Mathematics Major

Mathematics program provides students with a solid foundational knowledge in the subjects of calculus, probability, geometry, modern algebra, and real analysis.

Majors > Mathematics

Why Study Mathematics At JBU?

1

Brilliant Faculty

JBU math professors are brilliant and accessible to students, often scheduling one-on-one tutoring and attending student study groups in the evenings.

2

Learn Through Collaboration

JBU’s small class size is the perfect environment for solving hard problems with experts in the field. Math students work problems together in study sessions.

3

Undergraduate Research

Students have several opportunities to participate in undergraduate research projects and other forms of experiential learning alongside faculty.

4

B.S. + Master's in 5 Years

A Math degree can be combined with JBU's Masters of Business Administration or Master's of Arts in Teaching programs, and students can graduate from JBU in five years with a master's degree.

5

Versatile Education

The technical and intellectual skills you'll learn are broadly applicable to careers in economics, finance, business, political science and engineering. Each of the top 15 highest-earning college degrees have one common factor: they all require a great deal of math (according to Forbes).

6

Get Hired

There is a high demand for mathematicians in the workplace, and the 2010 Bureau of Labor and Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook (Mathematics Section) shows that a mathematician's median pay is $99,380 per year.

Meet the Mathematics Faculty

Gregory Varner

Associate Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Varner grew up in Southern Missouri and, after a time working in youth ministry, obtained his doctorate. When not teaching in the mathematics program, he enjoys spending time with his family.

GVarner@jbu.edu

Melissa Michael

Assistant Professor of Math Education

Mrs. Melissa Michael has a passion for making mathematics understandable and enjoyable. Outside of the classroom, she loves to serve the community and participate in short-term missions.

MMichael@jbu.edu

Frank Blume

Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Frank Blume has been teaching Mathematics at JBU since 1995. Dr. Blume teaches Probability and Statistics, Faith and Science, and all classes for math majors.

Being at a Christian University has had a great impact on Dr. Blume's research and teaching focus while at JBU. The integration of faith and science has always been a major component of Dr. Blume's personal spiritual journey, and he enjoys exploring it further in the classroom.

Currently, Dr. Blume is writing a book on the integration of faith and science. The provisional title of the book is Science and Spirit-Dialogues on Integration.

479-524-4112

FBlume@jbu.edu

Alumni Profile

Heather Morseman ’11

"The math department at JBU did an excellent job at not only teaching me the concepts and mechanics of college level math, but also the deep connections within the math topics. I can teach my students in a way that helps them be successful in their current math subject and lays the best foundations for their future math classes. I am very thankful for the education that I received at JBU and would do it all over again in a heartbeat!"

What Could You Do With A Mathematics Degree?

1

Actuary

These professionals take mathematics and science and apply them to finance and insurance.

2

Financial Analyst

Attention to detail and the ability to think critically are all part of financial analysis and is exactly what mathematics majors learn at JBU.

3

Computer Science

Mathematics majors are great in this field because it requires logical and precise thinking while applying information and computation to computer systems.

4

University Professor

Many graduates choose to get advanced degrees in mathematics and teach at a collegiate level.

5

Climate Analyst

Studying and predicting long-term changes in global weather requires critical thinking, numerical study and other skills that math majors learn.

6

Financial Mathematics

These professionals study the way in which businesses, organizations and individuals use their resources. Stock market analysis, mortgage backing and financial derivatives are just some ways in which mathematics majors can apply their knowledge to financial mathematics.

7

Math Teacher

While this requires additional certification, mathematics teachers are in great demand from elementary to secondary education. Especially overseas!

8

Statistics

Government agencies, private organizations and corporations need people who can analyze, collect, classify and make inferences from data. Training in mathematics is highly desired for these types of careers.

9

Cryptography

This profession uses mathematical algorithms for network security. A background in mathematics is extremely marketable for this type of work.

10

Forensic Analyst

These people collect and analyze data from crime scenes, requiring skills that math majors learn like researching, critical thinking, attention to detail and deductive reasoning.