The program in Mathematics proposes to lay groundwork for both the understanding and the practice of mathematics in graduate study, teaching, actuarial science, applications to the social and physical sciences, and computer science. There is stress on both comprehension of principles and the use of these in applied problems, as well as emphasis on both reasoning and recall. Students are given a recommended placement in mathematics based upon their high school record and their performance on the SAT and/or ACT.
A major in mathematics consists of eleven to fifteen courses which must include Mathematics 111 or 108, 112, 211, 212; two of 221, 223, 225, 227, 235, 241, 242; two of 300, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306; and one other full-credit course numbered above 212, as well as 451 and 452. In addition, all majors will complete CS 151. The College requirement of a third unit of Independent Study is satisfied through the independent work done as part of the courses numbered above 200 which are taken to fulfill the requirements of the major. At most, two courses of advanced placement may be counted toward a major or minor. Only grades of C- or better are acceptable in courses for the major or minor. Majors are encouraged to take related courses in physics, computer science, economics, and philosophy, especially Philosophy 220.
A minor in mathematics consists of six courses, three of which must be 111 or 108, 112, and 211. The other three mathematics courses must be numbered above 210.
In the senior year, each student engages in independent research into an aspect of mathematics that he or she finds particularly intriguing. With the guidance of a faculty member, each student completes an Independent Study Thesis (I.S.) based on research into problems of theoretical mathematics or more practical applications. Some titles of recent I.S. projects include: Problem Solving Abilities in Students; Artificial Intelligence and the Game of Pente; A Survey and Development of Efficient Sports Rating Systems; Fractals: What They Are and How to Create Them; Knots; Difference Equations and Their Application to Family Planning; and Galois Theory Over Finite Fields. These titles suggest the diversity of interests of both our students and our faculty.
Students who wish to pursue graduate study in mathematics should take a minimum of Math 300: Topology, Math 302: Real Analysis I, Math 304: Abstract Algebra I, and Math 306: Functions of a Complex Variable.
The College has direct connections with the overseas program Budapest Semesters in Mathematics. This program is designed for American and Canadian undergraduate mathematics students interested in an overseas study experience which does not hinder their progress toward a degree. Junior mathematics students with a strong mathematics background may spend one semester in Budapest, Hungary. All courses are taught in English by Hungarians, most of whom have spent some time teaching in the U.S. or Canada. Most financial aid is applicable to the program, but students with financial aid should consult directly with the Director of Financial Aid. Courses taken in Budapest appear on the student's transcript, but grades do not count toward the student's grade point average. Only courses receiving a grade of C or above will receive Wooster credit.
Combined programs of liberal arts and engineering are available. See Pre-professional Programs: Pre-Engineering.
Students who are planning to receive licensure in elementary education are required to take Education 260: Curriculum: Math/Science/Social Studies in the Early Childhood Years. No mathematics beyond this course is required to fulfill the State requirement; however, Mathematics 100 would be an excellent choice to help meet Wooster's Learning Across the Disciplines requirements. Any student wishing to pursue licensure in elementary education should plan a program carefully with the Department of Education. For licensure in middle school or adolescent to young adult/secondary teaching of mathematics, State requirements call for at least a minor in mathematics. In addition, either Education 250: Middle School Curriculum Methods and Assessment: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies or Education 316: Curriculum Methods and Assessment in Adolescent and Young Adult Education: Integrated Mathematics is required. Mathematics majors seeking certification for teaching middle school or adolescent to young adult/secondary mathematics should plan their program early, in consultation with the Department of Education, and may choose to write a Senior Independent Study Thesis on a topic related to the teaching of adolescent to young adult/secondary mathematics.