Mathematics information sheet

MATHEMATICS

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The Dordt Difference Mathematics affects every part of our lives. Its theories and methods make advances in science, medicine, and technology possible. High-level mathematics is vital to many parts of society, including health care, weather forecasting, space exploration, and special effects for movies and video games.

At Dordt College you’ll receive personalized, quality instruction from Christian professors who are committed to helping you develop your mathematical talents. Dordt’s mathematics program will provide you with excellent technical preparation for a wide range of vocations. At the same time, it will help you see that mathematics can be applied in ways that are both good and bad for society and the world. You’ll understand how quantitative and spatial patterns show God’s good governance of the world, how logical consistency shows the dependability of God’s rule, and how the coherence and applicability of mathematical theories show the unity and interconnectedness of creation.

A biblically based, Christian perspective won’t make 5 + 7 anything other than 12, but it can contribute to a healthy way of viewing and using mathematics.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES A degree in mathematics will give you the skills to pursue a wide range of vocations. Mathematics majors at Dordt are ready for graduate school as well as the workplace, depending on their interests. Our graduates have gone on to a variety of careers in education, business, industry, and governmental agencies.

Opportunities in both teaching and non-teaching fields are readily available. Companies that engage in research or high-tech operations are looking for people with strong mathematical backgrounds because of their problem-solving and analytical skills.

Some careers for math majors include: teacher • modeler • actuary • finance and investment analyst • market and survey researcher • physicist • astronomer • national security positions • cryptographer • bio-technician • statistician • college professor • physician • research scientist • cost estimator • sales analyst • air traffic controller • urban designer • software developer

TOP JOBS Mathematics and mathematicsrelated jobs are consistently ranked as desirable, with high job satisfaction.

Mathematician, statistician, and actuary are listed in the Top 20 of 200 rated jobs at www.careercast.com. These ratings are based on five key criteria:

• stress • working environment • physical demands

THE PROGRAM Mathematics focuses primarily on analytical and quantitative ideas, techniques, and applications.

• income • hiring outlook

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You’ll develop competency in a variety of fields of contemporary mathematics so that you can use your mathematical gifts in service to others.

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You’ll use appropriate technology to do mathematical tasks.

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You’ll come to appreciate the relevance of mathematics for other disciplines and daily life.

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You’ll come to recognize that mathematics is a growing body of knowledge driven by cultural influences and worldviews and begin developing a Christian philosophy of mathematics.

PROGRAM OPTIONS The general mathematics major will prepare you for a variety of careers by training you to think logically, critically, and abstractly. The program begins with calculus, with credit given to anyone who has successfully taken AP calculus in high school. As you move through the curriculum, you will begin to see the breadth and beauty of mathematics.

You will take special topics courses taught by experts in the field and have the opportunity to take and design courses in an area of mathematics of your choosing.

Opportunities are also available for motivated students to participate in internships and in undergraduate research.

Secondary mathematics education majors add content and methods courses to their mathematics courses. Students gradually add teaching experiences as they move through their four years, culminating in the student teaching internship experience. Many students are also employed as teacher aids, giving them additional experience and a part-time job. For more information, see the education information sheet.

Joint majors and double majors are also possible. Common areas for joint and double majors are computer science, business, physics, and biology. Adding a mathematics major or minor to another major enhances post graduate and career opportunities.

THE FACULTY Tom Clark, Ph.D., University of Nebraska. Special interests include partial differential equations, specifically models of fluid-structure interactions and math education.

Tom.Clark@dordt.edu Mike Janssen, Ph.D., University of Nebraska. Special interests include commutative algebra and algebraic geometry.

Mike.Janssen@dordt.edu Sharon Rosenboom, M.S., Florida State University. Introductory statistics and college algebra; research interests in the conceptions of preservice teachers and effective practices in STEM education.

Sharon.Rosenboom@dordt.edu Nathan Tintle, Ph.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook. Research interests in statistical genetics and statistics education, does research collaboratively with undergraduate students.

Nathan.Tintle@dordt.edu Valorie Zonnefeld, Ed.D., University of South Dakota. Special interests include mathematics education and the integration of faith in the math classroom.

Valorie.Zonnefeld@dordt.edu August 2015