Mathematics


Learn how to work in a problem-solving environment and develop your analytical skills. A mathematics degree with a foundation in advanced modeling, theory and methods.

What you’ll study

The Mathematics Department of North Carolina Wesleyan University is committed to providing an excellent major for students whose career goals are immediate entry into the work-force, teaching mathematics in secondary schools or pursuit of a graduate degree in mathematics. The Department is professionally active and is committed to providing mathematics instruction in-service courses for students who major in disciplines other than mathematics. The Department is committed to high-quality instruction for all students in mathematics courses and it nurtures pleasant and constructive faculty-student interaction.

mathematical equation on an old chalk board, Adult Degree Majors & Minors

Faculty & Staff

Email any of our advisors with any questions you have about completing this program.

Mathematics Program Overview

Students in the Mathematics Program will develop their analytical skills and learn how to work in a problem-solving environment. Advanced modeling, theory and methods make up the foundation of a mathematics degree and allow students to enter the work force or continue their education.

Here are some highlighted courses included in the Mathematics Major:

MAT 121 – Calculus I
Topics will include the Cartesian plane and functions of one variable, limits and their properties, differentiation, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration and applications of differentiation and integration.

MAT 221 Multivariable Calculus
Topics will include plane curves, parametric equations, polar representations, vectors and the geometry of space and vector calculus. (offered every Fall of even years)

MAT 225 Geometry for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
Introduction, proofs and congruent triangles, parallels and polygons, similar and regular polygons, right triangles, circles, areas, coordinate geometry, space geometry and introduction to non-Euclidean geometries. Applications of theorems and proof writing.

MAT 304 Number Theory
Divisibility, primes, congruences, Diophantine equations, arithmetic functions, Fibonacci numbers.

MAT 323 Probability and Statistics
Topics will include collection of data (random sampling, experimental design) organization and description of data (tables and graphs, univariate and bivariate statistics), probability (general probability, random variables, standard distributions), statistical inference (tests of significance, point estimation methods, confidence intervals, inference in simple linear regression). Course is calculus based.

MAT 325 Geometry
Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, synthetic approach to Euclidean plane geometry, use of Euclidean geometry including volumes and surface areas, significance of the parallel postulate, analytic methods, introductory transformational geometry and geometric models.

MAT 403 Linear Algebra
Systems of linear equations and matrices, determinants, vectors in Euclidean 2-space and 3-space, general vector spaces, linear transformations, norms, inner products and orthogonality, symmetric, Hermetian and unitary operators, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, applications.

MAT 404 Abstract Algebra: Groups, Rings and Fields
Integers and equivalence relations, groups, rings, integral domains, fields and polynomials. (writing intensive)

MAT 411 Introduction to Complex Variables
Topics will include the algebra and geometry of the complex number system and the complex plane; point sets; harmonic functions; elementary functions of a complex variable; limits; complex differentiability; Cauchy-Reimann differential equations; contour integration; power series; the calculus of residues; geometric properties of complex mapping; and applications.

What are the courses like in Mathematics at NCWU?

Check out our latest university catalog for learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plans of study for NC Wesleyan University’s Mathematics Program.

Major Programs in Mathematics

This major is designed to give students a strong conceptual base, experience with the tools of inquiry and study, an understanding of related historical and philosophical assumptions and an appreciation of the interrelationship between the discipline and other areas of knowledge.

Minor In Mathematics

A minor is not required for graduation. Those students, however, who wish to complement their major course of study with a second area of inquiry may choose a minor field. At least nine semester hours of the minor must be taken at North Carolina Wesleyan University.

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

A degree in mathematics is an area of study that involves an advanced mathematics curriculum with a focus on complex formulas, concepts and methods. Mathematics students might practice making quantitative predictions and identifying technical patterns while completing this degree.

The job outlook for professionals with math degrees is a high projection. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for mathematicians and statisticians will grow by 33% between 2020 and 2030. This rate is higher than the average growth rate for other occupations.

Mathematics Major Career Paths:

  • Math Teacher
  • Education Sector
  • Actuarial Science
  • Financial Services
  • Biomathematics
  • Cryptography
  • Statistician
  • Economist
  • Data Scientist

Wondering what you can do with a degree from NCWU’s Mathematics major? Check out these resources from NCWU Career Development & Leadership and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

Wesleyan is dedicated to assisting students in their professional development offering resources and guidance for hands-on learning experiences through internships, assignments within the courses and job search resources. Let us help you focus on your education and career at the same time!

24/7 Tutoring Services. Free & Easy.

North Carolina Wesleyan University is partnered with Brainfuse, a complimentary online tutoring service, provided to all Wesleyan students. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features live tutoring in the subjects of writing, reading, math, computer and technology, science and business.

Student Organizations

Be engaged at NCWU!

Choose from 30+ student-led clubs and organizations to connect with other students who share your academic interests or… create your own.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, NC Wesleyan University has a number of partnerships with other community colleges, universities and institutions that allow students to enroll at NCWU with simple pathways. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to NCWU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps.