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.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Brittany Espinoza MH 314 507-344-7587 | Assistant ProfessorOnline Instruction | MH 314 507-344-7587 | |
 | Julie Kjeer MH 312 507-344-7397 | Associate ProfessorDean of Faculty | MH 312 507-344-7397 | |
 | Aaron Ollrich MH 313 507-344-7343 | Assistant Professor | MH 313 507-344-7343 | |
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):
- MATH151 Calculus I*
- MATH152 Calculus II*
- MATH243 Multivariable Calculus*
- MATH295 Foundations of Abstract Mathematics*
- MATH341 Introduction to Real Analysis*
- MATH351 Linear Algebra*
- MATH451 Abstract Algebra*
Major Electives
Any combination of at least 15 credits:
- COMS103 Intro to Programming I
- MATH260 Differential Equations
- MATH321 Probability and Statistics I*
- MATH322 Probability and Statistics II*
- MATH330 Discrete Mathematics*
- MATH370 College Geometry*
- MATH380 Numerical Analysis
- MATH385 Mathematical Modeling
- MATH390 History of Mathematics
- MATH461 Partial Differential Equations
- MATH471 Complex Analysis
- MATH480 Topics in Mathematics
- MATH499 Mathematics Internship
Capstone
At least 4 credits:
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:
- EDUC100 Education Foundation/Philosophy
- EDUC210 Linguistics for Professionals
- EDUC230 Educational Psychology & Human Relations
- EDUC370 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner
- EDUC390 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
- EDUC401 Educational Technology and Media
- EDUC430 Teaching Mathematics
- EDUC450 Curriculum Planning and Assessment
- EDUC455 Classroom Management
- EDUC486 Capstone of Professional Experience
- EDUC495 Student Teaching I
- EDUC497 Student Teaching II
- MATH330 Discrete Mathematics
- MATH370 College Geometry
- MATH444 Methods in Teaching 5-12 Mathematics
- HIST403 Native American Culture and Government
- SOCL330 American Minorities
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:
- MATH151 Calculus I
- MATH152 Calculus II
- MATH243 Multivariable Calculus
- MATH295 Foundations of Abstract Mathematics
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!