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General Mathematics

Knowledge + Leadership = Success—It All Adds Up!

William Penn University’s Mathematics Department provides students with the problem-solving, critical thinking, and abstract reasoning skills they need to succeed in the professional world. Students get the one-on-one time and attention they need to really excel.

The General Mathematics program offers students the opportunity to develop and acquire necessary undergraduate knowledge in a variety of related mathematics topics and essential skills to utilize mathematics in changing environments through a mixture of problem solving, application, and fundamental theory. A secondary teaching endorsement and a minor in mathematics are also available.

The Applied Mathematics major allows students to apply what they have learned to other areas of study, while taking fewer math courses. Graduates in this department are in high demand and tend to receive higher starting salaries and more job offers than they expected. Employers, in any job, look for success in math and see it as indicative of strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Careers

General and Applied Mathematics graduates have continued their education in graduate school or have found employment within the following areas or companies:

  • Engineers
  • Statisticians
  • Actuaries
  • High school teacher
  • College professor
  • Graduate school (medical and law)
  • Prism Projection
  • Pella Corporation
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  • State Farm Insurance
  • Musco Lighting

Internships

If a student is thinking about continuing on to graduate school, but would like to obtain real-world experience to enhance higher education capabilities, an internship will be a great opportunity to explore his or her chosen field. Interning will provide students with a stronger understanding of professional environments, and generate future interview opportunities through job references. WPU students have student taught in the public education system and also interned with Musco Lighting.

Faculty

Breanne Garrett, M.A.

Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematics | Division Co-Chair 641-673-1120 Email

Ted McCoy, Ph.D.

Professor of Mathematics | Applied Technology Co-Chair 641-673-1090 Email

Organizations

The Math Club is open to all William Penn students. Each year, club members organize trips to conferences and symposium, including the Undergraduate Symposium at the Argonne National Laboratory and an annual mathematics conference at Simpson College. A few members will have the chance to spend time working with fellow Penn students or Oskaloosa High School students to enhance their abilities in the field of mathematics.

Courses

You will take the following courses as a student in the Applied or General Mathematics programs.

Mathematics Core

  • APCS 205 Algorithms & Programming
  • MATH 211 Discrete Mathematics
  • MATH 212 Intro to Abstract Mathematics
  • MATH 241 Calculus I
  • MATH 242 Calculus II
  • MATH 353 Linear Algebra
  • MATH 390 Professional Development Seminar

Applied Mathematics Courses

  • MATH 345 Numerical Analysis Methods
  • MATH 395 Professional Development Seminar II

One or more of the following courses

  • MATH 303 Statistical Methods
  • MATH 336 Mathematical Statistics

Three of the following courses

  • MATH 332 College Geometry
  • MATH 335 Differential Equations
  • MATH 339 History of Mathematics
  • MATH 343 Calculus III
  • MATH 354 Abstract Algebra
  • PHYS 211 or 212 College Physics I or II (either course, not both)

*At least 21 credits in some other area, including an approved minor

General Mathematics Courses

  • MATH 335 Differential Equations
  • MATH 336 Mathematical Statistics
  • MATH 343 Calculus III
  • MATH 354 Abstract Algebra
  • MATH 395 Professional Development II
  • PHYS 211 College Physics I

Three of the following courses

  • MATH 332 Geometry
  • MATH 339 History of Mathematics
  • MATH 345 Numerical Analysis Methods
  • PHYS 212 College Physics II

Mathematics Minor Courses

  • MATH 211 Discrete Mathematics
  • MATH 212 Intro to Abstract Mathematics
  • MATH 241 Calculus I
  • MATH 242 Calculus II
  • MATH 353 Linear Algebra

One of the following courses

  • MATH 303 Statistical Methods
  • MATH 332 Geometry
  • MATH 335 Differential Equations
  • MATH 336 Mathematical Statistics
  • MATH 339 History of Mathematics
  • MATH 343 Calculus III
  • MATH 345 Numerical Analysis Methods
  • MATH 354 Abstract Algebra