Mathematics Minor

A math minor at CCU is an 18 to 19 credit program offered through the School of Science and Engineering that combines calculus, statistics, and linear algebra into one concentrated area of study. Students must complete the calculus sequence, Linear Algebra, and a statistics course, then choose between Calculus III and Differential Equations. The minor is designed to develop the analytical skills and mental habits you need to use and understand mathematics well.

The mathematics minor supplements your major rather than replacing it. Your coursework is built to show you the interplay of applications, problem solving, and theory, so you can apply mathematical thinking in whatever field you choose. The minor gives you the competency to describe the relationships in our created world through the tools of mathematics.

A math minor strengthens the analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills that employers value across many industries. A math minor is common preparation for roles such as budget analyst, market research analyst, data analyst, or statistician, where professionals use data, modeling, and critical thinking to solve complex problems and support strategic decisions.

The minor also pairs well with fields such as business, engineering, computer science, economics, and the sciences, where quantitative reasoning gives you an advantage. If you plan to continue your education, the mathematics coursework in this minor provides a foundation for graduate study in quantitative disciplines. Employers and graduate programs alike recognize that a math minor demonstrates comfort with rigorous, systematic thinking.

The math minor begins with the calculus sequence. Students must complete Calculus I (MAT141) and Calculus II (MAT241) with their recitations, then Linear Algebra (MAT261) with its recitation, and Statistics and Probability for Engineers (MAT313). These courses must be taken in order, because each one carries the course before it as a prerequisite.

One more course completes the minor, and here you choose. Calculus III (MAT341) with its recitation covers multivariable calculus and suits students continuing in engineering, physics, or further mathematics. Differential Equations (MAT352) suits students who want to model real-world systems directly. That single choice is what sets your total credits at 18 or 19. Your academic advisor can help you decide which path fits your major.

A math minor pairs naturally with majors in engineering, computer science, and the natural sciences, where quantitative methods are part of the daily work. Business and economics students gain modeling and statistical reasoning that sharpen their analysis. Education majors preparing to teach mathematics gain deeper content knowledge than their major alone provides.

The minor also serves students outside the quantitative fields. The habits you build in proof, abstraction, and careful reasoning transfer to any discipline that rewards clear thinking. Because the minor is a concentrated 18 to 19 credit sequence, you can complete it alongside your major and graduate with a second, demonstrable strength on your transcript.

Studying mathematics at CCU means exploring the order and structure God built into creation. The School of Science and Engineering integrates faith and learning throughout the curriculum, so you are invited to think about why mathematics describes the universe so well, not only how to apply it.

CCU's purposefully small classes mean your professors know you and can mentor you through the harder proofs and problem sets rather than leaving you to a large lecture hall. Faculty teach with both academic rigor and reverence for creation, helping you develop competence and character together. That combination prepares you to bring careful, honest reasoning into whatever work you pursue.

The math minor requirements total 18 or 19 credit hours through the School of Science and Engineering. Students must complete Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra, and Statistics and Probability for Engineers, along with the recitation sections attached to those courses, and then either Calculus III with its recitation or Differential Equations. You must also remain in good academic standing at the university throughout the minor.

Course number matters here, because the mathematics courses build on one another and each carries a prerequisite. The upper division courses follow the calculus sequence, so plan Calculus I early. Starting the sequence late is the most common reason a student cannot finish the minor requirements before graduation. Meet with your academic advisor as soon as you decide on the minor, and review the full requirements in the course catalog.

The math minor is a strong fit if you enjoy solving problems, working with numbers, and thinking analytically, and if you want your major backed by demonstrable quantitative skill. You should be willing to work through challenging material, since the calculus sequence and linear algebra ask for steady effort rather than quick answers.

Consider the minor if you are heading into business, computer science, engineering, economics, education, biology, or another field where quantitative reasoning opens doors. Consider it also if you simply find mathematics compelling and want to understand it more deeply within a Christ-centered education. The minor gives you a versatile skill set that complements your primary field of study.