Mathematics is everywhere in our world — in the design of a building, the shape of a tree, the decisions made by large corporations, the contours of a soda can, and in your own checkbook. As a Mathematics major at Elon, you will learn the problem-solving, reasoning, and numerical skills that make mathematicians vital in this age of information technology. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, Mathematician continues in 2010 to be listed among the top ten best jobs by CareerCast.com.
Our program offers different majors to meet the needs of all kinds of students:
Mathematics graduates are well suited for many postgraduate options, including an advanced degree in either mathematics or a related field, such as computer science, biometry, information science, statistics, or operations research. A minor in mathematics strengthens many majors.
Elon’s mathematics faculty use the latest technology combined with traditional and experiential learning techniques to give you a well-rounded education and are known for their excellence in teaching and their focus on student success. They are also supportive mentors who will inspire you to learn and help you tackle challenging assignments. You will gain experience with the latest high-tech tools and learn to master a variety of software packages during class, including Excel, Fathom, LaTeX, Geometer’s Sketchpad and Mathematica.
As a mathematics major, you will have the chance to participate in mathematics clubs and societies, as well as Elon’s weekly “Math Tea,” where you will get to know faculty members and other mathematics majors.
“When you declare a major in math at Elon, you instantly join the department's family culture. A professor isn't just your teacher for a class; they are your friend. They've had you for several classes, have watched you grow as a mathematician, and continually challenge you to improve. Majors never left the Math floor immediately after class; we would always hang around and continue talking with the professors.”
Jenn Batchelor ’10
Elon is renowned for its active, experiential approach to learning. At the heart of that philosophy is research. As a mathematics major, you will be encouraged to conduct original research on your own and with faculty members who pride themselves on being accessible to students. Many majors participate in a capstone seminar that includes a research project. Students prepare formal papers based on their research and present them to an audience of peers.
Students also present research findings at Elon’s annual Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF). For the past 12 years, students have been presenters at the Mathematical Association of America sectional meetings and the Joint Mathematics Meetings. In 2010, an Elon student won the award for best undergraduate presentation at the MAA Southeastern Sectional meeting, which was held at Elon. Another student presented on her summer research at the MAA’s MathFest this year. Students have also presented at the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women for the past seven years. In addition to presenting, two student research projects have been published in the Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Research Journal of Mathematics in the past seven years.
Elon’s faculty encourage students to participate in learning activities outside the classroom, including student chapters of the Mathematical Association of America and the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) as well as the national honor society, Pi Mu
Epsilon.
Exceptional high school students planning to major in mathematics could qualify for Elon College Fellows, a challenging program in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Teaching Fellows and the Honors Fellows programs. Elon’s Fellows programs offer scholarships, special course offerings, study abroad grants and much more. View the Elon Fellows programs Website for more information.
Sharp problem-solving skills make mathematics majors attractive to potential employers. Career choices for graduates include law school, teaching, government work, actuary or insurance work, quality control or statistics, and work in the financial or retail fields. In almost any field that requires problem solving and analytical reasoning, especially when there is a quantitative element to the work, mathematics majors are considered highly valuable.
Graduate school is required for students interested in teaching at the college level and is recommended for anyone pursuing specialties in mathematics. Elon’s 2010 graduating mathematics majors have enrolled in graduate programs at the following institutions:
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