Mathematics (BS, Minor)

At Aurora University, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and high-level reasoning are at the heart of the Mathematics major. The program taps your natural curiosity to explore and develops your ability to think critically and set goals. At AU, our experienced mathematics faculty prepare students to shape the future of science, technology, and education.

We pride ourselves on working individually with students to achieve their goals, including participating in undergraduate research projects. Caring faculty guide students in acquiring skills that foster understanding of mathematical concepts and practices, identifying problems, using constructive reasoning to make viable arguments, and applying mathematics to real-life.

Our intensive curriculum and capstone experiences allow students to successfully complete one of the two following tracks:

Mathematics Major. This track is designed for students interested in entering careers in business and industry that require strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It also is designed for students who want to pursue graduate degrees in mathematics or other disciplines. For students who want to focus on a particular area of mathematics, the following three areas of emphasis are available:

• Statistics
• Pure mathematics
• Applied mathematics

Mathematics Major with Secondary Education Licensure. This track is for students seeking teacher certification in mathematics at the pre-college level. Students who plan to teach must complete the supplemental Secondary Education major. This degree provides students with a strong background in analytical and problem-solving skills, which will allow them to be successful teachers in the classroom.

The mathematics curriculum is designed to provide students with flexibility to integrate their mathematical studies with other programs. You can expand your career and graduate program opportunities by double majoring in Biology, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, or Education. Even with a second major, you will still be able to graduate in four years. You can also minor in Mathematics to supplement another major.

Studying mathematics at AU will benefit you in many ways.

• You will understand the world.
  Mathematics impacts real world problems — as well as the solutions to those problems. A mathematics degree helps you contribute to the future advancements of many industries.
  
  
• You will become a problem solver.
  Mathematics is all about problem solving. Not only will you learn how to solve complex mathematical equations, but you will develop problem-solving abilities that will be of value in numerous careers and situations.
  
  
• You will develop transferable skills.
  The skills you learn will benefit you throughout your life. Some of the transferable skills that a mathematics degree can give you include data analysis, organization, critical thinking, time management, communication, and decision making. You will also develop the ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas, construct logical arguments, and expose illogical arguments.
  
  
• You will be prepared for graduate or professional school.
  
  • A mathematics degree is essential for students who intend to pursue a graduate degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or computer science.
  • Admissions committees for graduate studies in astronomy, physics, engineering, economics, or finance often prefer students with undergraduate mathematics degrees.
  • Mathematics graduates can use their degree as the first step toward professional degrees in law and medicine, especially when it is paired with coursework or a double major in the area of interest.

Robert Noyce STEM Teacher Scholarship Program

AU is a recipient of a National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program grant designed to help address the nationwide shortage of high-quality teachers in science, technology, engineering, and math, particularly among groups underrepresented in STEM fields. The program, known as Noyce Scholars, is open to select Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics majors entering their junior year at AU. Noyce Scholars will receive an annual undergraduate scholarship of up to $18,000 for the last two years of their secondary education program. Interested students can visit our Noyce Scholars page to view eligibility requirements and apply.

Career possibilities with advanced or professional degree

• Accountant
• Astronomer
• Biometrician/Biostatistician
• Computer scientist
• Data engineer
• Data scientist
• Economist
• Software engineer
• Systems engineer
• Teacher