Mathematics Program Mission

The mission of the mathematics degree programs is to equip students with analytic and problem solving skills for careers and graduate work. Classes develop student abilities and aptitudes to apply mathematical methods and ideas not only to problems in mathematics and related fields such as the sciences, computer science, actuarial science, or statistics, but also to virtually any area of inquiry. Students learn to communicate ideas effectively and to digest new information and concepts independently. Students are encouraged to develop intellectually and to become involved with professional organizations. The department cooperates fully with the School of Education in meeting its mission for candidates for an A.B. degree in education with mathematics teaching specialization for either the 5-8 or the 5-12 grade levels.

Mathematics Program Goals:

Produce professional graduate who will:

• be well grounded in the basic manipulative skills level of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and beginning level calculus.
• develop an understanding of the underlying unifying structures of mathematics (i.e., sets, relations and functions, logical structure) and the relationships among them.
• develop and understand the value of proof, the single factor that distinguishes mathematics from all other disciplines, and will demonstrate proficiency in writing and understanding proofs.
• be able to transmit mathematics ideas both orally and in writing.
• gain exposure to a variety of areas of mathematics and related fields such as computer science, the natural sciences, business and economics.
• gain experience investigating the real world problems and learn to how to apply mathematical ideas and models to those problems.
• develop the ability to read and learn mathematics on their own. Such maturity is a much a function of how mathematics is learned as it is of what mathematics is learned.
  understand the historical and contemporary role of mathematics and be able to place the discipline properly in the context of other human intellectual achievement.
• know how and when to use technology.
• become involved with professional organizations and will network with successful former graduates of our programs. Such as exposure will aid them in establishing professional contacts, in gaining insight about future employment prospects, and in tailoring their education to complement their career goals.