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Mathematics

What Will I Learn?

By successfully completing an associate in science degree with an emphasis in mathematics you will have the ability to:

  • Transfer your skills to a four-year bachelor's degree-granting mathematics program.
  • Apply mathematics to creatively and appropriately model and solve problems.
  • Critically evaluate and analyze information.
  • Communicate mathematic ideas and solutions effectively both in writing and verbally.

What Is The Occupational Outlook?

Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics and business problems. Occupations that require extensive knowledge of mathematics or, in some cases, a degree in mathematics include actuaries, statisticians, computer programmers, computer systems analysts, computer scientists, database administrators, computer software engineers and operations research analysts. A strong background in mathematics also facilitates employment as teachers (e.g., elementary, secondary, postsecondary), engineers, economists, market and survey researchers, financial analysts, personal financial advisors, physicists and astronomers. Some jobs require advanced degrees in mathematics or a related discipline. A double major in mathematics and another related discipline is particularly desirable to many employers.

For more information about careers contact:

What Are My Options?

The associate degree with emphasis in mathematics is designed for students planning to complete the first two years of study leading to a baccalaureate degree and major in mathematics at a four-year college or university.

Courses completed in the associate in science degree at Heartland may be transferred to a four-year bachelor's degree-granting institution to pursue a degree in mathematics or a related field. Starting your course work at Heartland Community College has several advantages that include:

  • Small class sizes: Small classes allow for more interaction between students and the instructor. At a large university, lecture sections can be as large as 500 students.
  • More access to a dedicated, highly qualified instructor: Most large universities employ graduate students as teaching assistants who have little or no experience teaching.
  • Lower costs: Tuition and fees are considerably less at Heartland Community College.
  • Being prepared for junior and senior level work: The course content in Heartland's mathematics courses is identical to that at any four-year institution. After transferring, community college students perform slightly better than native students at their respective institutions, based on GPA data.

Heartland Community College also offers an associate of arts in teaching secondary mathematics (A.A.T.). Information about the A.A.T. degree may be found on the education department's Web site in the Social & Business Sciences Division.