Mathematics

Albert Einstein described pure mathematics as "the poetry of logical ideas." Like poetry, not everyone understands math. But if you get math and want to expand your knowledge into a rewarding career, Minot State University is the place to do it.

Degrees, Major and Minors

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Education, Mathematics Major (teaching)
Minor in Mathematics (teaching and non-teaching)
Minor in Applied Statistics
Mathematics Programs

What do mathematicians do?

Applied mathematicians apply theories and techniques to practical questions, such as the effectiveness of a new drug or the aerodynamics of a new car.
Theoretical mathematicians identify and resolve unexplained issues to increase basic knowledge that leads to advancements in science and engineering.
Mathematics teachers provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the classroom and the workplace.

Non-teaching careers

A bachelor of arts in mathematics is good preparation for government employment.
A double major in mathematics and a related discipline - such as computer or physical science - is particularly desirable to many employers.
An advanced degree (master's or Ph.D.) is the norm in private industry, where mathematicians often work as computer programmers, system analysts, systems engineers, and statisticians. One growing field is cloud computing.

Requirements for future teachers
Admission to the teacher education program is selective. Criteria includes:

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in MSU general studies and required education courses
20 hours of documented, supervised activities with children
References from two former teachers and from your college program
Passing scores on pre-professional skills tests in reading, writing and math

Coursework
All mathematics majors take courses in calculus, differential equations, and linear and abstract algebra, probability and statistics. Future mathematics teachers take required professional education coursework.

Course Catalog

Student teaching
Mathematics Education students are required to complete 12 weeks of student teaching. As a student teacher you'll be responsible, as much as is appropriate, for the cooperating teacher's entire class load.

Job outlook for math teachers
Job prospects are strong for high school math teachers. North Dakota is having a hard time meeting the demand for qualified mathematics teachers. Other states are also in need of qualified mathematics teachers.

Outreach
The Mathematics Department annually brought more than 1,800 middle and high school students to campus for its Mathematics Track Meet until 2010. A new version of this meet is expected to be implemented in 2013-2014. Math majors frequently serve as tutors in MSU's Math Clinic, a free service for MSU students enrolled in lower level math classes.

Our faculty
Faculty members in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department are highly qualified instructors eager to help students meet their academic and career goals. In addition to training future mathematicians, teachers and computer scientists, the department is responsible for all general education mathematics classes.

Our college
The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to comprehensive, holistic and interdisciplinary education. By integrating excellent teaching with scholarly and creative activity, we prepare students with the knowledge, values and skills they need to succeed in a diverse world.

To learn more, visit our Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. Better yet, schedule a campus visit so we can meet face-to-face and show you around.

Contact Information
Cheryl Nilsen, Ed.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Phone: 701-858-3106 or 1-800-777-0750 ext. 3106
cheryl.nilsen@minotstateu.edu