuing an alternate field of study. A student electing to complete the math minor will be grounded in quantitative and analytical skills which will complement many majors, including but not limited to those in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. While your college major is more important than your minor, a mathematics minor could enhance your opportunity to work on special projects and interdisciplinary teams, and in some cases might be the tiebreaker between you and an otherwise equally qualified applicant for the same job that requires quantitative and analytic skills.
Absolutely. Physics, Computer Science, Education, Psychology, Business and Economics, and Pre-Law are some of many fields which mathematics complements.
A mathematics minor requires 18-19 hours of required and elective courses which can be found here: https://www.wcmo.edu/academics/degree/files/minor-mat.pdf. Foundational courses include calculus and a study of statistics.
