Mathematics BA

College of Arts and Sciences
Department Chair Steven Tedford, PhD

Faculty

Tania Hazra, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, BS, MS University of Calcutta; MA, PhD The University of Alabama

Patricia Lapczynski, RSM, Associate Professor of Computer Science, BA Douglass College; MS Dartmouth College; DPS Pace University

Fanchao Meng, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, ME Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications; MS, PhD University of Delaware

Jay Stine, Professor of Mathematics, BA Shippensburg University; MS, PhD, University of Miami

Steven J. Tedford, Professor of Mathematics, BA Marist College; MS, PhD Binghamton University

Mathematics has been called the queen of the sciences. In recent years, the increased use of statistics and quantitative methods, combined with the computer revolution, have caused mathematics to pervade not only the physical sciences, but the life and social sciences as well. Mathematical techniques are widely used in research, in industry, manufacturing, commerce, and government. Recognizing these broad applications, this major in mathematics was designed to expose students to both classical and contemporary areas.

The mathematics major prepares students for careers in business, industry or government, or for future study in graduate or professional school.

Students may choose to pursue either a BS or BA degree in mathematics. The required mathematics courses for either degree are the same. Students who choose a BA must complete PHY 221 -PHY 222  

Upper-level courses are offered in alternate years (see course descriptions for details), so that a student’s schedule may not follow this sequence exactly. The plan of study would be typical for a traditional first-year student whose first semester begins in the fall of an odd numbered year (e.g., 2021).

Mission

The Misericordia University Mathematics program provides our students with the mathematical skills and knowledge to be successful in mathematics-based careers as well as to be prepared for graduate programs in mathematics.  Our students will gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills through their coursework.  They will have the ability to apply these methods in their everyday lives. 

Program Learning Outcomes and Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcome 1 - To think critically, reason analytically, and solve problems creatively.

1. The students will be able to evaluate arguments.
2. The students will compute basic Riemann integrals and use the fundamentals of power series expansions.

Program Learning Outcome 2 – To show an understanding of the common body of knowledge of mathematics.

1. The students will be able to solve problems in differential and integral calculus.
2. The students will be able to solve problems in naïve set theory.

Program Learning Outcome 3 – To respect and understand the culture, philosophy, and history of mathematics.

1. The students will show an understanding of the history of geometry.
2. The students will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of mathematical proof.

Program Learning Outcome 4 – To think and act mathematically to pursue a lifetime of learning.

1. The students will be able to explain inferential statistics and its uses.
2. The students will be able to solve applied problems using mathematical models.

For information about the requirements for students pursuing Secondary Education certification, please refer to the Teacher Education Programs  section.