Mathematics Why Major in Mathematics? The Mathematical Association of America gives three reasons: 1. By majoring in Mathematics, you demonstrate to employers that you are not afraid of intellectual challenges. 2. By majoring in Mathematics, you earn the respect of employers who will appreciate your thinking skills. 3. By majoring in Mathematics, you experience solid analytical training that empowers you to learn what you need on the job. In a recent survey, employers have identified four main reasons why they would hire Mathematics majors rather than majors in another field. They said that Mathematics majors: • • • •
reason quantitatively, draw conclusions from data, apply problem solving strategies, and think analytically and logically.
“The highest form of pure thought is in mathematics.” – Plato
Research Opportunities Selected topics explored in research projects and honors theses by undergraduate Mathematics majors while at Saint Peter’s included the following: •
Applying game theory to contemporary geopolitical contexts;
•
Studying optimal Rubik’s cube algorithms for robot solvers;
Students who major in Mathematics develop an advanced level of mathematical maturity, as well as enhanced logical thinking and problem-solving skills, all of which are useful in any profession. In particular, these degree programs empower majors to study at the graduate level, work at an industry job that requires higher mathematics, and/or teach mathematics at the elementary, middle, or secondary school levels.
•
Investigating number theory to generalize properties of prime numbers and the Fibonacci sequence;
•
Analyzing baseball statistics with sabermetrics;
•
Investigating structure in randomness by coloring positive integers relative to linear equations;
•
Exploring discrete dynamical systems through cycle partitions in generalized Bulgarian solitaire;
Career Opportunities
•
Implementing a mathematical model to study the influence of neuromodulatory input on the gastric mill rhythm of the crab, Cancer borealis.
Program Objectives
Students who graduate with a degree in Mathematics can hold positions such as: Actuary • Airport Planning Specialist • Archaeologist • Astronaut • Astronomer • Attorney • Author • Banker • Bio-statistician • Census Researcher • Communication Products Developer • Computer Programmer • Computer Troubleshooter • Cryptographer • Data Processor • Economist • Environmental Psychologist • FBI Special Agent • Financial Analyst • Immunologist • Industrial Engineer • Investment Counselor • Lawyer • Map Maker • Market Researcher • Media Products Developer • Medical Doctor • Medical Equipment Developer • Meteorologist • Musician • Nuclear Engineer • Nutritionist • Operations Research Manager • Ophthalmologist • Pension Manager • Pharmaceutical Researcher • Plant Manager • Quality Controller • Risk Analyst • Sculptor • Social Security Administration Counselor • Software Developer • Statistician • Structural Engineer • Teacher • Television Producer • Textbook Editor • Weapons System Mathematician
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics 11/21
Career Resources A wealth of career information is contained in the following three publications that are available from the online MAA bookstore (www.maa.org): 101 Careers in Mathematics She Does Math We Do Math! Careers in the Mathematical Sciences Other career resources can be found through the following websites: www.maa.org www.siam.org www.ams.org www.nctm.org www.awm-math.org www.beanactuary.org www.nam-math.org www.lathisms.org www.amstat.org www.lathisms.org https://amte.net www.mathematicallygiftedandblack.com
Mathematics Mathematics Major Requirements In addition to the core curriculum, Mathematics majors must complete one of the following programs of study, each of which culminates in the capstone senior seminar: B.S., Mathematics Mathematics majors complete 47 credits in calculus and advanced mathematics courses with a minimum major average of 2.0, as preparation for a variety of post-graduation endeavors. Students with a second approved academic program may have this program reduced, upon consultation with the chairperson, by two major elective courses to 41 credits.
Can you think outside the box?
Who You’ll Learn from: Mathematics Faculty
B.A., Mathematics, Concentration: Secondary Education Mathematics majors complete 36 credits, including pertinent coursework in algebra, calculus, geometry and statistics, with a minimum major average of 2.5, as preparation, along with teacher certification, for a high school teaching career.
Saint Peter’s faculty members are scholars and expert teachers. They are interested in preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service in a global society.
B.A., Mathematics, Concentration: Elementary Education Mathematics majors complete 33-35 credits, including pertinent coursework in algebra, calculus, geometry and statistics, with a minimum major average of 2.5, as preparation, along with teacher certification, for an elementary or middle school teaching career.
Rebecca Conley, Assistant Professor B.A., Pace University; M.A., Hunter College; Ph.D., Stony Brook University
Requirements for Minors
Brian P. Hopkins, Professor B.A., B.S., University of Texas; Ph.D., University of Washington
The Department offers a minor in Mathematics. It requires a minimum of 18 credits in Mathematics courses, including a calculus sequence, as approved by the Department Chairperson.
Nickolas Kintos, Associate Professor B.A., Rutgers University; M.S., Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of Technology
Opportunity for Double Majors Students can combine a Mathematics degree with another major, such as Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Physics, or Education with teacher certification in Mathematics at the elementary or secondary levels.
Pi Mu Epsilon Saint Peter’s University has had a chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Mathematics Honor Society, since 1968. The chapter hosts speakers from academia and industry and has coordinated career panels with employers and alumni.
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics
Mathematics program faculty members include:
John E. Hammett III, Chairperson and Professor B.A., Drew University; M.S., Cornell University; Ed.D., Rutgers
Dawn Nelson, Associate Professor B.A., Williams College; Ph.D., Brandeis University Gerard P. Protomastro, Professor B.A., Montclair State; M.A., Massachusetts; Ph.D., Clemson Matthew Sequin, Assistant Professor B.A., Boston College; Ph.D., Ohio State University