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Why Major in Mathematics at Allegheny College

The Mathematics Department at Allegheny College instills in our students an appreciation of the power, utility, and beauty of mathematics. Our curriculum not only introduces students to major areas of mathematical thought, but also develops critical thinking and communication skills that will enable students to become lifelong learners and problem solvers.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Mathematics with:

Division

  • Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Program Type

  • Major
  • Minor

Number of Credits

47 for major20 for minor

Where Mathematics Alumni Work Today

Senior Vice President for Digital and Analytic Solutions

Logistics Management Institute (LMI)

Kristen Cheman ‘04

Managing Director

PNC

Brian Stanley ‘06

Autonomy Triage Analyst

Aurora

Douglas Nestor ‘15

Performance Engineer

IMC Trading

Aubrey Collins ‘19

Client Service Analyst

IRI

Sarah Veney ‘19

Senior Data Analyst

Criteo

John Hughes ‘18

Quality Assurance Analyst

Brandt Information Services

Ryan Trivus ‘17

Property Broker

Willis Towers Watson

Jesse Battaglia ‘15

Math Teacher

Derry Area School District

Ashley Jones ‘13

VP Customer Management

Craneware

Naveed Ismail ‘13

Your Four-Year Journey

Mathematics Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Through introductory courses, explore the theory and applications of differential and integral calculus of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions of one real variable. Extend the study to encompass functions of several variables and drawing connections between mathematics or other disciplines like education, physics, chemistry, computer science, or economics.

Year 2: New Approaches

Transition to more abstract approaches as you learn about the language and techniques of mathematical proof in Foundations of Mathematics. The study of calculus continues, covering vector calculus and the integration of functions of several variables. Don’t forget to explore the theory of matrices in Linear Algebra.

Year 3: Delving Deeper

Strengthen your skills needed for the Senior Comp in Junior Seminar by reading and discussing research articles. LaTeX, the typesetting system used by professional mathematicians will be taught.

Year 4: The Comp

Complete a semester-long Senior Comp. It may involve proving original theorems, verifying nontrivial details in published proofs, devising original examples to illustrate concepts, or describing the results of an independent study project.

Research and Internships

Allegheny Mathematics Students Learn Through Problem Solving

We’ll give you the tools develop the analytical and reasoning skills that not only prepare you to be a mathematician, but also a lifelong problem solver.

Our mathematician students expand their horizons through internships, student-faculty research, community engagement, study away, and more.

William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition

Each year several Allegheny math majors participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, the premier national undergraduate mathematics problem-solving competition, which attracts the best and brightest mathematics majors from across the nation.

Undergraduate Speaker Series

Since 1972, this speaker series has brought Allegheny students into contact with many nationally and internationally prominent mathematicians.  Currently, the math department is host to a distinguished guest speaker each year.

Student-Faculty Collaboration

Many mathematics students carry out independent research or collaborative research with faculty in addition to the Senior Comp, with a variety of opportunities to interact with faculty on and off campus.

Study Away Opportunities

Allegheny offers sponsored study-away programs in more than 15 countries across the world.

Faculty and Staff

Caryn Werner

Professor

Ph.D., M.S., Colorado State University; B.A., State University of New York, Binghamton

Rachel Weir

Associate Provost

Ph.D., University of Michigan; B.S., University of Auckland

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mathematics Program

What type of degree is an Mathematics major?

Students who major in Mathematics at Allegheny College will earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

Are there any clubs and activities available for Mathematics students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Mathematics program, such as Pi Mu Epsilon Club. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Brent Carswell

Associate Professor

Email(814) 332-5348