Visit the Mathematics Department Web Site
Is Mathematics for you?
If you like to solve problems, reason and think logically toward a conclusion, you are likely to enjoy studying Mathematics at Alma College. Mathematics majors sharpen their logical reasoning skills as they apply calculus to spaces of higher dimension, investigate what becomes of the rules of algebra when numbers are replaced by other objects and envision a universe described by a geometry that is resolutely unorthodox.
Why Mathematics at Alma?
Alma’s great! Every professor I had,
especially in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, was
extremely good. They all put the students first, and teaching is their
top priority. I’m one of the few people I know who was able to do
research in mathematics as an undergrad. Alma gave me a very solid
background in math. I loved Alma!,
—Amy Kuiper ’00
Alma’s Mathematics professors have frequently been recognized for excellence in teaching — a remarkable five teaching awards among the five professors. Students recognize the value of such expertise as they tackle the highly abstract concepts of upper-level mathematics.
Small class sizes offer close working relationships with professors and opportunities for students to work with their professors on research projects. Alma’s liberal arts environment is perfect for combining interest in mathematics with other pursuits: computing, music, science, foreign language or just about anything else.
What makes the program distinctive?
For the first year and a half, students use a powerful computer algebra system called Maple that helps students visualize mathematics.
Alma’s mathematicians believe that every Mathematics major should be familiar with computing and understand how mathematics can be applied in disciplines other than mathematics. These principles are incorporated into the curriculum.
What can I do with a Mathematics major?
You might pursue a career in:
- Education
- Actuarial science
- Engineering
- Operations research
- Mathematical research
- Scientific research
One graduate works for the U.S. Bureau of the Census in Washington D.C.; several are actuaries in Chicago. Another Alma grad does horticultural research; yet another owns a systems consulting firm.
I think that the program is outstanding! The faculty are great, and I enjoyed all of the courses I was privileged to take. The program inspired me to major in math, even though previously I had only considered majoring in biology.
—Chad Husby ’97
Interested?
Here is the kind of thing we like to do:
A chessboard of size n x n, with black and white squares in the usual alternating pattern, is displayed on a computer screen. You are allowed to select any rectangular sub-array of the squares and, by pressing a mouse button, reverse the white and black colors in the sub-array. Find the minimum number of mouse clicks necessary to change all the squares to the same color — that is, to all white or to all black.
If you like working on this puzzle, and especially if you think you can solve it, come join us.
