Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Mathematical Sciences Department


Dan Van Peursem, Chairperson
Patterson Hall, Room 132
(605) 658-5970

math@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/math

FACULTY

Professors:

José Flores, Numerical Analysis
Nan Jiang, Numerical Analysis
Yuhlong Lio, Stochastic Processes
Dan Van Peursem, Applied Mathematics

Associate Professors:

Catalin Georgescu, Dynamical Systems
Gabriel Picioroaga, Operator Algebras and Wavelets

Assistant Professors:

Ramiro Lafuente-Rodriguez, Ordered Algebraic Structures and Lattice Theory; Mathematics Education

Instructors:

Clark Bennett, Core Mathematics
Teresa Chasing Hawk, Core Mathematics
Ashley Jairam, Core Mathematics
Shannon Kortan, Core Mathematics
Angela Keith, Core Mathematics CCSF
Kristen Maxon, Core Mathematics
Sally Schmidt, Core Mathematics
Sandra Shumaker, Business Mathematics
Kelly Steinmetz, Core Mathematics CCSF
Nick Wulf, Core Mathematics

MAJOR:

Mathematics, B.S.

MINORS:

Mathematics
Mathematics: Composite
Statistics

Mathematics has been called the universal language of the world. This language is used to describe and model phenomena in the sciences, humanities, and arts. Even more exciting than the questions that have been answered by mathematicians are the questions that have yet to be answered or have yet to be posed. To provide students with the foundation and skills for pursuing those questions, the mathematical sciences department provides courses in both pure and applied mathematics, as well as in statistics. Mathematics majors choose diverse career directions, including but not limited to, mathematics education, positions in business and industry, professional schools, and graduate studies in mathematics or statistics. The undergraduate program in mathematics reflects the diversity of student interests as well as the diverse nature of the mathematical sciences. In their study of mathematics, students will develop and hone their problem solving and critical thinking skills that will “open doors wider”, serving well both society and the students in all aspects of their lives.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Please contact the department for additional information about available scholarships and awards. Also see College of Arts & Sciences  for college/school level scholarships.

  • Bessie Kimball Thurber Memorial Scholarship
  • Cleland Cook Math Scholarship
  • Curtis & Lynda Olson Mathematics Scholarship
  • David Walish Scholarship (Honor Bill Ekman)
  • David Walish Scholarship (Honor Howard Connors)
  • Dr. Alexander Pell Scholarship
  • Dr. Andy E. Karantinos Scholarship
  • Dr. Marjorie H. Beaty Math/Computer Science Scholarship
  • Dr. Wayne W. Gutzman Family Scholarship in Mathematics
  • Ekman Gutzman Leadership Coyote Commitment Scholarship
  • Ellen Connaugh Lang
  • Even & Anne Larson Scholarship
  • Harrington Book Award
  • Howard Connors Math Scholarship
  • L. Fred & Rose E. Hart Scholarship
  • Lt. Colonel Vernon E. Staum Scholarship
  • Math Scholarship-Clearing
  • Merten M. Hasse Scholarship
  • Merten M. Hasse-Math Contest Scholarship
  • Nelontine Maxwell Larsen Award
  • Paul and Dora Bitsos Scholarship
  • Pi Mu Epsilon/Thomas Emery McKinney Mathematics Award
  • Quantitative Business Sciences Scholarship
  • Ralph Richardson Memorial Scholarship
  • Reise Officer Math Scholarship
  • Rene E., Marilyn S., & Sara Vivian Grace Scholarship
  • Robert L. Walter Scholarship
  • Royal & Cora Scott Family Scholarship
  • Wallace Raab
  • Wayne H. and Linda K. Cramer
  • William E. Ekman Scholarship
  • John A. Smedsrud

Student Learning Outcomes for Mathematics (B.S.)

  1. Math majors will demonstrate proficiency in writing proofs and be able to utilize the mathematical software Latex or equation editor in WORD to do so. 
  2. Math majors will demonstrate proficiency in solving math application problems using the software MAPLE or MATLAB. 
  3. Math majors will demonstrate knowledge and skill of the subject matter in their introductory course, Calculus I. 
  4. Mathematics majors will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the subject matter in their second course for the major, Calculus II.   
  5. Students will be able to systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments, and break down complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them. 
  6. Students will engage in purposeful, ongoing learning activities that improve their knowledge, skills and competence in their personal and professional lives. 
  7. Students will design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to answer an open-ended question or achieve a desired goal. 
  8. Students will connect ideas and experiences in order to synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus.  
  9. Students will comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion, and combine or synthesize existing ideas, images or expertise in original ways reflecting a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.

Programs