The study of mathematics is a hallmark of enlightened society, as it has been for millennia. Mathematics helps us understand our world and ourselves, and it is fun.

Mathematics is one of the oldest of the liberal arts. The study of mathematics has been used for centuries to train students to think clearly and creatively. Mathematical applications enlighten other disciplines and inform society. The Mathematics major at Franklin & Marshall offers an ideal balance between developing practical applications and analyzing fundamental principles.

Studying mathematics is an exceptional way to prepare for many types of careers. Math majors learn to start with a blank page, consider a few assumptions, and convincingly argue a solution for a focused question. It builds personal confidence and develops problem solving skills. This intellectual discipline, coupled with good writing skills, allows one to be successful at almost any pursuit. 

Recent graduates have become actuaries, engineering and computer consultants, financial analysts, teachers, insurance agents, laboratory technicians and research assistants, and many Mathematics majors choose to attend graduate school in math or related fields.

Our Mission: The Department of Mathematics offers both a major and two minors. In addition, we support the general curriculum of the College by offering mathematical courses that are of interest to students in a broad variety of academic majors. We are dedicated to instilling in our students the capacity for thoughtful engagement with quantitative, geometric, and logical reasoning.  As they progress through the mathematics curriculum, students are expected to become increasingly adept at developing conjectures, constructing correct proofs and refuting weak ones, creating and using mathematical models to describe physical phenomena, and working with abstract structures.