Mathematics

Our mathematics students are problem solvers who go on to great careers using the quantitative and analytical skills they developed at Simmons.

Student working with a calculator in class

Do you like a challenge?

Our students learn to think about problems in a whole new way. You can combine one of our majors with an interest in economics, management, computer science, or another science. Many of our students use their biostatistics major to build careers in public health doing exciting things like designing clinical trials for new medications and treatments.

Our faculty is always on the forefront of using new teaching methods, including cooperative learning groups, computer laboratory investigations, writing-to-learn and flipped courses, as well as traditional instruction. Our students go on to successful careers and graduate study in fields like statistics, scientific programming, public health, "big data" and teaching.

The major in Mathematics begins with:

MATH220 Multivariable Calculus 4
(Most students with prior full-year Calculus experience will start in Math 123, while those without will take Math 120-121 before going on to Math 220. The Math/Stats placement test will place students in the appropriate Calculus section: Math 120, Math 121, Math 123, or Math 220. Students are strongly encouraged to start their Calculus sequences during their first semester at Simmons.)

Required Courses:

CS112 Introduction to Computer Science 4
MATH121 Calculus II 4
OR
MATH123 Single Variable Calculus 4
MATH210 Discrete Mathematics 4
MATH211 Linear Algebra 4
MATH310 Modern Algebra 4
MATH320 Real Analysis I 4
STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
OR
STAT227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis 4

MATH 211: normally taken in the sophomore year

STAT 118: sophomore or junior year

MATH 310, MATH 321: junior or senior year

CS 112: may be taken as early as the first year; students should plan on taking it in the first two years. With the approval of the department, another programming course may be substituted for CS 112.


In addition, Mathematics majors must take either

STAT338 Probability 4
OR
MATH343 Mathematical Modeling 4
as an elective

Three courses from those below, at least two of which are at the 300 level:

MATH213 Introduction to Social Network Analysis 3
MATH225 Differential Equations 4
MATH338 Probability 4
MATH343 Mathematical Modeling 4
MATH390 Special Topics Seminar in Mathematics 4
STAT345 Stochastic Processes 4
STAT345 Stochastic Processes 4

the other of MATH 338/STAT 338/MATH 343

MATH 390: may be taken more than once


A mathematics minor consists of:

MATH211 Linear Algebra 4
MATH220 Multivariable Calculus 4
and three additional MATH courses number 121 or higher, except STAT 227, 228, or 229.

The increasing complexity of society has made the mathematical sciences important for people trying to solve problems not only in the science areas, such as physics, chemistry, and biology, but also in the areas of social science and management. In addition, the pure mathematical areas continue to appeal to many as an intellectual discipline, art form, or game.

The major in mathematics is designed to provide a strong background in various mathematical sciences and their applications. By your choice of electives, you may prepare yourself for graduate work or careers in statistics, scientific programming, public health, data science ("big data") or teaching.

Many opportunities exist for students who are interested in combining mathematics with other disciplines. Joint and double majors exist with the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Management,  and Psychology Departments. Other fields (e.g. a health science or Environmental Science) may also benefit from combined study in mathematics and/or statistics. You'll work with your advisor to choose the best combination of majors and minors to match your interests and career goals. 

We also offer minors in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, and scientific computation for students pursuing other majors. 

All students majoring in mathematics  must complete four semester hours of independent learning. Your advisor will help you choose and plan courses and internships that will help you hone your skills and build your resume. Some recent examples include:

  • Research on the use of Leslie matrices to model the population dynamics of North Atlantic salmon
  • Research on modeling thermal noise for the Enhanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
  • Internship at EMC to become a "big data" analyst.
  • Research on computer methods to test integers to see if they are prime.  (This is important for encrypting data in computers.)
Headshot of Christina Howe

Alumnae/i Feature

The small classes at Simmons and the openness of the faculty led me to get to know my professors well. I was given a lot of advice and had personal recommendation letters when I applied for internships and to graduate schools.

Spotlight on Mathematics Students and Alums

Headshots of the 2024 Senior Scholar Award winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars

The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


Lynne Passanisi

Lynne Passanisi ’11 Reflects on the Broad Career Field a Math Degree Can Make Possible

What made you choose to study Mathematics at Simmons? Simmons had a great, small, close-knit community, with the bonus of being in the larger city of Boston — it had a little of everything! When I first visited Simmons, I...


Chloie "CJ" Johnson

STEM Student Attends Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics

CJ ’24 (Chloie Johnson) attended the American Physical Society’s Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) at Boston University in January 2023. They spoke with us about their experience at the conference and their love for science. Tell us about...


Simmons MCB in Fall

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2022 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports undergraduate students by funding research opportunities that transcend traditional coursework. Participants of the PLP develop research and critical thinking skills and bring the insights of academia to real world issues. This year’s cohort addresses mental health, neuroscience, environmental science, the foster care system, and technology.


Alexa Frongillo, Simmons alumna from the mathematics degree program

Working Remotely Around the World with Alexa Frongillo ’17

Alexa Frongillo '17 was working in finance in Boston when she realized she didn’t want to visit the same desk every day. So she packed her bags, signed up with the Remote Year program, and began a life-changing journey of working abroad.


Headshot of Eliana Lopez

Eliana Lopez '21 Matches with Award-Winning Boston Tech Start-Up

After completing a competitive fellowship program with Hack.Diversity, Eliana was matched as a Software Engineering Intern with Boston-based start-up, Owl Labs, creators of the “Meeting Owl,” one of TIME's 100 Best Inventions of 2020!


From top left: Catherine Cox '23, Brianna Desharnais '22, Julia Hart '21, Lauren Howard '22, Evangeline Kennedy '21, Irmana Monem '21, and Graciella Rios Ortega '21

Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Spring 2021 cohort is up to!


Headshot of Whitney Andrews

Whitney Andrews ’11 Applies Creativity to Financial Planning Role at L'Oréal

While pursuing a dual art and mathematics major, Whitney Andrews '11 discovered the many connections these fields share. Now a financial planning and analysis manager at L'Oréal, Andrews tells us how Simmons allowed her to explore these disparate interests.