Mathematics
About Mathematics
Our Program and Courses
F&M offers both a major and two minors in mathematics. While studying mathematics, you will learn both the fundamental foundations and theories of the field as well as how to apply these theories to real-life problems. You’ll uncover how mathematics helps us understand our world and ourselves by developing creative problem-solving skills, intellectual discipline, and an understanding of the complexity in all things. Math majors learn to start with a blank page, consider a few assumptions, and convincingly argue a solution for a focused question.
As you progress through your studies, you will become better at asking important questions, testing and proving (or disproving) theories, creating mathematical models to describe physical phenomena, and clearly communicating your results. The more you learn about math, the more you’ll begin to see how widely it applies to the world in which we live.
By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate:
- The capacity for thoughtful engagement with quantitative, geometric, and logical reasoning.
- Expertise in expressing basic concepts like graphs and “word problems” mathematically, and solving them.
- The ability to explain mathematical concepts using clear and concise language.
- Use of mathematical models and real data to reach decisions and come to conclusions.
- Critical and analytical thinking and the ability to communicate observations and discoveries through the printed and spoken word.
- The ability to collaborate effectively in a manner that translates to the professional
arena.
Curious what mathematics courses are like? Explore our course catalog to see the depth and breadth available to you.
Learning Outside the Classroom
F&M may launch your journey in the study of mathematics, but it is not the only place you will have the opportunity to learn. With our many research and study-abroad opportunities, you’ll have myriad chances to step outside the structure of the classroom and embark on your own explorations in mathematics.
Research Opportunities
Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research. With faculty guidance, you can do a more in-depth dive into topics that interest
you most. Recent independent projects include research into human memory, computer
vision and graphics, mirrors, algebraic number theory, language translation, and many
more.
Explore research at F&M
Honors in Mathematics
To be considered for honors, you must complete an outstanding independent study project and remain in good standing in the department (for example, have a GPA above ). An outstanding independent study project is usually at the 400-level and lasts two semesters.
Off-Campus Study
Mathematics is a field of study that crosses international borders, and you may decide to do the same. Our math students have visited England, Chile, Russia, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, Egypt, and Switzerland.Explore off-campus study at F&M
Success Beyond F&M
Studying mathematics at F&M prepares you to be well-suited for any career or graduate school program. The intellectual and analytical activities that make up the work of mathematics — including experimental research, data gathering, collaborating with others, and critical thought — help you develop useful and productive skills, which are valuable for any post-college plan.
Graduate School
Mathematics graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of disciplines, including mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, data science, and physical therapy. They’ve attended institutions such as:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Drexel University
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- Penn State University
- Stanford University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute
- University of Oxford
- Yale University
Career Paths
A degree in mathematics can lead you to any career you want. Mathematics graduates work in fields such as finance, software development, information technology, law, and education. They hold positions such as:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Attorney
- Application Developer
- Chief Finance Officer
- Engineer
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Underwriter
- Hedge Fund Analyst
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Pediatrician
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Professor
- Programmer
- Research Analyst
- Senior Data Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
Student Spotlight
Students Launch Nepalese Nonprofit
Binayak Jha ’27 is already making a difference for students in his home country of Nepal. Alongside fellow F&M student Sujal Shah ’27, Jha launched Uunchai, a free, six-week virtual project-based learning program for primary school students in Nepal. “Having personally experienced the challenges faced by students from the general education system of Nepal, I recognized a big gap in access to quality education, mentorship and growth opportunities,” Jha said. That gap is what led Jha to F&M, where he was drawn to the College’s liberal arts curriculum. “The flexibility to combine my major in computer science and mathematics with a minor in music was something I never thought possible back home,” he said.Read More »
Alumni Spotlight
“I am so thankful that 17-year-old me decided to attend F&M.”
At F&M, Sydney Dzenutis ’23 was a business, organizations and society major and math minor. Today, she is a product development coordinator for the Baltimore Orioles. “F&M honed my ability to take on new challenges, learn on the fly and use multiple perspectives to solve problems,” she said. “My experiences at F&M were so variable in topic — each requiring different skill sets — that they have helped me immensely in adapting to fit the needs of the moment. Balancing academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and on-campus jobs at F&M has helped me thrive in the often-hectic environment of sports! I am so thankful that 17-year-old me decided to attend F&M, as it’s given me incredible memories and put me on the path to success!”Read More »
Related Fields of Study
Computer Science
As technology evolves and our understanding of computerized systems increases, computer science has become more advanced. At F&M, you’ll explore this ever-changing field, learning the mathematical basis of modern computer science, gaining technical and programming skills, and understanding how to put theory into practice.
Data Science
Data science draws on mathematics, statistics, and computer science to study data and extract meaningful insights to understand the world. As a data science student at F&M, you’ll develop in-demand skills such as analytical reasoning and critical thinking, explore ethical questions, and hone your communication skills in order to share your findings.
Economics
Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. By studying economics at F&M, you’ll develop a framework for understanding how the economy works, its shortcomings and how to remedy them, and broaden your perspective of how the economy influences daily lives in all corners of the world.
See Math at F&M in Action
September 9, 2024
Sophomores Found Nepalese Nonprofit
F&M sophomore Sujal Shah has been awarded a Generation Google Scholarship in part for his work with Uunchai, a virtual nonprofit he co-founded with fellow student Binayak Jha.
July 11, 2024
Success Beyond F&M: ‘I Am So Thankful That 17-Year-Old Me Decided to Attend F&M’
Sydney Dzenutis ’23 has been busy gaining professional experience in the sports world with the Columbus Crew, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Orioles. "F&M helped further not only my basic knowledge of the business world, but also honed my ability to take on new challenges, learn on the fly and use multiple perspectives to solve problems," Dzenutis said.
June 6, 2024
Success Beyond F&M: Conducting Research at a Harvard Medical School Laboratory
Holly Batchelder ’23, who majored in neuroscience and minored in applied mathematics at F&M, originally thought she’d go directly to medical school. But instead, she’s secured a job completing exciting research at a prestigious Harvard Medical School laboratory before attending med school.