The Mathematics Major

Our students begin by completing the calculus sequence. If you have not had calculus before coming to Lawrence, you will take a three-term sequence during your first year. Students who have taken calculus often start at the second or third term of the sequence. Of course, we give credit and advanced placement for AP calculus and for calculus courses taken at other colleges; our main concern is to place you where you will be comfortable with the level of the material. Our course differs from the usual high school versions in tempo and by emphasizing a thorough understanding.

The second year of the major begins with an applied course: either differential equations or combinatorics (discrete mathematics) or statistics. After that, there is a two-course sequence that introduces you to upper level mathematics. These courses, one in abstract algebra and the other in classical analysis, teach the standard mathematical techniques of proof and develop your ability to write mathematics clearly.

In the last two years of the major, you choose four courses from a list of about 15 upper level courses that span undergraduate mathematics. These courses generally feature challenging problem sets involving both theory and applications, and are, where appropriate, accompanied by projects or computer applications. Classes at this level are small -- a typical upper level course has between 6 and 10 students. In addition, senior majors undertake an independent study project. (See below.)

For course requirements, see mathematics in the catalog.

The Mathematics-Computer Science Major

Lawrence's version of the computer science major will allow you to prepare yourself for a career or for graduate study. Our students go on to work in computer applications, information technology, systems administration, programming, consulting, and many other areas from the focussed and practical to the speculative and theoretical. Our curriculum follows guidelines set by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for computing programs at liberal arts colleges. The ACM is the largest professional organization of computer scientists. We find that mathematics enriches the traditional computer science courses and allows our students to keep their options open in the ever-changing technology sector.

As a mathematics-computer science major, you will complete the calculus sequence and our course introducing computer science. Second-year students take courses in software design and data structures, as well as the combinatorics course that involves mathematics especially relevant to the analysis of computer algorithms and data structures. After these courses our majors take three more mathematics courses and four more upper-level computer science courses covering the main subject areas of computer science. Senior majors undertake an independent study project. (See below.)

For course requirements, see mathematics in the catalog.

The Mathematics-Economics Major

This major combines the practical study of economics with the technical mathematics that is used to understand and study economics. Our mathematics-economics majors have gone on to careers in business, particularly those careers that require an MBA, and to graduate school in a variety of areas.

Mathematics-economics majors complete the calculus sequence and an introductory course in economics. Then they study statistics, research methods in economics (econometrics), and advanced courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics. Upper level students take three additional mathematics courses and three economics course selected from a variety of options. Senior majors undertake an independent study project. (See below.)

For course requirements, see mathematics in the catalog.

Independent Study

Independent study involves working individually with one professor. An independent study project can consist of additional coursework in a traditional area, or it can be an open-ended research project. You will meet regularly with your professor to discuss what you are learning, perhaps working problem sets or making short presentations or writing a longer paper. The emphasis is on your individual learning style and personal goals.

Senior Experience

See the Senior Experience page.