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.

See program requirements for the Mathematics major.

See program requirements for the Mathematics minor.

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.)

So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.

Offered As

Major
Minor

School/Department

Mathematics, Computing, and Statistics

Apply Now Visit Request Info

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.

Read Story