About

An overview and description of the Mathematics department at Denison University.

Mathematics

About
About
An overview and description of the Mathematics department at Denison University.
- Applied Mathematics
Degree Requirements
Courses
Research
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
Scholarships and awards given to students each year in Mathematics at Denison University
- Pi Mu Epsilon
Alumni & Careers
Faculty & Staff

Applied Mathematics

Interested in solving problems? Use your mathematics knowledge to impact real-world problems everywhere.

Learn more

Why study Math at Denison?

While all math programs will teach students to think clearly and provide a robust foundation of quantitative knowledge and creative problem-solving ability, Denison’s highly resourced mathematics program helps you develop effective thinking and communications skills highly sought after by employers in every field. Our educational approach prepares students well for life after college by promoting mathematical independence and open-ended inquiry.

We offer three majors and two minors: a BA and BS in mathematics, a BS in applied mathematics*, and minors in each program. As you think about which path you might choose, we offer an illustration of the difference between mathematics and applied mathematics: Mathematics is ideal for those who enjoy thinking about abstract concepts and theory. Applied mathematics is perfect for those who prefer applying theory in hands-on problem-solving. Regardless of the path you choose, mathematics is an exciting and fundamental part of a liberal arts education. You will gain the capacity to think clearly, search for similar patterns in seemingly different settings, and strive to communicate those patterns with precise logic. These skills translate to many fields of study.

*Pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission

Departmental Guidelines

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, or a minor in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. You will learn to think abstractly with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, writing proofs, and creating new mathematical models to solve problems. You will learn to use technological tools to enhance conceptual understanding, visualization, and inquiry. In addition, you will learn communication skills, including listening, writing, and presenting. Interactive learning approaches will include group work, exploratory activities, and various projects.

Mathematics majors benefit from:

A highly resourced program: We are able to offer our students access to a vast array of research opportunities, hands-on projects, and technological tools.

Additional information

In addition to RStudio, we employ a mobile technology lab, and you will learn an array of technologies, including Mathematica, MatLab, Julia, LaTeX, and advanced knowledge of Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. You will have many opportunities to conduct research throughout your time at Denison. Additionally, through the Gordon Lecture series and Anderson Lecture series, we bring world-renowned speakers to campus, including Art Benjamin, Tim Chartier, Alissa Crans, Deanna Haunsperger, Maria Klawe, Rachel Levy, Larry Sherman, and Amelia Taylor.

Hands-on experience. Mathematics majors at Denison learn to solve the problems that people need to answer in every career field.

Additional information

No matter your future career, you will be problem-solving and communicating the results. In mathematics, we work with real-world questions and learn the communications skills to share results effectively.

Through modeling, we translate questions into a powerful computational language that gives insight into real-world problems. Once this is done, predictions can be made and tested and a practical problem-solving strategy can be recommended. We answer questions like: What inventory strategy will maximize profit for a business? How can we predict the spread of an infectious disease? What voting systems are fair? How can we predict the orbit of planets around the sun? Who is the best player in the NBA? We also explore quasicrystals, knot theory, data-driven policing models, and more.

As you can see, our mathematics majors learn to think across multiple disciplines. There is no subject on earth that has not been studied with mathematics. No matter where your interests lie, there is a mathematical research project on that subject waiting for you.

Engaging and interactive courses: Our classroom methods empower students to solve problems by asking questions.

Additional information

We approach teaching math differently. We pride ourselves on transforming previously math-adverse students into math-scholars, and our methodologies raise math-confident students to the next level. Instead of a professor standing at the front of a classroom and lecturing endlessly, our brilliant faculty share their wisdom as a part of a question-based exploration, called open-ended inquiry. This method is self-driven and interactive, to empower you to solve problems independently.

Mission Statement

The Mathematics Department prepares our students for their future lives and careers by teaching effective thinking and communications skills in classes that link application and theory, incorporate technological tools, support mathematical independence, and invite open-ended inquiry while working with a diverse group of peers and mentors.