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, Asst. Professor and Chair
Marco Annoni, Visiting Teaching Fellow
Il Woo Cho, PhD, Professor
Junyi Dong, PhD, Asst. Professor
Lisa Thimm, MS, Visiting Instructor
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 Teacher Education 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 or MATH 370 Real Analysis, 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
For academic/merit-based awards, we match eligible students to a qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
You may also qualify for scholarships or grants due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Contact the Admissions Office so we can be sure you're getting what you need.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
And finally, look below under Outside Scholarships to see examples of non-SAU financial aid, and be sure to get an early start on your applications!
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2021-22 academic year.
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*.
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.
2021-22 Scholarships
FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Ambrose Advantage
Criteria: Criteria: Iowa resident, Federal Pell Grant eligible, 2021 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU, and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15. To remain eligible in subsequent years, students must maintain 2.8 GPA and qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.
Award: Full tuition
Trustee
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 a full tuition scholarship
Presidential
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score. Must maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA in successive years.
Award: $23,000/year
Academic
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)
$13,000/year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $500-$1,000/year
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000-$16,000/year (Iowa resident) or $14,000-17,000/year (non-Iowa resident)
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required.
Award: $500/year
*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.
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their performance and abilities in fine arts and athletics.
Below, you'll find a quick summary of financial awards, and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education even more affordable and attainable. Recently, we began offering athletic scholarships for Marching Band and Esports.
If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the International Student Admissions office.
Institutional Scholarships (2020-21)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students are automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Academic Scholarship – $15,000-$21,000/year
Athletic Scholarships
We have many international student-athletes who are contributing and growing their skills as valued team players. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes. The amount varies and is based on performance and ability. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody the value of developing both the mind and body.
To qualify for an athletic scholarship you must be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
To learn more about all of our athletic teams and opportunities – including Esports – click here.
Fine Arts Scholarships
These scholarships are based on your performance and ability in art, music, or theatre, and you may qualify for the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required. Contact the Admissions office to apply or for more information.
See below to learn more about outside scholarships and we encourage you to begin your search early.
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2021-22 academic year.
St. Ambrose scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only* and renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. For example: If you transfer in with an AA/AS degree, you would receive a scholarship for two additional years at St. Ambrose.
*Total combined scholarships may not exceed cost of tuition. Scholarships offered to transfer students who enroll full time, online students not eligible.
2021-22 Scholarships
PHI THETA KAPPA
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $16,000
OR
TRANSFER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,500
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,500
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,500
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,500
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU, full-time enrollment
Award: Full Tuition
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Dual Admission Scholarship
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Freeman Pollard Diversity Award
Criteria: Ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available by application
Award: $1,000/year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
2021-22 Federal and State Aid
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $6,200
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,345 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes.
These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody that value of developing both the mind and body.
How do I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
You must first be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
With more than 31 varsity athletic teams and state-of-the-art facilities in which to play them, the Fighting Bees of SAU are bold contenders on any field. Watch this video
How do I qualify for a fine arts scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded based on performance and ability in art, music and theatre. Review the various requirements below:
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