Mathematics (Pure) Major

Mathematics and Statistics Department

OVERVIEW

Discovering, understanding and explaining abstract mathematical structures is at the core of mathematics.

At BW, the mathematics major includes advanced study in algebra and calculus. Its broad-based, theoretical focus provides a foundation for understanding and utilizing mathematical concepts and techniques for a variety of problem-solving applications.

Mathematics provides analytical rigor and practical application. It is an outstanding major for teacher education as well as graduate study in areas like technology, finance, medicine and law.

State-of-the-Art STEM Center

BW's Knowlton Center provides students with innovative learning experiences in engineering, mathematics, computer science and physics that will enable them to explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling and simulation, robotics and optics while connecting with industry leaders.

Career Opportunities

Mathematics is the underlying structure of knowledge and logic. It is a framework for describing and predicting observable phenomena.

Proficiency of mathematics can be beneficial to careers in science (such as solving global challenges involving energy sources, climate change and public health), operations research, engineering, business and technology. Government and private laboratories employ mathematicians to assist with the development of new technology.

A bachelor's degree in pure mathematics can be combined with education for teacher licensure, or can be a stepping stone to graduate programs.

Mathematician is Top Profession

The job outlook for mathematicians is projected to increase by 28 percent from 2016-26, according to U.S. Department of Labor.

Understanding Pure and Applied Mathematics

Practical application is at the core of applied mathematics. It offers a concrete methodology for which modeling, predicting and explaining things in the real world can be done in an orderly manner. Pure mathematics focuses on mathematical theory and is more broad-based. While there is significant overlap and both offer career-preparative benefits, the selection of one discipline over the other relates to an individual's career goals.

Become a Teacher

Interested in Becoming a Math Teacher?

If you would like to become a mathematics teacher, BW has an outstanding teacher education program.

CURRICULUM

Mathematics is a comprehensive and rigorous major and minor. It is an outstanding companion field of study for disciplines like science, business, computer science, economics and health sciences. View a full list of courses and course descriptions for the mathematics (pure) major.

The mathematics (pure) major prepares students to:

Acquire a solid background in traditional undergraduate mathematics, including depth of knowledge in calculus and linear algebra and breadth of knowledge in applied and theoretical mathematics
Understand the deductive structure of mathematics and be able to write convincing and cogent mathematical proofs
At the 200-level, be able to write a number of types of basic proof, including direct proof and proof by mathematical induction
Understand the deductive structure of mathematics and be able to write convincing and cogent mathematical proofs
In the upper division, be able to write more complex proofs specific to such mathematical areas as number theory, advanced calculus, abstract algebra, and geometry
Learn a wide variety of techniques useful for mathematical and/or statistical modeling
Use common technological tools in the service of mathematics
Use a computer algebra system to perform the following operations basic to precalculus and calculus: graphing in two and three dimensions, differentiation, and integration
Use common technological tools in the service of mathematics
Write programs in a high-level programming language
Use common technological tools in the service of mathematics
In statistics at the 200-level or above, be able to use specialized statistics software for data analysis

BW related programs include:

Applied mathematics major
Engineering major
Pre-engineering dual-degree program (chemistry or physics)
Mathematical economics major, which provides students with a firm understanding of the application of mathematical principles to economics.
Multi-disciplinary statistics minor, which gives students valuable background in a rapidly growing field

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's pure mathematics program.

Students benefit from experiential learning initiatives like research, independent study, internships and co-curricular activities. Opportunities include:

STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Math Club

The math club's purpose is to stimulate interest in mathematics, serve the community and foster a community among students interested in mathematics.

Kappa Mu Epsilon

This organization is the National Mathematics Honor Society. Its members have achieved standards of scholarship, professional merit and academic distinction.

Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in mathematics. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding annual, renewable scholarships of up to $5,000.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Nearly all BW mathematics majors who have applied have been accepted into graduate programs. The most common areas of study are mathematics, statistics, management science, business and computer science.

Recent BW mathematics graduates are finding their success in a variety of careers and in graduate, law and professional schools across the country, including Johns Hopkins University; Miami University of Ohio; The Ohio State University; The University of Chicago; Clemson University; Bowling Green State University; Case Western Reserve University; University of California, Berkeley; Georgia Institute of Technology; New York University; University of Connecticut; and University of Virginia School of Law.