Saint Louis University’s mathematics program combines the features of both small and large schools to create a compelling educational experience. Students can expect a student-friendly environment, with math courses for majors being small in size and taught by regular faculty. Faculty get to know students and provide individual attention. Students are recruited for participation in math contests and other opportunities, including part-time positions as graders, tutors and learning assistants. Like a large school’s program, math at SLU also has enough breadth to let students tailor their upper-division math courses to their interests and goals.

Program highlights include:

Students interested in pure mathematics can choose theoretical courses that provide solid preparation for graduate school. Since SLU has a graduate program in mathematics, exceptional undergraduate students have the opportunity to take graduate courses in mathematics.
Students interested in applied mathematics (or science and engineering students interested in a second major in mathematics) can focus on a wide selection of applied courses.
Students interested in statistics can select various courses in statistics and probability theory.
Students interested in secondary school teaching can select courses that fill the requirements of the major and of a teaching certificate at the same time.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to demonstrate conceptual competency in foundational areas of mathematics by developing problem-solving skills and solving problems in these areas of mathematics.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to write and comprehend mathematical proofs using both direct and indirect methods.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to analyze data and perform appropriate statistical analyses.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to write computer programs that implement mathematical or statistical algorithms.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate mathematical ideas and concepts both orally and in writing.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of at least two advanced, in-depth topics in mathematics or statistics, including at least one topic in pure mathematics.

Careers

Mathematics emphasizes careful reasoning, along with the analysis and solution of problems. A major or minor in mathematics at Saint Louis University will appeal to students who like to develop their problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. For this reason, mathematics is also an appropriate major for students planning careers in law or medicine.

Graduates in mathematics and statistics are versatile. They enter jobs in business, industry, medicine, government and education. Mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists, actuaries, analysts and consultants are in high demand and lead rewarding and well-compensated careers.

Many of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in mathematics, statistics or other fields. Students with mathematics and statistics degrees are attractive to professional graduate schools in law, medicine, and business because these graduate programs value analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem-solving environment.