Welcome to the Department of Mathematics & Philosophy

Why Study Mathematics at WIU?

WIU mathematics students study fundamental mathematical areas by taking core courses. Depending on the choice of option they further their education in either Teacher Education, pure or applied mathematics. Focus areas allow students to develop interdisciplinary skills.

Highlights

• Our programs are very flexible: you can tailor your mathematics education to pursue a  career in Education, Data Science and Statistics, Actuarial Science, or continue your education in a Graduate School.

• You have an opportunity to earn a Bachelor and Master degrees in just five years by enrolling into our Integrated Degree Program.

• Our Mathematics Education program is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 

• Mathematics Education students get to practice their skills by teaching Intermediate Algebra labs at WIU supervised by PhD-holding mathematics faculty in addition to traditional block teaching supervised by high school teachers.  

• Our faculty are actively engaged in research and are available for Independent Study courses, Honors projects, and Undergraduate Research Day projects.
  

• Small upper division class sizes allow one-on-one interactions with the professors.

• Thanks to our alumni and friends we are able to offer multiple scholarships to support our students.

 Our Students

Great reason to join our program is to get to know our students and become a part of their family. We are proud of our students' hopes and aspirations, their achievements and accomplishments.

Meet Logan Brown, our recent graduate. Logan joined our program in Fall of 2015. He started his undergraduate path to Mathematics Education degree with full Presidential Scholarship.

The Department of Mathematics and Philosophy supported him with the additional funds from Alumni and Textbook Scholarships. Logan excelled in his studies over the years, and his excellence and hard work was always recognized by the Department. He received Glenadine Gibb Sophomore Mathematics Education Scholarship and Mary Stipanovich Scholarship in 2016-2017 academic year; Glenadine Gibb Junior Mathematics Education Scholarship, Glenn Ayre Award, and Lynn J. and Mary L. Wolfmeyer Scholarship in 2017-2018 academic year; in 2018-2019 academic year he was awarded Glenadine Gibb Senior Mathematics Education Scholarship, Lynn J. and Mary L. Wolfmeyer Scholarship, and Dorothy Allen Scholarship. Logan was named as a Departmental Scholar in Spring 2019 and nominated as a College of Arts and Science Scholar that same semester. He graduated with Honors in Spring 2019. Congratulations to Logan and his family - well done!

Career Opportunities

"At NASA, mathematics and statistics are core disciplines and are present in every aspect of the mission." - job ad at indeed.com

Our graduates have been successful in pursuing interesting and rewarding careers. They established themselves as scientists and programmers, analysis, data managers, and database specialists, software engineers, statistical analysts, actuaries, etc.

Our graduates are working in industry with such companies as Caterpillar, Inc., Deere and Company, McDonnell-Douglas; in  business for such companies as IBM, Arthur Andersen, Hewitt Associates, CNA Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allstate, State Farm.

Many of our graduates have also successfully pursued graduate degree programs and hold or have held various positions at colleges and universities such as Roosevelt University, Washington University, Chicago State, University of Illinois.

Mathematics Education jobs are in high demand. Hundreds of our alumni are teaching in schools of Illinois, Iowa , Ohio, Massachusetts , Wisconsin, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Road Island, Connecticut, Colorado, Texas, New York, Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Arizona, Washington, California.

Starting Fall 2019 the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy is offering a B. S. degree in Data Science and Statistics. There is a growing need for Data Scientists everywhere in the world! Data Scientists are in high demand in such industries as Gaming, Healthcare, Marketing, Finance, Technology. Companies like Google and Amazon, IBM and Facebook and Microsoft have thousands of vacancies. Data Scientists salaries range form $73K to $182K depending on company, location, and experience. 

Our Math Club

The Department of Mathematics and Philosophy sponsors a chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor society, and a student chapter of the Mathematics Association of America. The student officers plan a variety of group activities  of interest to members. Our student Math Club organizes various events throughout the year: talks, picnics, game nights.

 

About the Department

The department has more than 20 mathematics faculty members with teaching and research interests in many areas of pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education. We are strongly committed to our undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about our faculty >>>.

The department is actively engaged in community outreach programs and services. We host the Annual ICTM High School Contest (each February). We also serve as a testing center for students interested in participating in AMC competitions. Our faculty work with Study Abroad and Outreach programs to offer Girls Plus Math summer camp. 

The department organizes an annual Mathematics Teachers Conference.  

We encourage you to visit our department. To coordinate a visit or to learn more about our programs please contact:

Victoria Baramidze, Ph.D. 
Chair, Department of Mathematics and Philosophy
V-Baramidze@wiu.edu
(309) 298-1238

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B.S. in Mathematics 

We offer four options within the mathematics major.

Option A, Mathematics. Students are exposed to a rich combination of mathematical areas in pure and applied mathematics. Additionally, students are given an opportunity to deepen their understanding in areas complementing mathematics major, such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or economics. This option is well suited for students interested in a graduate degree in mathematics or statistics as well as those seeking mathematics related jobs in non-academic settings. See what our students and faculty say about this program.

Learn more >>>.

Option B, Mathematics Education. Students are well trained in a variety of fundamental mathematical areas. In addition to studying pure and applied mathematics and statistics, students in this option obtain professional skills in education 
courses as well as student teaching. Our program is designed to uphold the highest standards of State of Illinois educational requirements.  As a result, students that obtained B. S. degree with our department pass the Illinois Professional Educator License test at the rate of 100%. See what our students and faculty say about this program.

For more information about Mathematics Teacher Education program, please visit our website.

Option C, Data Science and Statistics.  Students are rigorously trained in mathematics, statistics, decision and computer sciences. This option is designed for students interested in data science: a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field combining decision  making, data management, and computationally intensive data analysis based on scientific computing methods. See what our students and faculty say about this program.

Learn more.

Option D, Actuarial Science.  Students are rigorously trained in mathematics and statistics, as well as in economics, accounting, and  finance. This option is designed for students interested in actuarial science: a highly specialized profession that combines mathematics and statistics with business acumen to analyze and solve business, financial, and social problems to manage risks. See what our students and faculty say about this program.

Learn more.

Special Opportunities

Our Option B students get to teach College Algebra to WIU students. They always comment on how important it is to have this experience before teaching in area schools. In addition, students prepare lesson plans, work with iPads to explore visualization software, use other hands-on learning materials.

Mathematics majors are encouraged to take a special course entitled Undergraduate Research. This course involves the dedicated, individual pursuit of a mathematical topic or application from an area of research that is represented within the department, culminating in a final paper or presentation to peers and faculty. All students are encouraged to present their work at the University’s annual Undergraduate Research Day. For more information,  please visit our website. 

The department organizes Student Colloquium presentations: students learn about mathematics beyond standard coursework and may be inspired to complete a research project.

Consider a summer internship as a valuable part of your college education. Our students completed internships at First Chicago Insurance Company, AJR International, Live Nation, Northwestern Mutual.

Consider our 5-year Integrated BS/MS program: students in this program graduate with two degrees in 5 years instead of traditional 6.

Honors in Mathematics

To be eligible for the Centennial Honors College, entering freshmen must fall into two of the following three categories:

• have an ACT composite score of at least 24 (SAT of at least 1180)

• be in the top 15% of their graduating  class

• have a 3.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale

General honors seminars in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences provide students  with the opportunity to explore key academic issues with distinguished faculty members. In the Mathematics  major, honors students may receive honors designation in any math course by working with the instructor on an individually tailored project.

Student Activities

The Department of Mathematics and Philosophy sponsors a chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor society, and a student chapter of the Mathematics Association of America. The student officers plan a variety of group activities of interest to members. Our student Math Club organizes various events throughout the year: talks, picnics, game nights.  

                                 

After College

Our graduates have been successful in pursuing interesting and rewarding careers. Some are working in industry with such companies as Caterpillar, Inc., Deere and Company, McDonnell-Douglas.  Some are working in business for such companies as IBM, Arthur Andersen, Hewitt Associates, CNA Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allstate, State Farm. Many of our graduates have also successfully pursued graduate degree programs and hold positions at colleges and universities such as Roosevelt University, Washington University, Chicago State, University of Illinois.

Resources

• Faculty and Staff
• Scholarships
• Undergraduate Research
• Women in Science

Mathematics Integrated Program

The integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program provides an opportunity for academically strong undergraduate Mathematics majors to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s  degrees in five years. The program is designed to provide an accelerated alternative to traditional programs by preparing students who would pursue a career in business, industry, or government, as well as to train mathematicians who would pursue further study toward a doctoral degree in mathematics.

"I chose the integrated program to pursue my personal interest in mathematics by taking higher level courses as an undergraduate. It will also allow me to use the time I have now to work on my master's degree, which will better prepare me for my future career." Audrey Fletcher, a student currently enrolled in Mathematics Integrated Program.

The applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher and must complete 60 sh of college coursework with at least 21 sh of mathematics, to include MATH 231, 280, 311, and 341 with grades of no less than B, before applying for admission to the integrated program.

For more information, visit wiu.edu/graduate_studies/catalog/mathematics.php

Masters of Science in Teaching Mathematics

The Mathematics and Philosophy Department at Western Illinois University has received approval for their new Master’s program from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). This Masters of Science in Teaching Mathematics (MSTM) degree is designed for current teachers of secondary mathematics and the courses will all be offered in an online format. Learn more...

Master of Science in Mathematics

The Master's program in the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy provides an alternative to traditional programs by preparing students who would pursue a career in business, industry, or government, as well as to train mathematicians who would pursue further study towards a doctoral degree. The program offers a flexible course structure, built on core courses and focus area courses from your choice of a wide range of specializations.

Program Overview

• Requires sufficient competence in mathematics coursework (as determined by the Department Graduate Committee) to be considered for admission.

• Various assistantship positions are available, including teaching support assistantships (tutoring in math help centers) and teaching assistantships (teach undergraduate classes).

• The degree requires 30 semester hours (s.h.).

• The program consists of 18 s.h. of core courses, 3 s.h. of mathematics directed electives, and 9 s.h. of focus area courses. Both the theoretical framework and the applications of computational mathematics, statistics, and analysis are covered in the core courses.

• The program also allows students to choose a focus area. Through three focus courses, the focus area helps students gain expertise with key concepts of a field within mathematics, or in a discipline related to mathematics. Diverse options are available for the choice of a focus area, including: applied mathematics, Ph.D. pursuit, statistics, teaching of mathematics, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, decision sciences, economics, environmental science, finance, or physics.

To learn more about our graduate program prospective students may follow the link http://www.wiu.edu/cas/mathematics_and_philosophy/graduate/prospective_graduate_students.php.

  

Scholarships

The Department of Mathematics and Philosophy has over 16 mathematics scholarships available to new students, as well as transfer and continuing students. Many of them are designed to support Mathematics Education students specifically.

• Detailed information on scholarships

or from the University’s Scholarship Office, phone: (309) 298- 2001.

• Mary Olive Woods scholarships are available to philosophy minors interested in religious studies.
• Western Commitment Scholarships

Additionally, the new initiative, Great River Teacher Corps, provides scholarships to students interested in teaching in rural areas or small towns in Western Illinois. For information visit http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/grtc

These are in addition to Western Commitment Scholarships http://www.wiu.edu/student_success/undergraduate_admissions/western_commitment/index.php

Mathematics and Philosophy Highlights for our alumni, donors, and friends.

Minor in Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of the intellectual foundations of virtually every area of human thought and action. Over the centuries, philosophers have examined the nature and justification of moral values and scientific explanations, the relation of thought and action, the grounds for deciding among the alternative accounts of reality, and the nature of reasoning and argument. Such study will develop your abilities to read critically, write logically, analyze divergent viewpoints, and give good reasons for your opinions.

The study of philosophy leads in many directions, qualifying undergraduates for further study in graduate school and giving them a leg up in certain areas of the job market. Most philosophy departments offer student's training in a unique combination of skills, including direct observation, critical thinking, logical analysis, moral reasoning, and cross-cultural understanding. In many professional fields, such skills are in high demand. In addition, many philosophy minors go on to study law, business, education, and medicine in graduate school. The skills you acquire while studying philosophy are in high demand in all areas of life. Source:  The American Philosophical Association

The department offers a minor in philosophy that helps improve your understanding of your major, and provides you with the intellectual skills you will need if you are one of the 73% of people who end up in a career unrelated to your major.

Learn more

The Departments of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Mathematics and Philosophy are fortunate to have the MOW Trust to support scholarships and an annual lecture. The MOW Trust has supported an eclectic and impressive group of scholars since 1987. Past MOW guest speakers include: Ninian Smart, Martin E. Marty, Michael Ruse, Wendy Doniger, and Alvin Plantinga. Every Fall a campus-wide lecture is given followed the next morning by a smaller discussion and question/answer session open to interested students and faculty.

More Information about Mary Olive Woods Scholarships

Minors in Mathematics

Applied Mathematics

Beginning Fall 2019 the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy is offering Minor in Applied Mathematics. The program encourages students majoring in computer science, economics or decision science, accounting or finance, to expand and deepen their knowledge in applied mathematics. In addition to the common calculus and statistics core students are able to select courses in linear algebra, discrete mathematics, modeling, financial mathematics, nonparametric statistics, and many more.

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Philosophy offers Minor in Mathematics that requires a student to take a sequence of two calculus courses, and an additional 9 credit hours of approved mathematics electives with at least 6 of the hours of upper division courses. Interested students can choose from Calculus III, Geometry, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Logic and Sets, Mathematical Modeling, Probability and Statistics, and more.

Middle Level Mathematics Teaching

In conjunction with the major in Middle Level Education the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy offers Minor in Middle Level Mathematics Teaching. Students in the major, seeking Mathematics Endorsement Emphasis, will benefit from mathematics and statistics content courses as well as pedagogical preparation.

Currently, eighty eight WIU students are minoring in mathematics. These include students majoring in physics, chemistry and biology, computer science, engineering, mechanical engineering, and engineering technology, accounting,  economics, as well as broadcasting, and law enforcement and justice administration.

 

News and Upcoming Events

2022-20223 News

• Dr. Tom Blackford published a short story, "Squate", in the Journal of Humanistic Mathematics in its July issue. You can read the story here.
• Dr. Tasdan published a report: Electronic Warfare: Global Trends & Turkish Capabilities Report | SETA Emerging Military Technologies Series .1., ISBN: 978-625-8322-11-8..

2021-2022 News

• Dr. Andreev has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 CAS Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching with Technology. Congratulations!
• Beginning Fall 2022, the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy will be offering its M.S. in Mathematics program online. The online offering of this program is designed to accommodate working professionals, and is in addition to the in-person program already available on the Macomb campus. The WIU Master's in Mathematics program prepares students to pursue a career in business, industry, higher education or government. It is also well-suited for students seeking to prepare for a doctoral degree. The program offers a flexible course structure, built on core courses and focus area courses from your choice of a wide range of specializations. For questions and inquiries, please contact Dr. Douglas LaFountain at d-lafountain@wiu.edu
• An M. S. in Mathematics graduate student, Yazan Musleh, completed and defended a thesis "An Enhancement to the RSA Cryptosystem with a Second Layer of Encryption using Continuous Functions". His work was advised by Dr. Tom Blackford. Congratulations on the job well done.
• Dr. Fedor Andreev co-authored and published a paper "Characterization of local optima of polynomial modulus over a disc" in Numerical Algorithms, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11075-021-01208-4.
• Dr. Feridun Tasdan published a paper ”Point Air Defense Needs of the Turkish Air Force” in Defence Turkey Journal.
• Dr. Susie Brooks is selected as the recipient of the Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2021! Congratulations, Dr. Brooks! 
• Student Awards and Honors: Mary Bjelica is selected to be Fall 21 Department of Mathematics and Philosophy Scholar.
• Illinois Board of Higher Ed authorized WIU to establish a new Master of Science in Teaching Education degree for online-only delivery effective Fall 21. Current secondary teachers who already have both their Bachelors in Mathematics and their Secondary Teaching License: if you would like to earn a Master’s degree while working contact the program coordinator: Dr. Robert Mann, rr-mann@wiu.edu. 
• Dr. Tom Blackford published a story, "A Square Root’s Take on the Pandemic", in the Mathematical Intelligencer. Congratulations and thank you Dr. Blackford!

2022-2023 Events 

Math Club is holding a meeting  on Tuesday, October 25th, at 6:30 PM CST via Zoom. Dr. Olsen will be speaking on the topic of the Golden Ratio.

Math Club is having Welcome Back Virtual Game Night on Tuesday, September 20th, at 6:30 PM CST via Zoom.

2021-2022 Events 

Mathematics Colloquium:  "Reverse Mathematics and Topology." presented by Dr. Shafer via Zoom: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/98324032437. The lecture is free and open to the public. Date: Thursday, December 2nd, 2021, Time: 4:00 p.m.

Math Club will hold a meeting on Thursday, November 18th, at 6:00pm via Zoom. This week’s speaker will be Ms. Ming Zhu Wang, a WIU alumna, and her presentation is titled, “From Math to Business Academia: Expectations, Opportunities, and Is It Right For You?”. Math Club Zoom link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/96101376169.

Math Club will hold a meeting on Thursday, November 4th, at 6:00pm via Zoom. This week’s speaker will be Dr. Doug LaFountain, and his presentation is titled, “Ranked Voting Systems and Arrow's Theorem”. Math Club Zoom link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/96101376169.

Mathematics Colloquium:  "Math in Engineering: Looking Beyond the Equations." presented by Dr. Susie Brooks via Zoom: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/98324032437. The lecture is free and open to the public. Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021, Time: 4:00 p.m.

Mathematics Colloquium:  "Dimension of Splines and Supersmoothness." presented by Dr. Tatyana Sorokina via Zoom: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/98324032437. The lecture is free and open to the public. Date: Thursday, October 28, 2021, Time: 4:00 p.m., You are welcome to join us in person in 204 Morgan Hall. Social with cookies and coffee begins at 3:30 p.m.

Math Club meeting on Thursday, October 21st, at 6:00pm via Zoom: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/96101376169. The speaker will be Dr. Turkelli, and his presentation is titled “Isometries of the Euclidean Plane”. 

34th annual Mary Olive Woods Lecture,   7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23.

Math Club will hold our first meeting on Thursday, September 9th, at 6:00pm via Zoom,  and this meeting will consist of introductions and games.

More News and Events