Mathematics

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
• Google
• 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.

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.

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.

STEM Designated Programs

These programs meet the requirements of what the Department of Homeland Security considers to be a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field of study. International students who graduate from this program may be eligible to apply for a 24-month OPT extension.  More Info »