Mathematics and Statistics
Whether your goal is to analyze statistics, teach math to young minds at the middle or high school level, or delve into the burgeoning field of data science, St. Ambrose has an outstanding Mathematics program that can help you succeed.
Our graduates work at private and public middle and high schools, financial institutions, the Rock Island Arsenal, and many more.
Ambrose Advantages
- Focus on Learning
- Research and Analysis
- Quality Instructors
At St. Ambrose, you won't passively attend classes taught by graduate teaching assistants. Instead, you'll work with talented faculty dedicated to guiding you towards mastery of the knowledge, skills, and tools you'll need to reach your goals.
Mathematics and Statistics Fact Sheet
More Information on the Math Program
Courses include Calculus and Analytic Geometry, Logic & Proof, Modern Probability & Statistics, and Ordinary Differential Equations. In our Topics and Mathematical Computing courses, you work one-on-one with faculty on research and analysis projects.
Do you want to stand out to employers or in graduate school admissions? If so, intern. The American Mathematical Society maintains a list of available summer research experiences for undergraduate mathematics majors. The American Statistical Association maintains a list of available internships in statistics. In addition, your professors and the SAU Career Center will help you find an opportunity that fits your goals.
If you want to further specialize your skills, we recommend a dual major. We have programs in finance, computer science, biology, chemistry, engineering, and others that will open up even more post-graduate opportunities.
Students who combine a mathematics major with a secondary teaching endorsement can teach middle or high school. Many of our graduates find immediate employment as secondary math teachers.
A Mathematics major gives you immediate options for jobs in actuarial science, business analytics, and data science. Other career fields include biostatistics/biomathematics, business intelligence, mathematician, operations research, and statistician/data analyst.
If you combine a mathematics major with a secondary teaching endorsement, you can teach middle or high school. Many of our graduates are immediately hired as secondary math teachers.
Many of our students advance to graduate programs in Measurement & Statistics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, and Mathematics Education. Two graduates went on to earn PhDs and now teach in our department.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a graduate degree can lead to substantial financial success. In 2016, the median salary for a mathematician was $105,810 and for a statistician was $80,500. Employment for mathematicians is expected to grow by 21 percent, and for statisticians grow by more than 34%, through 2024.
- Angelica Rankin '15 transferred to SAU to complete her Teacher Education (5-12) and Math degree. She completed her PhD studies at the University of Iowa and now is the Associate Director of Project Lead the Way.
Tim Gillespie, PhD, Assoc. Professor and Chair
Il Woo Cho, PhD, Professor
Junyi Dong, PhD, Asst. Professor
Michael Kiss, Visiting Instructor
Lisa Thimm, MS, Lecturer
Degree Requirements
Required:
+MATH 191 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, 4 credits
MATH 192 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II, 4 credits
MATH 220 Introduction to Logic & Proof, 3 credits
MATH 290 Elementary Linear Algebra, 3 credits
MATH 291 Calculus III, 4 credits
MATH/STAT 300 Modern Probability & Statistics, 3 credits
MATH/STAT 301 Statistical Modeling, 3 credits
MATH 320 Ordinary Differential Equations, 3 credits
MATH 370 Real Analysis, 3 credits
MATH 380 Abstract Algebra, 3 credits
MATH 390 Mathematical Programming, 3 credits
MATH 400 Topics in Mathematics, 3 credits
Students who wish to earn a secondary (grades 5-12) teaching license will:
- Substitute MATH 340 Secondary Math Methods (3 credits) for MATH 400 Topics in Mathematics (3 credits)
- Complete required coursework in the Educator Preparation Program.
+=satisfies General Education requirements
This is the suggested plan for students to graduate in four years with a degree in Math. This plan assumes the student has not taken three years of foreign language in high school.
Year One
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Communication | 3 | Foreign Language 101 | 3 |
| Written Communication | 3 | Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
| Information Literacy | 1 | Health & Fitness I | 1 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 0 | Health & Fitness II | 1 |
| MATH 191 Calculus I | 4 | MATH 192 Calculus II [Pre-req AP Calc AB Exam 3 or higher or MATH 191] |
4 |
| MATH 220 Intro to Logic and Proof [Pre-req ACT MATH 28 or higher or Math 171] |
3 | MATH 290 Linear Algebra [Pre-req MATH 191 or AP Calc AB Exam 3 or higher] |
3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Arts | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Foreign Language 102 | 3 | Social Science | 3 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
| *MATH 291 Calculus III | 4 | *MATH 301 Statistical Modeling | 3 |
| *MATH 300 Modern Probability & Statistics | 3 | *MATH 320 Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities | 3 | MATH 390 Mathematical Programming (needs dept approval) | 3 |
| Social Science | 4 | Electives | 12 |
| Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 | ||
| *MATH 370 Real Analysis | 3 | ||
| MATH 395 Seminar | 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| *MATH 380 Abstract Algebra | 3 | Catholic Intellectual Tradition | 3 |
| Electives | 12 | Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
*Needs prerequisite. See Course Catalog for details.
A minor in math consists of computational and theoretical courses.
Required:
MATH 191 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II, 4 credits
MATH 192 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II, 4 credits
MATH 220 Introduction to Logic and Proof
MATH 290 Linear Algebra, 3 credits
MATH 380 Abstract Algebra, MATH 370 Real Analysis, or MATH 400 Topics, 3 credits
A minor in statistics consists of math and applied statistics courses.
Required (14 credits):
MATH 191 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II, 4 credits
MATH 192 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II, 4 credits
MATH 290 Linear Algebra, 3 credits
MATH 300 Probability and Statistics, 3 credits
Choose One (3 credits):
MATH 305 Advanced Data Science
WI-MATH 306 Ethics of Data Analysis
MATH 390 Mathematical Programming
Scholarships and Grants
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based upon your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria. The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Please note, while St. Ambrose University has a test-optional admissions policy, standardized test scores are required for both admission to specific programs and/or eligibility for top academic scholarships. Scholarships and grants are renewable for four years of undergraduate study.
Your scholarship will automatically renew each year of your undergraduate studies - up to four years - as long as you maintain satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree, achieve certain GPA requirements (see below), and remain a full-time student.
Download helpful PDFs of this information here: First-Year Iowa Resident or First-Year Out of State Resident
IOWA RESIDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
Iowa Resident On Campus Merit-Based Scholarships
Trustee Scholar
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score. Must maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA in successive years.
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for an Ambrose Scholar full-tuition award
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $15,000-$21,000/year
University Grant
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000/year
Iowa Resident On Campus Additional Institutional Aid
Ambrose Advantage (more information here)
Criteria: Iowa resident, Federal Pell Grant eligible, 2022 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.5, admitted to SAU, and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15. To remain eligible in subsequent years, students must maintain 2.5 GPA and qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.
Award: Full tuition
Athletic Scholarships
Criteria: performance and ability
Award: varies
Fine Arts Scholarships
Criteria: performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Award: varies
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Minority Scholarship
Criteria: ethnically diverse student, FAFSA required
Award: $500-$1,000/year
Catholic Traditions Scholarship
Criteria: graduate from Catholic high school
Award: $2,000/year
Menke Parish Scholarship
Criteria: Diocese of Davenport parishioner, additional application required
Award: $1,000/year
IOWA RESIDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Iowa Resident Off Campus Merit-Based Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000-$16,000/year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Iowa Resident Off Campus Additional Institutional Scholarships
Criteria: Iowa resident, Federal Pell Grant eligible, 2022 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.5, admitted to SAU, and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15. To remain eligible in subsequent years, students must maintain 2.5 GPA and qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.
Award: Full tuition
Athletic Scholarships
Criteria: performance and ability
Award: varies
Fine Arts Scholarships
Criteria: performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Award: varies
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Minority Scholarship
Criteria: ethnically diverse student, FAFSA required
Award: $500-$1,000/year
Catholic Traditions Scholarship
Criteria: graduate from Catholic high school
Award: $2,000/year
OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
Out of State On Campus Merit-Based Scholarships
Trustee Scholar
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score. Must maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA in successive years.
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for an Ambrose Scholar full-tuition award
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $17,000-$23,000/year
University Grant
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000/year
Out of State On Campus Additional Institutional Aid
Athletic Scholarships
Critieria: performance and ability
Award: varies
Fine Arts Scholarships
Critieria: performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Award: varies
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Minority Scholarship
Criteria: ethnically diverse student, FAFSA required
Award: $500-$1,000/year
Catholic Traditions Scholarship
Criteria: graduate from Catholic high school
Award: $2,000/year
Menke Parish Scholarship
Criteria: Diocese of Davenport parishioner, additional application required
Award: $1,000/year
OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Out of State Off Campus Merit-Based Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $14,000-$17,000/year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Out of State Off Campus Additional Institutional Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Criteria: performance and ability
Award: varies
Fine Arts Scholarships
Criteria: performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Award: varies
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Minority Scholarship
Criteria: ethnically diverse student, FAFSA required
Award: $500/year
Catholic Traditions Scholarship
Criteria: graduate from Catholic high school
Award: $2,000/year
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant. FAFSA deadline is July 1.
Award: $6,800
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a Expected Family Contribution (EFC) threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,345 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
To qualify, you must file a FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 15 and you must qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter. Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $1,850
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Bee Central where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Contact
Tim Gillespie, Asst. Professor
Math and Statistics Department
Ambrose Hall
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6179
GillespieTimothyL@sau.edu