Mathematics

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"The best thing about the Mathematics Program at MCLA was that faculty taught me to think logically through problems. It's one thing to know how to solve a problem; it's another when there are multiple paths to the right answer and you need to determine the best course of action. This knowledge has helped me significantly throughout my career." — Rich Thoms '06, Advanced Specialist at Goldman Sachs

Mathematics Major Program

The Department of Mathematics offers a four year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. The program fosters insights and solutions to a variety of problems through symbolic or numerical analysis. The practice of the discipline requires and engenders precise modes of thinking. The use of calculus, numerical methods, probability, statistics and logic is basic to the quantitative methods needed throughout society today.

Students graduating with a degree in mathematics will be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of cultural and historical aspects of mathematics
• Communicate mathematical ideas and procedures through written and oral discussion
• Apply mathematical ideas and procedures through reasoning to the various disciplines
• Pursue mathematical careers or enter graduate and professional schools
• Function as independent learners
• Apply technology in the study of mathematics

Mathematics Minor Program

The mathematics minor develops mathematical skills at the calculus level and beyond. With the assistance of a member of the mathematics faculty, a student selects courses that readily complement and enhance his/her major discipline.

DATA SCIENCE MINOR

MCLA’s Data Science minor provides our students with the skills and abilities to derive meaningful information from vast amounts of data. Never in human history have we possessed as much data as we do now, and in the 21st century, businesses and other ventures succeed or fail on their ability to derive meaningful information from data. MCLA graduates in a range of fields, not limited to STEM, will inevitably be called on by their employers to process data, and would benefit from a way to demonstrate that they have the skills and abilities to handle this task thoughtfully, productively, and ethically.

Teaching Licensure

The Mathematics Education Concentration prepares students to teach mathematics at the middle and secondary level (5-12). Students majoring in mathematics may also choose to pursue initial teacher licensure as an early childhood teacher or elementary teacher.

Contact

Dr. Elizabeth Hartung, Mathematics Department Chair
413.662.5369 
e.hartung@mcla.edu 

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