Mathematics Major

Mission Statement

The mathematics major at Bethany offers courses in both applied and theoretical mathematics to prepare students for advanced studies as well as careers in mathematics. It does this within a Christ-centered, liberal arts framework that encourages breadth as well as depth of knowledge. Mathematics, the study of patterns and structures more than of numbers, is presented as a means to enable students to practice independent thinking so as not to be shaken from the eternal foundation on which our moral and spiritual growth is based. Students develop analytical reasoning and the ability to apply mathematical logic to solve problems, thus improving critical thinking abilities.

Program Goal

Apply mathematical critical thinking and reasoning skills to better understand the inherent beauty and structure of God’s creation.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

Formulate and apply algorithms to solve mathematical problems, implementing technology when appropriate, and judge the validity of the results.
Model and analyze real world problems by reformulating these problems in a mathematics context through drawing inferences from data represented graphically, verbally, numerically, or symbolically.
Organize and explain mathematical ideas in written and verbal form, including proper use of terms and notation.
Demonstrate mastery of the core concepts in algebra and analysis.
Develop and evaluate mathematical proofs.
Elucidate the interdependency of different areas of mathematics and the connections between mathematics and other disciplines.

Student Stories

Anna Cepek (’12)

Anna, a 2012 Bethany graduate, recently completed her PhD in mathematics from Montana State University and is headed to South

Angela Kraft (’12)

While at Bethany, Angela was involved in two different Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) during summer breaks. She also presented

Craig Rossiter (’12)

Craig Rossiter, a 2012 Bethany graduate, went to graduate school for a Master’s in Actuarial Science and is now working

Tova Brown (’10)

Tova Brown, a 2010 Bethany graduate, was awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation and completed her

Meet the Faculty

These faculty teach many of the courses that comprise the Math Major. See also the Mathematics Department.

	Title	Office / Phone	Courses
Brittany Espinoza MH 314 507-344-7587	LecturerOnline Instruction	MH 314 507-344-7587	Math Problem Solving College Algebra Trigonometry Introduction to Statistics Foundations of Abstract Mathematics Probability and Statistics I Probability and Statistics II Discrete Mathematics Mathematical Modeling Topic: Graph Theory
Foster Graif	Online Instruction
Julie Kjeer MH 312 507-344-7397	Associate Professor	MH 312 507-344-7397	College Algebra Trigonometry Calculus I Calculus II Multivariable Calculus Differential Equations Linear Algebra Mathematics Colloquium Senior Thesis
Renee Tatge OM 242 507-344-7826	Coordinator - Residential Life, Student Activities, IntramuralsAdjunct Faculty	OM 242 507-344-7826

Brittany Espinoza
Lecturer
Online Instruction
MH 314
507-344-7587

Foster Graif
Online Instruction

Julie Kjeer
Associate Professor
MH 312
507-344-7397

Renee Tatge
Coordinator - Residential Life, Student Activities, Intramurals
Adjunct Faculty
OM 242
507-344-7826

View Full Directory

Mathematics Major Requirements

Entry into the Major

A student may be admitted to the major after completing MATH243 Multivariable Calculus. Extraordinary cases will be dealt with on an individual basis. Students will be granted entry into the major if they have met the following requirements:

Achieved an overall GPA of 2.5 or better
Achieved a grade of “C” or better in MATH151, MATH152 and MATH243
Secured an advisor within the mathematics major.

The major in mathematics requires a minimum of 43 credits distributed as follows:

Core Requirements

Students must achieve an average of a 2.0 GPA or better in the required core courses (24 credits):

Major Electives

Any combination of at least 15 credits:

Capstone

At least 4 credits:

MATH491 Mathematics Colloquium

One of:

Minnesota Teaching License in Mathematics Track

Contact the Office of the Registrar for information regarding the status of the Minnesota Teaching License in Mathematics Track.

Students seeking teaching licensure (5-12) are required to consult an academic advisor in both the Math and Education departments. In addition to the mathematics major requirements, students who seek state licensure for K-12 teaching of mathematics are required to take the courses listed in the mathematics major with an asterisk (*) and the following courses and to pass them with a C+ or better:

Important requirements of all students completing Minnesota Teaching Mathematics licensure at Bethany Lutheran College:

Complete all standards based courses with a C+ or above.
Maintain 2.75 GPA
Pass the following two Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams: (1) MTLE: Pedagogy K-6 or 5-12; (2) MTLE: Subject matter/content 5-12 mathematics
Complete the Human Relations/Diversity components
Complete all courses required for Minnesota State Licensure
Satisfactory completion of Teaching Internships and Seminar
Satisfactory completion of Professional Portfolio
Submission of certification of Adult/Infant First Aid/AED/CPR Training

Note: An appeals process is outlined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Handbook. According to Minnesota Statute 122A.09 Subdivision 4 (c), a candidate who remains unsatisfied with a dispute regarding recommendation for licensure may appeal the decision to the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

Bethany Lutheran College Education Programs are accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).

Mathematics Minor

The minor in mathematics requires:

All of:

Electives (at least 6 credits):

Any Mathematics (MATH) courses numbered above MATH243
COMS103 Intro to Programming I

Next Steps

We’d love to hear from you. Learn more about becoming a Bethany student, or schedule your campus visit today!