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Mathematics

"The skills that we develop and learn through the language of math relate to many and varied fields." Prof. Eve Torrence

Mathematics

To understand mathematics is to speak the language of the universe. As a math major at R-MC, you'll find a curriculum devoted to helping students develop a capacity for and appreciation of intellectually demanding mathematical thinking through courses in both theoretical and applied mathematics. You'll also be studying towards one of the most versatile of the liberal arts degrees, which can support careers in a wide variety of fields.

A major that adds up: The math major challenges you to master an academically and intellectually rigorous mathematics curriculum while it prepares you for a range of options for your future. You might be interested in a mathematics double major to complement a science major or business major. You might be thinking of continuing your studies by pursuing an advanced degree in the field. Or you might be interested in teaching and will appreciate a curriculum that offers coursework leading to elementary- or secondary-school certification in mathematics.

Independent research: The advantageous student-faculty ratio at Randolph-Macon College supports intellectual curiosity and inquiry by encouraging qualified students to participate in independent study or research projects in close collaboration with their professors. Many students then present the results of their work at R-MC's annual research day. With the support of his professors and National Science Foundation funding, Eddie Tu '11 was able to participate in an 8-week research program in computational complexity and graph theory of mathematics at James Madison University. Reflecting on the experience, Tu noted "It was a challenging program, and I was afforded this amazing opportunity with the help of my Randolph-Macon math professors, who prepared me in my abilities to carry out mathematical research.”

Travel study: Math is everywhere, and so are R-MC mathematics faculty and students, thanks to a strong study- and travel-abroad program. Mathematics professor Adrian Rice leads a regular "History of Mathematics" January-term travel course to England. Math and physics major Jennifer Green '10 blogged about her January-term travel to India.

Beyond R-MC: With an R-MC degree, where do former math majors find themselves? Among recent graduates, Andrew Wills '09 is a graduate student in mathematics at Virginia Tech, Carolyn Esposito '01 is a high school mathematics teacher, and Michelle Kutcher '08 has earned an MS in accounting from the University of Virginia.

"I am really fortunate that Randolph-Macon provides such good opportunities for students." Mark Lotts '12 was a mathematics and computer science major whose research was published twice. In summer 2011, he participated in a mathematics National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 2012, Lotts participated in R-MC's Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. He worked with Computer Science Professor John Rabung with the goal of improving lower bounds for van der Waerden numbers. Lotts worked as a calculus and computer science tutor at the Higgins Academic Center, and as a writing tutor at the Writing Center. The religious studies minor was on the Dean's List every semester of his college career, and on April 20, 2012 he was inducted into R-MC's Phi Beta Kappa chapter and received the prestigious John B. and Anita S. Werner Award, which is given annually to one or two graduating seniors who have been elected to PBK and who have made especially outstanding contributions to the college. During his tenure at R-MC, Lotts also received the Douglas W. Foard Phi Beta Kappa Award and the Richard E. Grove Award (for outstanding achievement in computer science), and he was a two-time recipient of the T. McNider Simpson Jr. Scholarship, which is awarded annually on the basis of academic achievement, creative leadership and a catholicity of interests.