At a glance: Mathematics/Statistics
At a glance: Mathematics/Statistics
"At ONU, mathematics and statistics majors are introduced to a culture of scholarship and professionalism. Student/faculty research begins as early as possible. Most of the research results in publication and/or presentation at national and regional meetings. We proudly produce graduates prepared for successful careers in education, business, law, medicine, and industry."
Dr. Donald A. Hunt
Chairman
Our overall mission is to nurture and mentor students in their understanding of the mathematical sciences. Mathematics is the language of science, and truly the language of all natural phenomena. It has been studied and developed for thousands of years by people of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Mathematical skills and understanding have wide applicability in the sciences and many professions. Visit our department's web site.
Degree options
Majors are offered in applied mathematics, mathematics and mathematical statistics. Minors are offered in applied mathematics, mathematics, and applied statistics. Majors may earn a bachelor of science degree or a bachelor of arts degree.
Applied mathematics majors and mathematical statistics majors complement their math/stats coursework with courses in application areas outside their major. Mathematics majors can pursue a path leading to graduate school and/or a career in research by choosing the Advanced Mathematical Studies concentration. Those mathematics majors interested in teaching (grades 7-12) may choose the Teacher Licensure concentration and complete the additional course work in the Department of Education required to become a licensed teacher. The licensure areas include Integrated Mathematics. Students interested in teaching in the science areas are eligible to apply for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship which can be up to an additional $6,500 a year for those that meet the appropriate requirements.
Distinctive features
- Faculty members have diverse doctoral level expertise in real and complex analysis, algebra, applied mathematics, topology, statistics, probability theory, number theory and mathematics education.
- The department maintains institutional membership in the American Mathematical Society, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and Association for Women in Mathematics.
- Students can find employment as tutors in the Mathematics Resource Center as graders or course assistants.
- Students have the opportunity to present papers at regional and national meetings, as well as the opportunity to co-author papers with faculty in the department.
- Two early graduates of the University from the late 1800s achieved great distinction with their contributions to the discipline. Benjamin Franklin Finkel founded American Mathematical Monthly, the flagship publication of the MAA, and Cassius Keyser was an early pioneer in group theory who became a professor and chair of mathematics at Columbia University in New York City.
Facilities
The department of mathematics and statistics is housed on the second floor of the Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences. Department facilities include a PC lab, a mathematics education classroom/Mac lab, a faculty/student workroom, two student research rooms and six wireless classrooms.
Student organizations
- Student Chapter of the MAA, Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) – mathematics honorary
- ONU-Solve (mathematics problem-solving group)
Professional placement
Numerous school systems, Crown Equipment Corporation, The Ohio State University Medical School, Progressive Insurance, University of Dayton Law School, United Medical Resources
Graduate schools
Miami University, North Carolina State University, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, University of Akron, University of Florida, University of Dayton, University of Michigan
Career opportunities
Mathematics graduates of the department have found career opportunities in teaching at both the high school and college level, as well as careers in business, actuarial science, medicine, optometry and law.
