Mathematics
The primary objective of the Mathematics program is to provide an appropriate mathematical background to all University students, focusing on the ability to think critically and solve problems through oral and written communication, in order to foster quantitative literacy.
In addition, the Mathematics program is designed to:
- Provide Mathematics majors with the basic undergraduate mathematical knowledge necessary for graduate studies, a teaching career, or a variety of statistical or business careers.
- Provide Science and professional majors with the mathematical and statistical background for their fields and highlight the wide applicability of mathematics.
- Provide Business majors with a foundation in finite mathematics, statistics, and calculus and demonstrate the relevance of mathematics to increasing complexities of the business world.
- Provide Liberal Arts majors with an introduction to mathematical ideas and promote an appreciation and understanding of the important role of mathematics within the broader curriculum.
The strengths of the department include small class sizes in developmental and major courses, emphasis on student/faculty interaction, and classroom and online instruction utilizing relevant software and technology.
The mathematics major offers three tracks for our students: the traditional track, the actuarial science track, and the data science track.
The traditional track includes core courses in calculus, linear algebra, analysis and abstract algebra. This track suits students who want to teach math at the high school level, have prospects for graduate school, and for students who want broad-based mathematical knowledge that can open doors to a variety of careers.
The actuarial science track is for students who want to pursue a career as an actuary (professionals who manage and measure risk and uncertainty). Students will study calculus, linear algebra, theoretical and applied math, probability, statistics, accounting, finance and actuarial mathematics, in preparation for their first three actuarial exams. Sacred Heart University is recognized by the Society of Actuaries as a UCAP-IC institution. Further, our courses MA 332, EC 202, EC 203, AC 221, and FN 215 are recognized by the Society of Actuaries as VEE approved courses.
The data science track readies students for careers in computer science, business, statistics, data mining and big data, all of which are in demand. The curriculum will include calculus, linear algebra, statistics, theoretical and applied math, computer programming, data structures, financial analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Sacred Heart University is an institutional member of the Mathematical Association of America as well as the American Mathematical Society.
Faculty & Staff