Mathematics
www.linnbenton.edu/math
The LBCC Mathematics department offers courses that lead students toward their goals in the college’s transfer programs and career and technical programs. The department also offers a variety of developmental courses designed to prepare students for the college-level math courses required in most degree programs (usually either MTH 105Z or MTH 111Z).
The department offers the Mathematics emphasis, Associate of Science degree, designed for students interested in completing a bachelor's degree at Oregon State University (OSU) in mathematics. The AS degree program provides students with a solid foundation in mathematics and the opportunity to develop an emphasis to complement their mathematics degree.
Many students in a bachelor’s degree program at four-year schools combine mathematics with another discipline, either as a major emphasis (e.g. statistics, secondary education, mathematical biology, etc.) or as a minor. The mathematics major has the opportunity to take courses focused toward specific interests and career goals. Students completing the Associate of Science with an emphasis in Mathematics at LBCC only need an additional 45 hours of mathematics at OSU, together with university core requirements, to earn the Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.
There are a variety of employment opportunities for mathematicians in government, industry, and academia. Most mathematicians work in either applied mathematics or in theoretical mathematics. Applied mathematicians spend their time solving problems in science, engineering, computer science, economics, and elsewhere using a variety of mathematical tools. Theoretical mathematicians study and test new mathematical ideas and theories through research.
Statistics, a popular branch of mathematics, is a field where professionals work with large data sets to look for patterns that can benefit society or industry. Actuarial science is another field of study in which mathematicians and statisticians study probability and risk assessment for government and industry.
For students who are interested in studying mathematics, a baccalaureate degree is recommended.
Program Requirements
High school students preparing to enter the Associate of Science degree program are urged to take chemistry, physics, and all the mathematics courses available at their schools.
Students who enter the program with a strong high school mathematics and science background can expect to complete the degree in two years. In particular, it is helpful to start with WR 121Z and MTH 251 when entering this program. Students who need to take pre-calculus mathematics courses should expect to spend more than two years in the program.
Facilities
The Mathematics Department participates in the operation of the Learning Centers and Math Help Desks at the Albany and Corvallis campuses. Together, these facilities offer individualized assistance, tutoring, and resource materials.