Why Study Mathematics?
Mathematical researchers puzzle over problems of consistency, the nature of truth, and problems of logic. Learning these skills gives you the ability to transfer mathematical methods to many different applications, which expands your life and career opportunities in the field of mathematics and beyond. The mission of the mathematics program at Wheaton College is to prepare students to be transforming agents of Christ in a needy world beset by difficult problems.
Collaborative Research Opportunities
Student researchers collaborate closely with their faculty mentors on original, cutting-edge research projects, either one-on-one or in small groups of 2-3 students.
Recipient of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
Stephen McKay is one of two Wheaton students to have received the Goldwater Scholarship.
Why Study Mathematics at Wheaton?
Located on the main floor of Wheaton’s science building, mathematics students and faculty interact with physical and biological scientists, geologists, and social scientists, as well as other disciplines at the intellectual crossroads of Wheaton’s curriculum to develop cross-disciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
The mathematics curriculum presents the basic concepts and methods in modern mathematics, develops your ability to think critically and logically, and gives you the ability to apply these ideas to other disciplines.
Our faculty are experts in their fields of specialization, such as the history and foundation of mathematics, statistics and data science, math modeling, discrete math, cryptography, fractal geometry, and chaos theory, to name a few. In addition to their vast expertise, faculty cultivate relationships with each of their students. Professors in the mathematics program are committed to helping you succeed.
Recent graduates have undertaken careers in actuarial science, teaching, finance, economics, business, and statistics. No matter their eventual fields of service, all are prepared to apply their problem-solving and analytical skills to a world filled with complex problems. Alumni have attended top graduate schools in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, education, computer science, physics or other related disciplines.
You'll have various opportunities for growth at Wheaton, including
- Funded summer research and internships
- Faculty mentoring relationships
- Tutoring local middle school and high school students
- Student employment as a teaching assistant
- Participate in local, national, and international mathematics competitions (Putnam Exam, The Mathematical Contest in Modeling, The ACCA Calculus contest)
- Study Abroad: Budapest Semester in Mathematics
- Arithmos, our student-sponsored a math club, which hosts weekly dinners, social events, training for math competitions, guest speakers and more
What Will I Learn?
The Mathematics major offers excellent preparation for a career in industry, graduate school in mathematics or statistics, or secondary education. Four areas of concentration are offered to suit different interests or career paths. The mathematics major is well-suited to be combined with other majors such as business, economics, physics, computer science, engineering, or chemistry.
You can complete a Mathematics minor by taking 20 hours of select mathematics courses listed 200-level and above.
Consult the course catalog for full listing of current courses available in this field.
Mathematics News and Stories
