Formal Sciences

Mathematics is the science of patterns: pattern recognition, pattern description, and pattern explanation--proof. Because pattern analysis plays an important role in most analytical work, mathematical skills are widely applicable. The Department of Mathematics maintains a rigorous major program, helping to prepare graduates for careers as analysts with consulting firms, as actuaries, as financial analysts in the banking and finance arenas, as teachers, and as software developers. Other majors have pursued advanced degrees in mathematics, computer science, economics, engineering, law, and medicine. Each year several of our majors participate in summer research, often resulting in work published in prestigious professional journals.

Computer science is the study of evolving representations that convey information and the methods or algorithms that control their evolution. Our students learn the fundamental principles that underlie these processes and that are responsible for many of the advances in science and technology, such as the Internet, the Web, genetic engineering, and digital media, of the last 50 years.