Mathematics, Actuarial Science Emphasis (MATAS.BS)

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Mathematical Sciences

This mathematics program track prepares students for graduate study and careers in actuarial science. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and development of curriculum and pedagogical skills.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 40-46

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

Specialty Area Requirements*

MTHS 135 - Introduction to Statistics Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.  The primary emphasis is on the analysis of data sets to facilitate informed decision-making processes.  Topics include sampling methods, summaries of data, descriptive statistics, probability, distributions, correlation, and regression.

Prerequisites

ACT mathematics score of 19 or SAT equivalent, or completion of MTHS-099 with a grade of C or better, or placement by the math placement exam.
MTHS 261 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4

Definition and formulas, rate of change, derivatives, and application of functions. The study and application of indefinite and definite integrals.

Prerequisites

MTHS-161 with a minimum grade of C-, or equivalent course work.
MTHS 262 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4

Applications of basic integration, advanced methods of integration, sequences and series, parametric equations and polar coordinates.

Prerequisites

MTHS-261 with a minimum grade of C-.
MTHS 361 - Calculus III Credit Hours: 4

Vectors and vector calculus, partial derivatives, gradients, double and triple integrals, centroids, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, line integrals, surface integrals, and Stoke's theorem.

Prerequisites

MTHS-262 with a minimum grade of C-.
MTHS 350 - Logic and Sets Credit Hours: 3

A cohesive treatment of foundational mathematics including the topics of elementary mathematical logic, mathematical proof, set theory, relations, and functions.

Prerequisites

MTHS-261 with a minimum grade of C-.
MTHS 371 - Introduction To Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the algebra of matrices, vectors, determinants, solutions of systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformations, Eigenvectors, Eigenvalues and canonical forms.

Prerequisites

MTHS-261 with a minimum grade of C-.
MTHS 335 - Mathematical Probability Credit Hours: 3

This course is intended to provide students with a rigorous mathematical foundation for the analysis of uncertainty and to equip students with a working knowledge of the theory of probability.

Prerequisites

MTHS-262
MTHS 363 - Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3

First order and simple higher order differential equations with applications, linear differential equations, systems of DE, Laplace transform, series solutions and numerical methods.

Prerequisites

MTHS-262 with a minimum grade of C-; MTHS-361 strongly recommended.
MTHS 340 - Mathematics Internship Seminar Credit Hours: 1

A course designed to prepare students for their on-site workplace internship in their chosen discipline. This course is a pre-requisite for the MTHS-341/342/343/344 Internship courses.

Prerequisites

Open to mathematics majors and minors only, with permission of instructor.
MTHS 445 - Financial Mathematics Credit Hours: 4

An introduction to the theory of interest and financial economics. Topics include time value of money, annuities, bonds, immunizations, derivatives, options, hedging and swaps.

Prerequisites

MTHS-262 with a minimum grade of C
MTHS 495 - Mathematics in Faith and Practice Credit Hours: 3

Senior Capstone course for majors.  Comparative study of related scientific, philosophical, and theological ideology within mathematics.  Through lecture, research papers, and guided class discussion, an attempt is made to demonstrate the necessity and possibility of harmonizing mathematics and biblical truth.  Students are encouraged to develop a philosophy of mathematics which integrates a statement of faith.

Prerequisites

THEO-231, and a minumum of 18 credit hours within the major including MTHS-350.

Collateral Requirements*

ACCT 241 - Principles of Accounting I Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to financial accounting and the preparation of financial statements as an information tool for businesses. It examines the accounting cycle, transaction analysis, asset and equity accounting, financial statement preparation and analysis, and related topics.

Prerequisites

MATH 099 placement or higher
ACCT 242 - Principles of Accounting II Credit Hours: 3

A continuation of Accounting 241 in which emphasis is placed on managerial accounting as an information system used to support management decisions. Topics include equity and financing, budgeting, cash flow, and cost-volume-profit analysis.

Prerequisites

ACCT-241 with a grade of C- or better and CISS 101
ECON 311 - Macroeconomics Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a comprehensive overview of macroeconomics. It examines both long-run and short-run macroeconomic issues. Topics include economic growth, income inequality, unemployment, inflation, stabilization policy, government debt and deficits, international trade, exchange rates, and financial crises. Students will be exposed to both macroeconomic theory and contemporary macroeconomic issues. Special emphasis is placed on developing economic tools and applying those tools to contemporary issues. 

Prerequisites

Placement in MATH-099 or higher
ECON 312 - Microeconomics Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to the concepts and tools of microeconomic analysis. The purpose is to give students a comprehensive understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. 

Prerequisites

Placement in MATH-099 or higher
FINC 307 - Business Finance Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overview of a firm's investment and financing decisions from the perspective of the corporate manager.  The time-value of money, sources and costs of short-term and long-term financing, financial analysis and interpretation, capital budgeting, and cost of capital determination are studied. 

Prerequisites

ACCT-242 and MTHS-135
FINC 430 - Financial Analysis and Valuation Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of various techniques used in project and enterprise valuation.  Practical methods of discounted cash flow analysis, relative valuation using market multiples, and real options are discussed. 

Prerequisites

BUSN-307 and BUSN-261