Mathematics

The student of Mathematics begins by developing a solid foundation in pure mathematics. The mathematics program offers major tracks with concentrations in applied fields, such as Finance and Economics. All majors are required to take at least one applied mathematics courses. Some faculty members have developed grant support, allowing qualified students to participate in their research programs.

Unique offerings

There are a number of unique opportunities for Mathematics students:

• Students are encouraged to participate in problem-solving activities leading to participation in the prestigious Putnam Exam
• Students are offered the opportunity to participate in the Suffolk Undergraduate Mathematics Society (SUMS)
• Various summer research experiences programs (REU) are available for undergraduates
• Well-qualified upper-level students with strong mathematics and communication skills can receive special training and supervision while teaching sections of the MATH-000 Mathshop course

Preparing for a career

To foster a close working relationship with the faculty, upper level mathematic courses have small enrollments. A major in Mathematics, even with the addition of a minor in another discipline, contains a substantial block of elective courses. These electives allow the student to investigate subjects of interest or to construct a pre-professional program best suited to his or her needs. Most of our majors broaden their options by completing a minor in Computer Science. This combination provides a solid basis for beginning a career immediately upon graduation.

Mathshop

Some students who come to Suffolk are, for various reasons, not prepared to take their first college math course. Sometimes this is revealed by the Basic Math Exam. Students whose BME scores indicate serious deficiencies in math skills or who are extremely apprehensive about taking their first math course should consider taking Mathshop first.

Mathshop is a one semester workshop which is intended to help students develop the basic skills needed to pass the BME and to build confidence prior to taking a college math course. It is taught by carefully supervised upper division math students and has a good track record for getting students past some of the obstacles that have prevented them from dealing successfully with college math.