Mathematics is one of the few disciplines that teaches us about the power of thought as distinct from the power of authority. It is not necessarily dependent on our physical observations of the world, and yet it constantly provides models for our observations. Such models—usually studied in applied mathematics—may have relevance in traditional sciences such as physics, biology, or chemistry. Topics studied by mathematicians, such as chaos theory or dynamical systems, often serve as models for economics, neuroscience, or predictors of fluctuations in the stock market.

Students majoring in mathematics take courses in the logical foundations of mathematics, the calculus sequence, matrix algebra, and discrete mathematics. Majors choose from a concentration of applied, traditional, or actuarial mathematics. Both the B.A. and the B.S. in mathematics will allow entry to advanced studies or career opportunities as diverse as the fields to which mathematics is applied. The metro region of Washington, DC is a particularly fertile area for related job opportunities, including consulting, teaching, and government.

Notices

Dr. Klaus Fischer, Chair of Mathematical Sciences, passed away on July 2, 2009