西新英格蘭學院

The primary goals of the Mathematical Sciences curriculum are to offer general training in mathematical reasoning and to develop mastery of mathematical tools needed for a lifelong series of different jobs and continuing education. Much emphasis is placed on the theory of problem-solving and nurturing such abilities as intuition, inductive and deductive reasoning, and model building.

The student is also made aware of the power and elegance of mathematical truth through careful analysis of axiomatic systems and mathematical theories. Throughout the undergraduate program students are encouraged to formulate their own problems and conjectures, thus challenging their own ability to cope with the mathematical literature.

In fostering these goals the Mathematical Sciences curriculum provides grounding in the traditional areas of theoretical mathematics. It also allows student the flexibility of choosing elective courses based on future career or graduate school goals.

In the senior year, students work individually with a faculty member on their self-selected senior project, which culminates in a research paper and a presentation, usually at the Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics Conference. For interested students, there can be the opportunity to do research with a faculty member before senior year.

The programs lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in the Mathematical Sciences, including if pursuing the teacher preparation-secondary school major, or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, if pursuing the teacher preparation-elementary major. The programs have been patterned to follow the recommendations of the Committee on Undergraduate Programming in Mathematics of the Mathematical Association of America.

Program Objectives

The Mathematical Sciences curriculum provides instruction and support for students in achieving the following objectives. It is our purpose that our students:

1) Learn mathematical habits of mind

a. Correctly apply inductive and deductive reasoning skills.

b. Demonstrate correct use of formal mathematical language and ability to compose a mathematical proof.

c. Demonstrate the ability to successfully apply mathematical computations and algorithms.

d. Demonstrate the ability to do mathematical work independently, and to go beyond the content level of standard coursework.

2) Demonstrate fluency in mathematical communication.

a. Write about mathematics correctly and in a clear manner.

b. Communicate mathematics orally in a clear manner.

3) Use technology relevant to mathematics.

a. Use technology to solve mathematical problems.

b. Use technology to communicate mathematics effectively.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in mathematics develop the type of creative thinking and problem-solving abilities required of professional mathematicians. As a consequence, they are well prepared to complete advanced study or pursue a wide variety of employment opportunities in industry, commerce, or the public sector. Graduates have secured positions in the areas of actuarial science, finance, operations research, computer programming, statistics, systems analysis, software engineering, and teaching. Others have received fellowships to pursue graduate study in mathematics or related areas.

Note: International students who have been admitted for Fall 2020 and are unable to travel to the US may defer their admission to Spring 2021.