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Math programs
The diverse courses of Northwestern’s math and physics departments will teach you both analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Together those add up so you equal an attractive candidate, whether you’re headed to the job market or graduate school.
“Advanced” actuarial science
Our actuarial science program is 1 of only 81 programs nationwide classified as “advanced undergraduate” by the Society of Actuaries—and 1 of just 3 among the 100 members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. “Advanced” means our curriculum covers everything on the first 2 professional actuarial exams, as well as some topics on the 3rd and 4th of 8 exams. That means you'll be further along in the process of becoming a certified actuary—and you’ll rise to the top with future employers.
Math teaching
If you want calculated career preparation for teaching, you're set with either a math major or a math teaching minor. In addition to your math classes, you’ll pursue your secondary education certification through an education department that is one of only 4 in Iowa to be NCATE accredited.
Engineering
Northwestern’s pre-engineering program is designed for the students who want to begin their college experience at a liberal arts college and then, after two or three years, transfer to a department of engineering at a university to complete the sequence of technical courses required for a degree in a specific field of engineering.
| Transfer to Iowa State University or other universities | | Students can transfer to other universities for completion of their engineering degree. Such transfer usually occurs after spending two years at Northwestern. Special consideration is given to students who plan to transfer to Iowa State University as the program at Northwestern College is carefully coordinated with the programs in engineering at Iowa State University through the advising process. | | | Students interested in transferring to a university other than Iowa State University should obtain a catalog from the university of interest. They should then confer with the program director as the second step in the planning process after the first semester registration is completed. | | Recommended courses | | CHE 111 - General Chemistry An introductory course in chemistry that emphasizes physical and inorganic concepts, problems and calculations. Topics include chemical reactions, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermochemistry, theories of atomic structure, and chemical bonding. The general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 111 and Chemistry 112) is recommended for students with good math / science preparations who intend to proceed to advanced courses in chemistry, the biological sciences or engineering.Prerequisites: high school chemistry and ACT math and natural science scores above the 74th percentile.(4 credits) | | CHE 112 - General Chemistry A continuation of Chemistry 111. Topics covered include kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry and nuclear chemistry.Prerequisite: CHE111 or consent of the instructor.(4 credits) | | CSC 171 - Computer Science I This is the first in a two-semester sequence of courses that introduces students to fundamental aspects of the field of computing; focusing on problem-solving, software design concepts and their realization as computer programs. Topics include procedural abstraction, control structures, iteration, data types and their representation. An introduction to a high-level language, for the purpose of gaining mastery of these principles, will be provided in lectures and hands-on laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT090, an ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 480 or above), or a passing score on the MAT090 placement exam. (4 credits) | | ENG 184 - College Writing An introduction to academic writing, emphasizing the writing process. Students learn strategies for pre-writing, drafting, and revising of expository essays. The course includes analysis of model essays and discussion of model essays and an introduction to research-based writing. (4 credits) | | ENG 288 - Writing in the Professions A study of professional writing. In a writing workshop setting, students will learn to adjust style, tone and content to accomplish a definite purpose with an identified audience. They will also learn strategies for creating texts that are clear, concise and accurate. The course is especially useful for those whose career goals require facility in written communication, such as those studying marketing, public relations, advertising, management or law. All students will choose a professional to be their mentor on a writing project related to the career they are interested in. Students will also build a small portfolio of professional writing that includes letters, a memo, a resume and a research report.Prerequisites: sophomore class standing and ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher).(2 credits) | | MAT 112 - Calculus I A study of functions, limits, derivatives and integrals with a strong emphasis on both theory and applications. Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT109, or an ACT math score of at least 24 (SAT 550 or above), or permission of mathematics department chair. (4 credits) | | MAT 211 - Calculus II A study of transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integration, sequences, series, polar coordinates and conic sections.Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT112 or permission of instructor.(4 credits) | | MAT 212 - Calculus III A study of the cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems, vectors in two dimensions and three dimensions, vector valued functions, functions of several variables, multiple integration, and vector calculus.Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT211 or permission of instructor.(4 credits) | | MAT 312 - Differential Equations A study of the elementary theory, methods of solution, and applications of differential equations, which may include topics such as first order ordinary differential equations, linear equations with constant coefficients, series solutions, variation of parameters, Laplace Transforms, linear systems, partial differential equations, and Fourier Series.Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT211 or permission of department chair.(3 credits) | | PHY 211 - Classical Physics I For students in mathematics, the physical sciences, and those students seeking candidacy to a medical school or other graduate program. Topics will include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT112, or consent of department chair. (MAT112 may be taken concurrently with PHY211). (4 credits) | | PHY 212 - Classical Physics II A continuation of Classical Physics I. Topics will include simple harmonic oscillation, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and electromagnetism.Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY211 with a grade of C- or better.(4 credits) | | PHY 231 - [ Statics Primarily for pre-engineering students. Topics include vector and scalar treatment of coplanar and noncoplanar force systems, resultants, equilibrium, friction, centroids, second movements, Mohr's circle, radius of gyration, internal forces, shear, and bending diagrams. Prerequisite: PHY211. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department) | | Total credits recommended: 62 |
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