Faculty: Rice, Chair; Bhattacharya, Clark, Rittenhouse, Robeva, and Sutton.
Mathematics is the language of the sciences, and the analytical tool of many disciplines. In its own right, mathematics is one of the finest inventions of civilization, demanding both creativity and rigor. At Randolph-Macon College, the mathematics curriculum is designed to serve a broad variety of interests. Courses in calculus, statistics, modeling, finite mathematics, and logic are available to all students and provide one of the cornerstones of a liberal arts education.
Students pursuing the mathematics major or minor are expected to gain an appreciation of mathematical rigor, the process whereby propositions are logically deduced from general premises. Such study should enable students to apply greater clarity and precision of thought to their future endeavors and promote higher order thinking and habits of mind suitable for effective problem-solving. The curriculum includes courses in both theoretical and applied mathematics. Each student should be able to develop a course of study which will serve as the foundation for graduate work or for a career that requires well-developed analytical skills. A major in mathematics may lead to graduate study in many fields, e.g. mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, or operations research. The program also provides excellent preparation for a career in law, medicine, business, or engineering.