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
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
Student Spotlight
Students Launch Nepalese Nonprofit
Binayak Jha ’27 is already making a difference for students in his home country of Nepal. Alongside fellow F&M student Sujal Shah ’27, Jha launched Uunchai, a free, six-week virtual project-based learning program for primary school students in Nepal. “Having personally experienced the challenges faced by students from the general education system of Nepal, I recognized a big gap in access to quality education, mentorship and growth opportunities,” Jha said. That gap is what led Jha to F&M, where he was drawn to the College’s liberal arts curriculum. “The flexibility to combine my major in computer science and mathematics with a minor in music was something I never thought possible back home,” he said.Read More »
Alumni Spotlight
“I am so thankful that 17-year-old me decided to attend F&M.”
At F&M, Sydney Dzenutis ’23 was a business, organizations and society major and math minor. Today, she is a product development coordinator for the Baltimore Orioles. “F&M honed my ability to take on new challenges, learn on the fly and use multiple perspectives to solve problems,” she said. “My experiences at F&M were so variable in topic — each requiring different skill sets — that they have helped me immensely in adapting to fit the needs of the moment. Balancing academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and on-campus jobs at F&M has helped me thrive in the often-hectic environment of sports! I am so thankful that 17-year-old me decided to attend F&M, as it’s given me incredible memories and put me on the path to success!”Read More »
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.
F&M Math and Statistics in Action
April 23, 2025
Math Paths: Young Alumni Share Career Advice
A recent panel on campus featured four F&M math majors who took distinctly different career paths: an actuary, a data scientist, a mechanical engineer and a teacher.
April 14, 2025
From Abstract to Applied: Physics Major's Hands-On Research Journey
For Youssef El Gharably ’25, his ideas may start in the classroom, but they can’t be contained there. At F&M, he made hands-on learning the cornerstone of his educational experience by conducting cutting-edge research alongside his physics professors.
February 3, 2025
Stepping Beyond Your Academic Comfort Zone
For two Franklin & Marshall College alumni, a science writing course was a preamble to postgraduate success. “You'll never have a life-changing moment unless you try something new,” said Elizabeth Heppenheimer ’14.