Mission and Student Learning Outcomes

Mission and Goals

Students majoring in mathematics will understand and be able to apply the concepts and techniques that are foundational to contemporary mathematics. They will have an appreciation of mathematics, its history, and its role in the modern world. They will be able to formulate mathematical models and use appropriate methods in the analysis of these models. They will demonstrate skills appropriate for careers in teaching, business and industry or for further study in mathematics at the graduate level.

Student Learning Outcomes

Mathematics majors should:

1. Understand the nature of mathematical proof and be able to write clear and concise proofs.
2. Develop the ability to read, understand, and use basic definitions in linear and abstract algebra and real analysis, and be able to prove simple consequences of these definitions.
3. Be able to use standard mathematical techniques to solve elementary problems.
4. Be able to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
5. Be able to write simple computer programs to perform mathematical computations.
6. Gain experience exploring open-ended problems, learn to make conjectures, and gather evidence to support or refute these conjectures.
7. Develop the ability to read and to learn mathematics independently.
8. Learn about applications of mathematics in other fields and gain experience in mathematical modeling.