Mathematics

Mathematics Course Placement

Initial placement in the sequence of math courses for a program is determined by an appropriate score on the Accuplacer exam. Once a student has begun the CCSJ General Education sequence, only course grades will be used as prerequisites for math courses unless otherwise noted in writing from the Program Director. An appointment is needed with the admissions office for the Accuplacer test.

Mission Statement

The Mathematics Minor is designed for students who desire a deeper and more expansive understanding of mathematics. The minor provides course work in upper level calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, advanced statistics, and abstract algebra.

Faculty

Dr. Carrie Hutton, M.S., M.S.E., Ed.D

Program Director, Mathematics; Program Director, General Education
Assistant Professor
(219) 473-4284
chutton@ccsj.edu

Dr. Hutton earned a M.S. in Mathematics and Statistics from Purdue University, a M.S.E. in Engineering from Purdue University, and an Ed.D in Leadership from American College of Education.

Dr. Hutton teaches developmental mathematics courses, Statistics, and Calculus courses at CCSJ. She previously taught dual credit engineering technology courses and mathematics courses in K-12 schools. Her research interests include quality and competitive K-16 STEM education for underrepresented populations in STEM careers, the successful implementation of inquiry K-16 STEM learning, and the successful implementation of project-based integrated K-16 STEM learning.

Dr. Hutton is an active member of the community as a City of Hammond Commissioner for the Human Relations Commission. She is also an active member of the CCSJ community as the General Education Director, the Student Government faculty sponsor, and the Chair of faculty Senate.

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Br. Benjamin Basile, C.P.P.S, M.S.

Interim Department Chair of Biophysical Chemistry and Mathematics Department, Associate Professor of Mathematics
(219) 473-4280
bbasile@ccsj.edu

Brother Benjamin Basile, C.PP.S. is a member of the Precious Blood Missionaries, the founding religious order of Calumet College of St. Joseph. A native of New Jersey, Brother Ben joined the Missionaries in 1969. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. He also has done graduate study in Education at the University of Akron and in Computer Science at DePaul University. After 8 years in high school teaching and 3 years as a high school principal, he was appointed to the faculty of Calumet College of St. Joseph in 1981, teaching computer science and mathematics. From 1990 to 2000, he served as Registrar of the College, and as Mathematics Coordinator from 2003 to 2015. Currently, he enjoys teaching "all math, all the time." In 2015 he oversaw the installation, in the Bernard Gallery of the College, of a Kimball pipe organ from 1898, which he had saved from destruction.

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Alyssa Rodriguez

Assistant Professor, Public Safety Administration
(219)473-4266
arodriguez@ccsj.edu

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Program Objectives

1. Critical Thinking – Students will develop a habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive identification, reflection, evaluation, and integration of ideas before accepting or formulating a conclusion.
2. Problem Solving – Students will develop the ability to design, evaluate and implement mathematical methods for solving problems, persist in efforts to answer difficult questions, and present complete solutions that include adequate justifications.
3. Mathematical Skills – Students will develop precision and clarity in oral and written communication of mathematical ideas, proficiency in the formulation and construction of proofs, and an appreciation of teamwork.
4. Mathematical Attitudes – Students will develop confidence in their mathematical skills and knowledge, and appreciation for the role of mathematics in science, history, and society, and an understanding of how different areas of mathematics are related.
5. Effective Communication – Students will develop the ability to present mathematics clearly and precisely to both mathematicians and non-mathematicians, make vague ideas precise by using mathematical language, and explain how to apply mathematical concepts to solve real world problems.

Careers

Students who earn a Mathematics Minor are excellent candidates for positions in business, science, economics, technical fields, social services, education, and government. Students who earn a Mathematics Minor with a pre-professional Bachelor’s degree strengthen their candidacy for graduate school.

Minor in Mathematics (13 hours, 300 level or above)

Students will take the following courses to earn a Mathematics Minor:

• MATH 300 Linear Algebra (3 cr)
• MATH 310 Calculus III (4 cr)
• 2 of the following 3
  • MATH 315 Elements of Statistical Inference (3 cr)
  • MATH 330 Differential Equations (3 cr)
  • MATH 360 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics (3 cr)

Courses

To see the list of courses related to this program, check out the course descriptions on the Biophysical Chemistry and Math Department Courses page.