Mathematics

Want to explore calculus, mathematical modeling, logic, or statistics? In La Sierra’s math program, you’ll  study with professors whose advanced research is published in journals and even a university-level math book. A major in mathematics gives you experience in logical thinking and problem solving, which makes you a sought-after job candidate in a wide variety of careers. Graduates with this major who have gone on to advanced study have become college professors, lawyers, medical and dental professionals, and information technology specialists. Combining a strong math background with training in another discipline, such as computer science, can be especially valuable in the employment market.

Programs Offered

Biomathematics
Bachelor of Science

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

The biomathematics emphasis includes classes in discrete mathematics, differential equations, and vector calculus with classes in cellular and molecular biology and genetics. Biomathetmatical modeling and computer science are also components of the program. Graduates in Biomathematics may be employed as statisticians, scientific programmers, or in areas of bio-science where training in quantitative techniques is needed. The major in biomathematics is a joint program with the Department of Biology. It is an ideal major for students who have a strong interest in math and who plan to go to professional school in a health science field such as medicine, dentistry, or biostatistics. For more information, contact the Mathematics Department.

Mathematics
Bachelor of Science

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Do you like the world of numbers? Want to explore calculus, mathematical modeling, logic, or statistics? In La Sierra’s math program, you’ll be with fellow students who share those interests. And you’ll study with professors whose advanced research is published in journals and even a university-level math book. A major in mathematics gives you experience in logical thinking and problem solving. That can make you a sought-after job candidate in a wide variety of careers. Graduates with this major who have gone on to advanced study have become college professors, lawyers, medical and dental professionals, and information technology specialists. Combining a strong math background with training in another discipline, such as computer science, can be especially valuable in the employment market.

Mathematics: Secondary Teaching Bachelor of Arts

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

The emphasis in Secondary Teaching allows students to complete teaching credential coursework along with the Mathematics major. The program is offered in collaboration with La Sierra University School of Education, which provides the courses leading to the Secondary credential. The courses must be completed in the recommended order, and students will need to apply with the School of Education for acceptance into the Teacher Education program.

Mathematics
minor

  • Quick Facts

  • Level

    minor

  • Location

    La Sierra Campus

  • Accreditation

    WASC

  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Do you like the world of numbers? Want to explore calculus, mathematical modeling, logic, or statistics? In La Sierra’s math program, you’ll be with fellow students who share those interests. And you’ll study with professors whose advanced researches published in journals and even a university-level math book. A major in mathematics gives you experience in logical thinking and problem solving. That can make you a sought-after job candidate in a wide variety of careers. Graduates with this major who have gone on to advanced study have become college professors, lawyers, medical and dental professionals, and information technology specialists. Combining a strong math background with training in another discipline, such as computer science, can be especially valuable in the employment market.

Career Outlook

 


30% Job Market Growth

$116,440 Median Salary

highly sought-after

 

The median annual wage for mathematicians was $116,440 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $183,500.

The median annual wage for statisticians was $104,110 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $163,360.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for mathematicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

  • Professional, scientific, and technical services $139,670
  • Federal government $126,460
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private $62,260

Program Stats

Our Alumni Work in these Occupations

  • Higher Education Teachers
    2
  • Library Assistants
    1
  • Teacher
    1
  • High School Teachers
    1
  • Music, Dance, and Extracurricular Instructors
    1
  • Product Managers
    1
  • Software Developers and QA Testers
    1

Our Alumni Work Here

  • Pasadena Cyto Pathology Laboratory Inc
    2
  • Beacon Academy of Nevada
    1
  • Alvord Unified School District
    1
  • Fandango
    1
  • Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra
    1
  • Nike, Inc.
    1
  • Rgis, LLC
    1

Student Learning Outcomes

To better fulfill the mission of the Department of Mathematics and meet our stated broad goals, we have developed the following student learning objectives for the programs in Mathematics and Biomathematics. These represent the core proficiencies and knowledge base we wish to impart to our graduates. Students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in the major content areas of mathematics or biomathematics at the bachelor’s degree level.
  2. Employ technology and use tools such as computer software and the web to investigate mathematical concepts and applications.
  3. Demonstrate skill in reading, writing and speaking mathematical ideas.
  4. Use proofs and examples as appropriate to investigate mathematical statements.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to develop and use mathematical and quantitative models.
  6. Devise and use mathematical problem-solving strategies and apply them to diverse quantitative real-world problems.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and philosophical issues in society that involve mathematical and quantitative reasoning.

Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mathematicians and Statisticians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm (visited April 17, 2024).