Mathematics
Properly understood, mathematics is a creative undertaking, a quest to see the world in a new way, to understand the essence of a given problem and solve it imaginatively and efficiently, to gain a vision for the interrelations, combinations, abstractions and generalizations of number, time, and space. This vision for how mathematics ought to be studied sets the mathematics department at Hillsdale College apart through its commitment not just to provide instruction in various mathematical topics but to develop genuine creativity in its students. Graduating with a math major or minor from Hillsdale means not only encountering the ideas of algebra, analysis, and topology, but engaging in conversations about the relationships and applications of such ideas, delving deeply into the explanations and proofs of mathematical truths, learning to think for yourself in an original and dynamic fashion about solved and unsolved problems, and building lasting relationships with professors who guide you in your pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Mathematics is offered as both a major and minor.
Featured Faculty
Mathematics
David Murphy
“Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty.” —Bertrand Russell
David Murphy, Mathematics
Mathematics
Kevin Gerstle
“I find math fascinating because it allows for both objective truth and creativity in how we can seek out answers. Contrary to popular opinion, there‘s always more than one way to solve interesting problems in math – how we choose to search for these answers can take on a variety of approaches such as simulation, proof by contradiction, and induction.”
Kevin Gerstle, Mathematics
Mathematics
Thomas I. Treloar
Mathematics
David Gaebler
The poetry of mathematics involves looking at old ideas in new ways and making unexpected connections between apparently disparate concepts.David Gaebler, Mathematics
Featured Courses
Properties of the integers, the Euclidean Algorithm, divisibility, diophantine equations, prime numbers, congruences and residues.
Read More about "Theory of Numbers"A rigorous treatment of the calculus of one variable, including limits, continuity, sequences, differentiation and Riemann integrals.
Read More about "Real Analysis"An introduction to the theory of algebraic structures, including the elementary properties of groups, rings and fields.
Read More about "Abstract Algebra"Kappa Mu Epsilon
Founded in 1931, Kappa Mu Epsilon is a national mathematics honor society for undergraduates.
Problem Solving Seminar
The Hillsdale Problem Solving Seminar meets weekly to discuss mathematical problem-solving techniques.
Actuarial Club
The Hillsdale College Actuarial Club is a pre-professional student organization for students interested in pursuing careers in the actuarial sciences.