Academics

Mathematics, B.A., B.S.

As a Whitworth math major, you will develop the skills necessary for solving both applied and theoretical math problems. Through this process, you will encounter the beauty and power of mathematics.

The major begins with problems that require quantitative strategies and methods to find solutions. As you progress, you will develop higher-level, logical problem-solving skills by constructing coherent arguments and writing computer code. This major will equip you to analyze problems and then consider methods and tools available for solving them. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to solve real-world problems through the application of mathematics.

Why major in mathematics at Whitworth?

Get to know your professors through research opportunities, study abroad programs and department events. In courses such as Research Methods, professors work with students outside of class on students’ research projects.
Develop critical-thinking skills. Each course will challenge you to grow in your mathematical maturity through analysis, reasoning, evaluation, decision-making and problem-solving.
Discover your career path. Through our Career & Vocation Seminar, visit workplaces and learn about the array of options available to math majors.
Apply math to other areas of interest. Many math students choose to double major, applying their quantitative problem-solving skills to another area of study. This opens the door to unique career possibilities.
Learn to work with data. Technology allows for the collection of vast amounts of data, and more experts are needed to make sense of it. You will learn to analyze data, extend patterns and make logical arguments about its significance.
Have fun and build community with fellow students through clubs, service-learning opportunities and social events. The mathematics & computer science department hosts several parties each year, including a Christmas party hosted by faculty and a Pi Day party.
Connect your faith with your learning. You will be encouraged to incorporate your worldview into your classes, for instance by considering the link between miracles and probability.
Become who you're meant to be.

Ask our faculty

Ask Diana

dschepens@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Diana Schepens specializes in general applied math.

Ask Nathan

nmoyer@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Nathan Moyer specializes in pure math.

Ask Martha

mgady@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Martha Gady specializes in math education and statistics.

Our mathematics grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Our graduates have made successful careers in education, business, finance and government. Graduates who have pursued teaching are working at various levels across the state and country.

Recent job placements include:

Marika Witt, technical solutions engineer, Epic Middle East, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hannah Edstrom, math teacher, McKnight Middle School, Renton, Wash.
Andrew Dodge, biostatistician, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Flannery Ho, math teacher, Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville, Ala.
Hannah Gamiel, development director, Cyan, Spokane
Katie Olleman, bridge designer, Washington State Department of Transportation
Dalton Rowland, science and technology specialist, Spokane Public Schools
Josif Ilisoi, vice president, Agman Partners, Chicago

Our recent mathematics grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

University of Washington
Washington State University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
University of Idaho
North Carolina State University
University of Colorado
Rennsselaer Polytechinic Institute
Michigan State University
University of Illinois
University of California Davis
Montana State University

Opportunities outside the classroom

Tutor Whitworth students in the math lab. If you’re thinking of becoming a teacher, this is a great way to develop your skills.
Apply for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Whitworth math majors have recently completed highly competitive REUs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Put your problem-solving skills to the test by participating in the national Putnam and Kryptos competitions.

Pack your bags!

Bring your textbooks to life through the Math History study abroad program. This faculty-led Jan Term program will take you and your peers to England, France and Germany, where you will travel to places where famous mathematicians lived and worked. See the buildings they planned, the equipment they worked with, their manuscripts and their inventions. You'll gain an understanding of how mathematical ideas have developed over time and how math has contributed to society and culture.

What related majors can I explore?

Next steps

Academic Information

What Is It Like?

"My favorite math class I have taken so far has been Differential Equations, and my favorite computer science class I have taken so far has been Data Structures. In Diff EQ I loved learning about modeling, because I think it is fascinating to create models that simulate a certain scenario. As far as Data Structures, it was in this class when I felt I transitioned from having some random coding skills into being a software developer and being able to develop a project from start to finish."
Niklas Roberts '22

Explore what it's like to major in the areas that interest you through the experiences of Whitworth students.