Pure Math Degree – Wayne State College Nebraska

Explore the Pure Mathematics degree program

Math can appeal to people of varying interests. Some seek to obtain a sound math background for use in a future career; others wish to learn mathematics and techniques of a specific field; and still others are just interested in math itself. Mathematics can address problems arising in the physical life, social sciences, and engineering, and provides a broad background in both quantitative and qualitative knowledge for use in these fields. Mathematical modeling and analysis unify ideas and provide a richer, deeper understanding of their respective fields.

The Pure Mathematics degree program at Wayne State College is a great choice if you plan to teach math, pursue advanced or graduate work in the math field, plan to apply it to a specific technical field, or simply enjoy math and would like to profit from it.

WSC places emphasis on the structural aspects of math with manipulation and theory as the two basic components for achievement. A Math degree will help prepare you for careers in a variety of fields – business, physics, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, or social sciences.

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Fast facts

Degree options:

B.S. in Mathematics/Pure Mathematics
Minor in Mathematics

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 49

Math core (29 credit hours)
Pure math concentration (20 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice

Department: Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Math topics covered

Analytical and numerical methods of solution in math and science
Developing proofs for abstract mathematics
Discrete mathematics
Parametric, polar, cylindrical, and spherical equations
Multivariable and vector calculus
Matrix algebra
Calculus-based probability and statistics
History and technology of math

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate numeric, algebraic, and analytic techniques
Communicate mathematical reasoning
Use mathematics to model and analyze real world problems
Construct mathematical arguments and rigorous proofs

Nebraska S-STEM Scholars Program

Incoming first-year students majoring in Math are eligible for the Nebraska S-STEM Program. Students in the program are awarded up to $10,000 per year based on their unmet financial needs. If selected for the program, you’ll be guided by faculty mentors through independent research projects beginning your first year and supported by a team of advisors, supplemental instructors, and peer tutors. A research and travel stipend is also provided to help you attend regional conferences and network with fellow mathematicians, and present your research. Additionally, you’ll live in the residence halls for your first two years alongside other S-STEM scholars, where you’ll support each other while developing leadership and professional skills.

Nebraska S-STEM Scholars Program

Mathematics internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find math internships and career opportunities.

Career services and internships

Graduates of our Math degree programs work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Associate Project Manager – Sabre Industries (Sioux City, Iowa)
Information Technology Specialist – HCL Technologies (Columbus, Neb.)
Material Tester – Olsson (Lincoln, Neb.)
Programmer – Revature (Reston, Va.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Global Communication (M.A.) – Kent State University (Portage County, Ohio)
Mathematics (Ph.D.) – Kansas University (Lawrence, Kan.)

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Math core courses (29 credits)

Credits: 5
Description: Integration techniques, parametric equations, polar equations, conic sections, infinite sequences and series.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I
Credits: 3
Description: A bridge course into abstract mathematics. Proof construction and craft, quantifiers, logical connectives, and structure of valid arguments.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I
Credits: 3
Description: Sets, relations, functions, graphs, trees, combinatorics, logic, recurrence relations, algorithms, and proofs.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I, or at least Sophomore standing with an ACT math score of at least 27, or at least Sophomore Standing with a “C-” or better in CSC 310 Data Structures.
Credits: 5
Description: Vectors and vector calculus, cylindrical and spherical equations, the theory and application of partial derivatives and multiple integrals, including Green’s and Stokes’ Theorems.
Prerequisite: “C-” grade or better in MAT 240 Calculus II
Credits: 3
Description: Topics in matrix algebra including determinants, abstract vector spaces, transformations, orthogonality, and eigensystems. Students perform calculations and construct proofs in each of these topics.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in either MAT 270 Transitions to Advanced Mathematics or MAT 340 Calculus III
Credits: 4
Description: Supremums and infimums, Cauchy sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and point-set topology. Student proof construction is emphasized.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 340 Calculus III
Credits: 4
Description: Calculus based probability and statistics with theory and applications. Topics include discrete, continuous, multivariate and sampling distributions; moment generating functions; confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and analysis of variance. Traditional and resampling/bootstrapping methods are employed.
Prerequisite: "C-" or better in MAT 340 Calculus III
Credits: 2
Description: A capstone experience where students study mathematics, history and technology and do mathematical problems that require knowledge from several previous courses in the major.
Prerequisite: At least 27 hours of MAT courses numbered 140 or above
Credits: 0
Description: A review of students in their final semester of MAT courses. Students will take the Major Field Test in Mathematics and take an exit survey. Additional $25 course fee required. Carries no credit. (Graded S/NC)
Prerequisite: Senior standing

Pure math concentration courses (20 credit hours)

Credits: 5
Description: Mastery of algebra and trigonometry is necessary before taking this course. Theory and applications of limits, derivatives, antiderivatives, definite integrals, and differentials of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions.
Prerequisite: Placement or “C-” or better in MAT 130 Precalculus
Credits: 3
Description: First- and second-order methods for ordinary differential equations including: separable, linear, Laplace transforms, linear systems, series solutions, and applications. Qualitative, analytic, and numerical techniques will be considered.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 240 Calculus II
Credits: 4
Description: Abstract group theory including fundamental group homomorphism theorems. The course concludes with polynomial ring theory. Student proof construction is emphasized.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 350 Linear Algebra
Credits: 4
Description: Students will independently complete problems that require knowledge from several previous courses in the major or work with an instructor on an independent research project. This course may be repeated for a total of 2 hours.
Prerequisite: At least 27 hours of MAT courses numbered 140 or above
Take at least 6 credit hours of upper-level (300/400) math courses. MAT 320 College Geometry is recommended.
- MAT 305 Discrete Mathematics (3 credits) - Sets, relations, functions, graphs, trees, combinatorics, logic, recurrence relations, algorithms, and proofs. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I, or at least Sophomore standing with an ACT math score of at least 27, or at least Sophomore Standing with a “C-” or better in CSC 310 Data Structures.
- MAT 320 College Geometry (3 credits) – Formal axiomatic development of neutral and Euclidean geometry with an emphasis on valid arguments. Non-Euclidean geometry will also be investigated. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I.
- MAT 335 Applied Mathematics and Modeling (3 credits) - Using mathematics to study the phenomena arising in nature and described by fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, or social sciences. Students will formulate and analyze models using methods such as optimization, simulation, dynamical systems, and other strategies. Current technologies will be utilized. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I.
- MAT 340 Calculus III (5 credits) - Vectors and vector calculus, cylindrical and spherical equations, the theory and application of partial derivatives and multiple integrals, including Green’s and Stokes’ Theorems. Prerequisite: “C-” grade or better in MAT 240 Calculus II.
- MAT 350 Linear Algebra (4 credits) - Topics in matrix algebra including determinants, abstract vector spaces, transformations, orthogonality, and eigensystems. Students perform calculations and construct proofs in each of these topics. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in either MAT 270 Transitions to Advanced Mathematics or MAT 340 Calculus III.
- MAT 405 Applied Mathematics (3 credits) - Analytical and numerical methods of solution in various mathematical and scientific areas. Modeling, infinite series, vector analysis, Fourier series, partial differential equations, integral transformations, and complex analysis. Prerequisites: “C-” or better in MAT 250 Differential Equations and MAT 340 Calculus III.
- MAT 420 Number Theory (3 credits) – An exploration of different kinds of numbers and their relationships. Topics may include modular arithmetic, prime numbers, divisibility theorems, Diophantine equations, congruences, Fermat’s Little Theorem, quadratic reciprocity, continued fractions, and cryptography. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 270 Transition to Advanced Mathematics for undergraduate students.
- MAT 435 History of Mathematics (3 credits) – This course surveys the historical development of mathematics. Critical thinking from different perspectives will be emphasized to learn about the context of discovery of different topics. Famous problems and mathematicians will also be explored. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 270 for undergraduate students.
- MAT 440 Numerical Analysis Credits (3 credits) - An introduction to numerical solutions to problems in various mathematical and scientific areas. Solution of equations and systems of equations, interpolation and curve fitting, approximation of polynomials, and numerical differentiation and integration. Use of technology emphasized. Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 240 Calculus II.
- MAT 460 Senior Seminar in Mathematics (3 credits) - A research and discussion course in which one or more advanced topics will be discussed based upon faculty and student interest. Students will be required to research a mathematics topic and will make a presentation of their findings. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Math at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs: