Mathematics
Overview
School of Arts and Sciences / Mathematics
Math is the ultimate universal language that connects everything and can take you anywhere.
As a mathematics major at La Salle, ours students learn to observe reality with precision, think logically, and to communicate effectively—all skills that build a strong foundation for careers sought highly by employers in government, industry, and education.
The Department supports two mathematics majors, one leading to a B.A. and another leading to a B.S.
B.A. in Mathematics
It is advisable for students who take the B.A. track to declare a minor in a related field.
B.S. in Mathematics
The B.S. track is better suited for students who wish to pursue mathematics at the graduate level after graduation.
Many of the highest paying positions in the country heavily involve mathematics.
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Blaze Your Own Path
Careers
Mathematics majors go on to have successful careers in a variety of careers – some expected and some surprising. Mathematics is also a great primer for students looking to pursue a graduate degree in medicine, law, and business.
Some common careers students pursue include:
- Actuaries
- Data analyst
- Financial analyst
- Teachers
- College faculty
- Researchers
- Economists
- Computer scientists
- Statistician
Our alums have gone on to work for reputable employers including:
- Beneficial Bank
- Moody’s
- Lockheed Martin
- Teaching positions at Mount St. Joseph’s Academy, Nazareth Academy High School, Philadelphia Academy Charter School, Franklin Towne Charter High School, Archbishop Wood High School, Archbishop Ryan High School, and the Crefeld School among others.
Class Descriptions
Among the challenging curriculum, you will find a wide variety of courses that provide a well-rounded education in mathematics including:
APPLIED BUSINESS CALCULUS
This course is an introduction to functions and modeling and differentiation. There will be a particular focus on mathematical modeling and business applications. Applications include break-even analysis, compound interest, elasticity, inventory and lot size, income streams, and supply and demand curves. The course will include the frequent use of Microsoft Excel.
CALCULUS AND ANALYTIC GEOMETRY I
Topics in this course include functions of various types: rational, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic; limits and continuity; the derivative of a function and its interpretation; applications of derivatives including maxima and minima and curve sketching; antiderivatives, the definite integral and approximations; the fundamental theorem of calculus; and integration using substitution.
FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS
Topics in this course include propositional logic, methods of proof, sets, fundamental properties of integers, elementary number theory, functions and relations, cardinality, and the structure of the real numbers.
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
This course focuses on analytical, graphical, and numerical techniques for first and higher order differential equations; Laplace transform methods; systems of coupled linear differential equations; phase portraits and stability; applications in the natural and social sciences.
COMBINATORICS
This course addresses permutations and combinations, generating functions, recurrence relations and difference equations, inclusion/exclusion principle, derangements, and other counting techniques, including cycle indexing and Polya’s method of enumeration. Prerequisite: MTH 221
HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS
This course is an in-depth historical study of the development of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in Western mathematics (Europe and the Near East) from ancient times up through the 19th century, including highlights from the mathematical works of such figures as Euclid, Archimedes, Diophantus, Fibonacci, Cardano, Napier, Descartes, Fermat, Pascal, Newton, Leibniz, Euler, and Gauss. A term paper on some aspect of the history of mathematics is required.
Highlights and Facilities
The faculty in our Mathematics Department are committed to providing students with a liberal arts education that fosters academic interest as well as the individualized attention needed to help transform students into the person they were meant to be. This includes:
A well-rounded education
The mathematics program supplements La Salle’s liberal and value-based education with the absolutes of numbers and equations to ensure that your education is never in-the-box.
One-on-one attention
With an average class size of 22 students, you receive the individualized attention that you deserve.
An invaluable location
With Center City Philadelphia at your doorstep, you’re provided with the internship and subsequent employment opportunities among the regions top medical, finance, healthcare, pharmaceutical, science, and research organizations, including corporate leaders.
Guidance and dedication
You will learn from professors who are recognized scholars of their industry.
A close-knit community
Our well-read cohort of faculty, staff, Christian Brothers and fellow students ignite meaningful discussion and collaboration, as well as lifelong friendships.
Unbeatable value
The return-on-investment you receive at La Salle is unbeatable. That’s why Money magazine cited La Salle fifth on its list of “50 Colleges that Add the Most Value in 2016, along with mentions in U.S. News and World Reports, Forbes, and the Economist.
Beyond the Classroom
Clubs
Get involved outside of the classroom at La Salle
Clubs
There are always great ways to get involved outside of the classroom at La Salle. Many our mathematics majors belong to clubs like:
Kappa Mu Epsilon (Mathematics)
Kappa Mu Epsilon provides a society for the recognition of outstanding achievement in the study of mathematics at the undergraduate level. This honor society also strives to further the knowledge of mathematics students at La Salle University.
Mathematical Society
At La Salle University, we are representing those that enjoy math as well as those that may have anxiety when it comes to math. We encourage everyone from different majors to join Mathematical Association. Our goal is to make math more fun for everyone through our programs, going to conferences, having speakers come who specialize in math, and participating in math modeling competitions.
Investment Club
The La Salle University Investment Club is a student organization that was created to provide a means for all interested students to learn about investments and investing. As such, membership is open to all students at La Salle. Our main mission is to give students an opportunity to make decisions in managing a real investment portfolio and to interact with investment professionals via networking.
Enactus
Enactus is a group comprised of student, academic, and business leaders who use entrepreneurial action to help the community. Enactus’s projects include the Green Project, which builds greenhouses to help neighborhoods access fruits and vegetables, and Open Minds, which is a competition to create innovative solutions to world problems.
Association for Computing Machinery
ACM strives to provide an environment for students to challenge each other and learn new skills while enjoying a social atmosphere. ACM participates in events such as Hackathon and various programming competitions.
Mock Trial Association
The La Salle Mock Trial Association (LMTA) is an extracurricular organization seeking to enhance members’ knowledge of the law, develop members’ communication and critical thinking skills, and instill in members the importance of commitment and leadership. Working as a team, the members will ethically compete with other colleges and universities pursuant to the rules established by LMTA.
For a full list of clubs and organizations covering everything from chess to the Harry Potter club, visit our Student Affairs page.
Mathematics majors are often part of our tutoring program, helping to mentor other students in the fundamentals of math.
Service Opportunities
Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission.
Service Opportunities
Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission. As a mathematics major, you will be able to dive into a wide range of service opportunities that fall under our Fellowship of Community and University Service (F.O.C.U.S.) umbrella including outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and the service and immersion trips.
The groups that fall under the F.O.C.U.S. umbrella include Outreach Programs, Advocacy Groups, Mentoring and Tutoring Programs, and the Service and Immersion Trips. These programs strive to serve others, promote social justice, and work toward the common good. Programs include:
- Lasallian Immersion and Volunteer Experience (LIVE)
- Alliance
- Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ambassadors
- Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
- AIDS Outreach
- Circle K
- Environmental Community of Olney (ECO)
- Neighbor to Neighbor
- Pheed Philadelphia
- REACHE (Special Olympics)
- Neighborhood Tutoring
- TEAM Lasallians
83% of faculty hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.
Ranked in Forbes 2017 Top U.S. Colleges.
Listed by the New York Times in the Top 6% for median income of graduates at age 34.
Ranked 34th in the North Region on U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 list of Best Colleges.