Mathematics

From your first day at Valpo, you’ll have opportunities to put theory into practice through hands-on learning.

Why Mathematics at Valpo?

Grounded in logic, we radiate valuable solutions. At Valpo, you’ll discover the elegant power of mathematics and develop skills that shine across industries. A mathematics major builds strong problem-solving and analytical skills that stand out to a wide range of employers. Our curriculum is designed for you to explore a variety of interests, giving you flexibility to pursue a second major and combine math with another field.

From your first day at Valpo, you’ll have opportunities to put theory into practice through hands-on learning. Our students collaborate with peers in student organizations, including Valpo’s Math Club and the university’s chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. You can also engage with fellow students in conferences and competitions, such as the Indiana Collegiate Mathematics Competition. Students in our mathematics program participate in real-world consulting with partners, applying their skills in impactful projects on campus and beyond.

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About Our Mathematics Degree

Our curriculum is designed for you to explore a variety of interests, giving you flexibility to pursue a second major and combine math with another field.

General Information

Prerequisites

Upon entry to Valparaiso University, students are given a preliminary placement into appropriate mathematics classes through our math placement process, which evaluates ACT or SAT math scores and high school GPA. Students can change their preliminary placement to a higher level by taking our math placement assessment.

Advanced Placement (AP) credit in calculus or statistics may override the usual math placement process, allowing students to begin with more advanced courses.

Core Requirements

Your education will go beyond numbers at Valpo, giving you a well–rounded background. As part of general education classes, you’ll explore the liberal arts and illuminate your knowledge about the world and your place in it. All students at Valpo also take interdisciplinary Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) courses during their first year, building a strong foundation of communication and critical thinking skills.

Major Requirements

Valpo offers either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in mathematics, allowing you to specialize your education based on your interests. Students can also tailor their elective courses with one of our concentration pathways designed for specific areas of focus in the field.

For a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, students complete the following major requirements:

Major Requirements: Minimum 35 Credits
Core
MATH 132	Calculus II	4 Cr.
MATH 253	Calculus III	4 Cr.
MATH 264	Linear Algebra	3 Cr.
MATH 266	Transitions in Mathematics	2 Cr.
MATH 299	Mathematics Colloquium II	1 Cr.
MATH 399	Mathematics Colloquium III	1 Cr.
MATH 499	Mathematics Colloquium IV	1 Cr.
One Course from the Following Options:
MATH 126	Calculus and Functions Part II	4 Cr.
MATH 131	Calculus I	4 Cr.
Electives
Two Courses from the Following Options:
MATH 421	Combinatorics I	3 Cr.
MATH 422	Combinatorics II	3 Cr.
MATH 451	Analysis I	3 Cr.
MATH 452	Analysis II	3 Cr.
MATH 453	Topology	3 Cr.
MATH 461	Abstract Algebra I	3 Cr.
MATH 462	Abstract Algebra II	3 Cr.
Three Additional MATH or STAT or DATA Courses of 3 Credits or More Numbered 270 or Above
Additional Required Courses:
One Statistics Course from the Following Options: Note: The recommended statistics course is STAT 240.
STAT 140	General Statistics	3 Cr.
STAT 240	Statistical Analysis	3 Cr.
PSY 201	Statistical Methods	3 Cr.
BUS 205	Business Statistics	3 Cr.
CE 202	Statistical Applications in Civil, Engineering	3 Cr.
One Computing Course from the Following Options:
CS 156	Fundamentals of Programming	3 Cr.
CS 157	Algorithms and Programming	3 Cr.
DATA 151	Introduction to Data Science	3 Cr.
ECE 251	Engineering Programming I	3 Cr.
STAT 361	Introduction to R	1 Cr.
STAT 362	Introduction to Python	1 Cr.
STAT 363	Introduction to SAS	3 Cr.

Minor Requirements

The 15-credit math minor is a flexible program that establishes competency in core areas and allows the student a great deal of freedom to select elective courses for further study. Faculty advisors can help students find courses that complement their majors and interests.

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General Information

Career Outcomes

In today’s data–driven world, a major in mathematics unlocks a bright future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in math occupations – including actuaries, data scientists, and mathematicians – are projected to grow much faster than the national average through 2033. Professionals in this group earned a median annual salary of $101,460 in 2023, reflecting the strong demand for math expertise across industries. Alumni of Valpo’s mathematics program have also succeeded in graduate programs across diverse fields and advanced studies in law, medicine, and business.

Careers in Mathematics:

Statistician
Actuary
College math professor
Data scientist
Financial analyst
High school math teacher
Operations research analyst
Research mathematician
Software developer

Mathematics & Statistics

Program Rankings and Highlights

Our professors are dedicated to your success and are here to help and guide you throughout your educational journey.

Students and faculty gather weekly in our unique Colloquium to share insights, spark new ideas, and present their work.

Multiple Concentrations

Specialize your education to your career goals with concentrations

Shining Brightly, Together

Voices of Valpo

Mathematics

“I really loved the smaller, more personal feel of the campus and the university, and the one-on-one interactions with the faculty. … I could tell that [Valpo] was going to be a place that cared about me as a person and that cared about my journey, not only during my four years here, but where I ended up after.”

— Lane Scheel ’25

Mathematics

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

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