Mathematics and Statistics
About Mathematics and Statistics
Our Program and Courses
As you progress through your studies, you will become better at asking important questions, testing and proving (or disproving) theories, creating mathematical models to describe physical phenomena, and clearly communicating your results. The more you learn about math, the more you’ll begin to see how widely it applies to the world in which we live.
By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate:
- The capacity for thoughtful engagement with quantitative, geometric, and logical reasoning.
- Expertise in expressing basic concepts like graphs and “word problems” mathematically, and solving them.
- The ability to explain mathematical concepts using clear and concise language.
- Use of mathematical models and real data to reach decisions and come to conclusions.
- Critical and analytical thinking and the ability to communicate observations and discoveries through the printed and spoken word.
- The ability to collaborate effectively in a manner that translates to the professional arena.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Research Opportunities
Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research. With faculty guidance, you can do a more in-depth dive into topics that interest you most. Recent independent projects include research into human memory, computer vision and graphics, mirrors, algebraic number theory, language translation, and many more.Explore research at F&M
Honors in Mathematics
To be considered for honors, you must complete an outstanding independent study project and remain in good standing in the department (for example, have a GPA above). An outstanding independent study project is usually at the 400-level and lasts two semesters.Off-Campus Study
Mathematics is a field of study that crosses international borders, and you may decide to do the same. Our math students have visited England, Chile, Russia, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, Egypt, and Switzerland.Explore off-campus study at F&M
Degree Partnerships
Through this shared initiative, up to 10 F&M graduates admitted to Heinz College’s master’s degree programs annually will receive scholarships that reduce tuition by at least 30% each semester. F&M graduates will also be eligible for consideration for additional merit-based scholarship support up to 100%.
The collaboration expands postgraduate pathways for F&M students seeking advanced degrees and will apply to all Heinz College master's degree programs, including:
The scholarship is effective for any F&M graduate seeking to apply to Heinz College in the Fall 2026 application cycle and beyond. The award will be made at the time of admission and no separate application is necessary.
Success Beyond F&M
Graduate School
Our graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of disciplines, including mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, data science, and physical therapy. They’ve attended institutions such as:- Carnegie Mellon University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Drexel University
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- Penn State University
- Stanford University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute
- University of Oxford
- Yale University
Career Paths
A degree in mathematics and statistics can lead you to any career you want. Our graduates work in fields such as finance, software development, information technology, law, and education. They hold positions such as:- Accountant
- Actuary
- Attorney
- Application Developer
- Chief Finance Officer
- Engineer
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Underwriter
- Hedge Fund Analyst
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Pediatrician
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Professor
- Programmer
- Research Analyst
- Senior Data Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
Alumni Spotlight
“Whatever field you end up in, being able to approach a problem from a systematic approach is really useful.”
Presby, who majored in math at F&M, credits the STEM skills he honed at the College for helping him craft the perfect pour.
“Upper math isn’t about numbers. It's about problem solving. Whatever field you end up in, being able to approach a problem from a systematic approach is really useful,” he said.
Read More
Alumni Spotlight
“At F&M, students are treated as unique personalities, not just a number. I felt that students were allowed to be protagonists.”
Raptis, who has dreamed of becoming an astronaut since childhood, chose to attend F&M because he wanted to experience more than just science.
“I was interested in developing a more holistic personality,” he says. “At F&M, students are treated as unique personalities, not just a number. I felt that students were allowed to be protagonists. And, I can say, everything I thought and hoped has proven to be true.”
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Math with Meaning: F&M Students Combat Food Insecurity
Christina Weaver, F&M’s Carmie L. and Beatrice J. Creitz Professor of Mathematics
and department chair, is a longtime volunteer with Power Packs, a nonprofit combating
food insecurity in Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Weaver frequently collaborates with F&M students, applying mathematical algorithms to optimize inventory and planning for the nonprofit.
“I realized we might be able to use math to do things more efficiently,” she said.
Video by Andrew Bilindabagabo
Take Your Next Step
November 9, 2026 When she arrived at F&M, Stephanie Sexton ’27 knew she wanted to study environmental science and engage in hands-on fieldwork. This summer, she turned that ambition into action, helping drive cutting-edge initiatives in F&M’s backyard while contributing to a multi-year research project abroad. October 26, 2026 Franklin & Marshall College and Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering have announced a new educational partnership, opening direct pathways for F&M students into high-demand graduate programs in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. August 31, 2026 For Kayla McCrea ’27, the path to forensic science began with a high school tour of the New Jersey State Police. Emboldened by that early glimpse into the field, she came to F&M to build the expertise and skills necessary to return as a toxicology unit intern — a feat she accomplished this summer.F&M Math and Statistics in Action
From Lancaster Streams to Canadian Lakes: Stephanie Sexton ’27 Puts Science into Action
Franklin & Marshall College Partners with Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering to Create Pathways into Advanced Graduate Programs
Fulfilling a Dream: A Diplomat’s Forensic Internship
Related Fields of Study
Computer Science
As technology evolves and our understanding of computerized systems increases, computer science has become more advanced. At F&M, you’ll explore this ever-changing field, learning the mathematical basis of modern computer science, gaining technical and programming skills, and understanding how to put theory into practice.
Data Science
Data science draws on mathematics, statistics, and computer science to study data and extract meaningful insights to understand the world. As a data science student at F&M, you’ll develop in-demand skills such as analytical reasoning and critical thinking, explore ethical questions, and hone your communication skills in order to share your findings.
Economics
Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. By studying economics at F&M, you’ll develop a framework for understanding how the economy works, its shortcomings and how to remedy them, and broaden your perspective of how the economy influences daily lives in all corners of the world.