About Mathematics

Our Program and Courses

F&M offers both a major and two minors in mathematics. While studying mathematics, you will learn both the fundamental foundations and theories of the field as well as how to apply these theories to real-life problems. You’ll uncover how mathematics helps us understand our world and ourselves by developing creative problem-solving skills, intellectual discipline, and an understanding of the complexity in all things. Math majors learn to start with a blank page, consider a few assumptions, and convincingly argue a solution for a focused question. 

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.

Curious what mathematics courses are like? Explore our course catalog to see the depth and breadth available to you.

Our Faculty and Staff

Susan Cooper-Nguyen

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Mathematics

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Annalisa Crannell

Carmie L. and Beatrice J. Creitz Professor of Mathematics

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Danel Draguljic

Associate Professor of Mathematics, Department Chair of Mathematics

Data Science

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Eva Goedhart

Visiting Scholar

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Thomas C Hull

Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics

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Yi-Ching Lee

Assistant Professor of Data Science

Data Science

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Michael P McCooey

Associate Professor of Mathematics

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Barbara E Nimershiem

Professor of Mathematics

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Heather Pasewicz

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Mathematics

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Elizabeth A Praton

Senior Adjunct Assistant Professor of Mathematics

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Iwan Praton

Professor of Mathematics, Program Chair of Data Science

Data Science

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Wendell Ressler

Professor of Mathematics

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Kelly L Smith

Academic Department Coordinator, Math and Computer Science

Computer Science

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Christina M Weaver

Professor of Mathematics

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Learning Outside the Classroom

F&M may launch your journey in the study of mathematics, but it is not the only place you will have the opportunity to learn. With our many research and study-abroad opportunities, you’ll have myriad chances to step outside the structure of the classroom and embark on your own explorations in mathematics.

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

Studying mathematics at F&M prepares you to be well-suited for any career or graduate school program. The intellectual and analytical activities that make up the work of mathematics — including experimental research, data gathering, collaborating with others, and critical thought — help you develop useful and productive skills, which are valuable for any post-college plan.

Graduate School

Mathematics 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 can lead you to any career you want. Mathematics 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

“This internship has allowed me to use the technical skills and finance knowledge that I built in my courses at F&M.”

Claire Henke '23, a joint mathematics and business, organizations and society major, landed an internship with Johns Hopkins Healthcare working with alumna Eve Anderson '15. "As a business and mathematics joint major, I have always been interested in the applications of mathematical and financial concepts to business environments," Henke said. "This internship has allowed me to use the technical skills and finance knowledge that I built in my courses at F&M and apply them to the health care field."
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Alumni Spotlight

Grad Earns Prestigious Pi Mu Math Award

Nart Shalqini '21 received the Richard V. Andree award from the Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society. Shalqini's paper, "N-Sociable Heronian Triangles," appeared in the fall 2021 issue of the Pi Mu Epsilon Journal. "I wasn't expecting to receive this award at all, given that Pi Mu Epsilon is one of the most widely read undergraduate journals with high-quality submissions," Shalqini said.
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.

See Math at F&M in Action

October 20, 2023

Wrestler Pins Post-Grad Career Thanks to F&M Mentor

Wrestling captain Noah Fox excels on and off the mat, thanks in part to guidance from his True Blue mentor. “This program has helped me jump-start my career and secure my dream job as a software engineer," Fox said.

February 13, 2023

F&M Joins 14 Institutions in Unique Science and Math Collaborative

Over the next six years, students taking introductory mathematics or science should expect more inclusive, dynamic experiences at Franklin & Marshall College, which is engaged in a new approach to collaborative learning. Developed under Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence 3 grant, colleges and universities have an opportunity to foster institutional change that creates a more inclusive and successful introductory experience in these fields of study.

November 21, 2022

Students Decode Zoom Gestures

A team of Franklin & Marshall College students combed through six hours of Zoom class footage to identify gestures exhibited by participating professors and students. The results were overwhelming. Over the span of four recordings, the team identified 1,497 gestures. "That's 1,497 cases of communication where the person performing it may not even be aware they were doing so," said sophomore Ayako Belka, a biology and psychology double major.