About the Mathematics Department

Mathematics is central in the development of the sciences, engineering, statistics, and economics. It is a diverse, dynamic field constantly making new and important discoveries.

At Pacific University, mathematics students receive individualized attention from faculty, participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the department, and graduate with a world of opportunity.

Coursework

The mathematics program at Pacific follows the guidelines of the Mathematics Association of America (MAA) and includes courses in all the fundamental areas of undergraduate mathematics including:

  • Calculus
  • Linear Algebra
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Mathematical Modeling
  • Mathematical Probability
  • Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
  • Real Analysis
  • Complex Analysis
  • Abstract Algebra
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Higher Geometry

All majors, working closely with a faculty member, participate in a senior capstone project to synthesize their mathematics educational experience.

Careers for Mathematics Majors

Mathematics graduates from Pacific University have pursued a wide variety of careers:

Teaching

The mathematics major is especially powerful for students considering middle or high school teaching. Pacific's faculty work directly with the College of Education and with current teachers to ensure that our program is current and appropriate for today's teachers.

Engineering and Technical Work

The mathematics major includes courses in applied mathematics that have helped our graduates enter graduate school in engineering and to obtain good jobs in technical fields.

Finance and Actuarial Science

Many mathematics majors pursue careers in risk assessment, mathematical finance, and actuarial science. These are consistently ranked as the number one careers, offering stability, excitement, and excellent compensation.

Graduate School of Mathematics

Because Pacific's curriculum follows MAA guidelines, students with a mathematics major from Pacific are well-prepared to enter graduate school in mathematics.

Resources

The Mathematics and Computer Science Departments have two computer labs. The math lab has 19 Macintosh computers running OS X and each is outfitted with statistical software and computer algebra systems. For special work, mathematics students can have access to the CS lab. This lab has dual boot Linux/Windows based computers as well as other experimental workstations. Students can also receive accounts on the department’s servers. Other departmental resources include:

  • CBL equipment for real-time data acquisition
  • Graphing calculators
  • Web server with space for students pages

Extracurricular Activities

Pacific University and the mathematics faculty sponsor many activities for mathematics students. Some of the current activities are:

  • Math Club (official ASPU recognized club)
    Activities include social events and service opportunities
  • International Mathematical Modeling Competition
  • The Putnam Exam
  • Department Colloquium Series
  • Career Night