Information presented from the 2024 - 2025 Academic Catalog.

Mission Statement

The mathematics department prepares our students for their future lives and careers by teaching effective thinking and communication 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.

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.

By the end of their sophomore year, students interested in any Mathematics major should take:

MATH 135Single Variable Calculus
and/or
MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus
followed by
MATH 213
& MATH 220
& MATH 300		Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
and Applied Statistics
and Introduction to Proofs

Additionally, by the end of their sophomore year, students interested in any Mathematics major are encouraged to take one of:

CS 109Discovering Computer Science
CS 111Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics
or CS 112 Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks

Mathematics Majors

The CORE courses consist of:

MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus
MATH 213Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH 220Applied Statistics
MATH 300Introduction to Proofs
MATH 395Technical Communication I
and one of
CS 109Discovering Computer Science
CS 111Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics
or
CS 112Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics

The minimum requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics are the six CORE courses plus four courses; two foundation courses and two modeling courses.

The FOUNDATION courses focus on teaching abstract reasoning and the reading, creation, and writing of rigorous proofs in the study of the foundational structures of mathematics. We regularly offer the following courses.

MATH 400Combinatorics
MATH 410Abstract Algebra
MATH 413Advanced Linear Algebra
MATH 440Real Analysis
MATH 445Topology
MATH 447Complex Analysis

The MODELING courses, while not devoid of proofs, include a significant study of how mathematical techniques can be used to model and analyze real-world problems.  We regularly offer the following courses.

MATH 415Operations Research
MATH 420Statistical Modeling
MATH 422Time Series Analysis
MATH 425Applied Probability
MATH 430Fourier Analysis
MATH 434Advanced Differential Equations
MATH 435Mathematical Modeling

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics

The minimum requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics are:

MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus
MATH 213Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH 220Applied Statistics
MATH 300Introduction to Proofs
MATH 395Technical Communication I
CS 109Discovering Computer Science
or CS 111 Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics
or CS 112 Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks
Four Foundation courses, one of which must be:
MATH 440Real Analysis
plus two additional 400-level courses.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics

The minimum requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics are:

MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus
MATH 213Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH 220Applied Statistics
MATH 300Introduction to Proofs
MATH 395Technical Communication I
CS 109Discovering Computer Science
or CS 111 Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics
or CS 112 Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks
Four Modeling courses
Plus two additional 400-level courses, one of which must be MATH 440

Mathematics Minors

Minor in Mathematics

The minimum requirements for a mathematics minor are:

MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus
MATH 213Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH 220Applied Statistics
MATH 300Introduction to Proofs
One 400-level MATH course
and one of
CS 109Discovering Computer Science
or CS 111 Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics
or CS 112 Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks

Minor in Applied Mathematics

The minimum requirements for an Applied Mathematics minor are:

MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus
MATH 213Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH 220Applied Statistics
CS 109Discovering Computer Science
or CS 111 Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics
or CS 112 Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks
and two 400-level Modeling courses

Additional Points of Interest

First Class

Students who have not had calculus in high school should start in MATH 130. Students who have had calculus in high school should start in either MATH 135 or MATH 145, depending on their placement score.

400-Level Classes

In order to ensure equitable access to upper-division classes for all students, students may only enroll in up to two 400-level classes per semester.

Research at Denison

Denison offers a number of research opportunities, including funding for summer research projects.  The Anderson Foundation and the Denison University Research Foundation (DURF) support qualified students conducting summer research.  For off-campus research opportunities in Mathematics, see the various National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates experiences.  Interested students should consult a faculty member as early as possible in the fall semester.

Off-Campus Study

The Department of Mathematics supports students who want to globalize their education by completing some portion of their undergraduate education abroad. Study abroad experiences enhance one's knowledge while learning another culture and way of life. Students can gain valuable international experience that will benefit future career goals and/or graduate school opportunities. Math majors who are fluent in another language will have special advantages in the job market. Funds from institutional, need-based, or merit aid can be applied to the costs of a semester off-campus study with an approved program.

Transfer Credits

Students may take up to two classes outside the department to transfer towards the major at Denison.  Additional courses taken outside Denison may accrue credit hours towards graduation, but will not contribute to requirements in the major.  Courses taken outside the university must be pre-approved by the department chair for acceptance towards major requirements. Students should provide the department chair with syllabi for the intended courses for department approval at least two weeks in advance of the first day of the class to be transferred.  Students may petition the department chair for exceptions to this policy.  In particular, transfer students may be eligible to transfer additional courses towards major requirements.

Cross-listed Courses

Students in any Math major may take up to two cross-listed courses to count as an elective requirement in the major. Students in any Math minor may up to one cross-listed course to count as an elective requirement in the minor.