BA MAJOR & MINOR

What You’ll Study

Most people think of math as arithmetic, algebra, and maybe some geometry. Mathematics is so much more diverse! Mathematicians employ mind-stretching creativity, disciplined critical thinking, and logical structures to solve problems and explore new ways of thinking.

Mathematicians are not number crunchers, they are truth crunchers.

Whether you want to unlock the secrets of particle physics, genetics, or artificial intelligence, mathematics is the doorway to some of the most exciting careers out there.

As a math major, you will progress from procedural/computational understanding of mathematics to a broad understanding encompassing logical reasoning, generalization, abstraction, and formal proof to the standards of the Mathematical Association of America. As you learn, you will begin to see the beauty and wide utility of mathematics. You will gain skills, confidence, and quantitative literacy. Most of all, you’ll find that learning is addictive and fun — the habit of a lifetime.

Explore Classes in This Program

MAT 288

Mathematical Rigor

Are you ready to pursue mathematical knowledge beyond Calculus? In this course, you’ll learn the language of mathematics through a study of logic and proof techniques, and you’ll learn the culture of mathematics by reading and critiquing published, peer-reviewed research papers. You also learn how to use various mathematical software packages such as Maple, Geogebra, and SAS as well as creating mathematical documents using a mark-up language such as Latex.

MAT 330

Mathematical Modeling

Learn to apply mathematical techniques to real world problems. The content of this course varies depending on the interest of you and your classmates and the expertise of the instructor. You might explore difference equations, Markov Processes and basic probability theory, probability and modeling random phenomena, dynamical systems, fractals, game theory, or mathematical methods in the physical sciences.

MAT 341

History and Philosophy of Mathematics

This seminar surveys the central ideas in the history and philosophy of mathematics. You’ll consider mathematics as a human intellectual endeavor embedded in particular cultures. Explore the history and philosophy of mathematics by studying original proofs of great mathematical theorems; reading and discussing advanced mathematical results in historical context; analyzing mathematical creative thought, rigor, and abstraction; and writing a research paper on a philosophical school along with a presentation on a recognized great theorem.

Meet Our Faculty

Warren Wilson students challenge me to be my best. They are curious, they ask questions. They have their own ideas about 'what', and offer the opportunity to explore in learning the 'why' and 'how.'

Gretchen W. Whipple, Ph.D.
Gretchen Whipple
Gretchen W. Whipple, Ph.D.
Holly Rosson

I love the diverse interests of students, faculty, and staff at Warren Wilson.

Holly Rosson, Ph.D.
Holly Rosson
Holly Rosson, Ph.D.
Faculty Member Nancy Matar stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.

Students at Warren Wilson always challenge me to think deeper. I’m amazed with their curiosity!

Nancy Matar
Faculty Member Nancy Matar stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.
Nancy Matar, Ph.D
Gretchen Whipple