Our community
Beyond the classroom, the mathematics department prides itself on building community by gathering for coffee, weekly seminars, Ultimate Frisbee and other annual celebrations.
Mathematics
Mathematics careers are numerous
Our mathematics department prepares mathematics majors for a wide variety of vocations that value analytical reasoning skills, mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. We encourage joint student and faculty research.
We also serve other departments by offering courses appropriate for students in business, social sciences, physical and life sciences and elementary education, and a mathematics minor to complement majors in those areas.
MAJOR |
MINORS/LICENSURE |
MATHEMATICS MAJOR/MINOR
Mathematics majors take classes in all math subject areas instead of specializing. This approach means our graduates are well-rounded and well-prepared for a variety of career choices or for an advanced degree. If you are interested in teaching mathematics, you will also need teaching licensure.
Ashley Kloeker ’26 found her right major at Bluffton University because of a requirement that all students pursuing teaching gain classroom experience in their first year. Kloeker confirmed her calling to teaching but realized her true passion is in connecting with older students.
“At the high school level, they challenge you, and they ask, ‘why is that?’ I like
going in-depth with their questions.”
>>> Ashley's story
EXPLORE REQUIREMENTS FOR
Mathematics major
Mathematics minor
Check out the four-year plans with the following guidelines.
Mathematics major
The mathematics program prepares you for a wide variety of vocations and professional positions that value analytical reasoning skills, mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
We are committed to using the most up-to-date technology in our classes. First-year and sophomore courses are designed to use graphing calculators. Many courses include computer projects which allow you to explore mathematics on the Web and use software such as Excel, Mathematica and Maple.
Explore career options
TEACHING LICENSURE
Darius Boeke ’23, a mathematics major with an AYA teaching licensure, believes that effective leadership starts with great communication skills.
“Not everyone understands math. As a future educator, I need to be able to explain things in different ways for different people.”
Students interested in teaching mathematics in middle school, grades 4-9, must complete a middle childhood education major with mathematics as one of the two areas of concentration.
The middle childhood license requires concentration in two areas; mathematics, natural sciences, social studies or language arts. Many students choose a math and science combination because there is some overlap in requirements, but mathematics can be combined with language arts or social studies.
Explore course requirements for:
Integrated mathematics (grades 7-12)
Middle childhood education with mathematics concentration(grades 4-9)
Check out the four-year plans with the following guidelines.
AYA, beginning with pre-calculus even years
AYA, beginning with pre-calculus odd years
AYA, beginning with calculus even years
AYA, beginning with calculus odd years
Middle childhood
COMPUTER SCIENCE MINOR
The computer science minor provides a solid foundation in the computer science to
complement any major. In addition to the required core courses, students are able
to take upper level computer science courses that best fit their professional needs.
Explore career options in computer science
You might also be interested in a major in Information Technology >
Explore course requirements for a
computer science minor
Engineering and Mathematics Challenge 2024
High school students: Put your skills to the test on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Our community
Beyond the classroom, the mathematics department prides itself on building community by gathering for coffee, weekly seminars, Ultimate Frisbee and other annual celebrations.