Chair, Mathematics and Statistics Department
Ph.D., Purdue University
Mathematics and Statistics Department
(440) 826-5944, bstrunk@bw.edu
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OVERVIEW
Discovering, understanding and explaining abstract mathematical structures is at the core of mathematics.
At BW, the mathematics major includes advanced study in algebra and calculus. Its broad-based, theoretical focus provides a foundation for understanding and utilizing mathematical concepts and techniques for a variety of problem-solving applications.
Mathematics provides analytical rigor and practical application. It is an outstanding major for teacher education as well as graduate study in areas like technology, finance, medicine and law.
Career Opportunities
Mathematics is the underlying structure of knowledge and logic. It is a framework for describing and predicting observable phenomena.
Proficiency of mathematics can be beneficial to careers in science (such as solving global challenges involving energy sources, climate change and public health), operations research, engineering, business and technology. Government and private laboratories employ mathematicians to assist with the development of new technology.
A bachelor's degree in pure mathematics can be combined with education for teacher licensure, or can be a stepping stone to graduate programs.
CURRICULUM
Mathematics is a comprehensive and rigorous major and minor. It is an outstanding companion field of study for disciplines like science, business, computer science, economics and health sciences. View a full list of courses and course descriptions for the mathematics (pure) major.
The mathematics (pure) major prepares students to:
- Acquire a solid background in traditional undergraduate mathematics, including depth of knowledge in calculus and linear algebra and breadth of knowledge in applied and theoretical mathematics
- Understand the deductive structure of mathematics and be able to write convincing and cogent mathematical proofs
- At the 200-level, be able to write a number of types of basic proof, including direct proof and proof by mathematical induction
- Understand the deductive structure of mathematics and be able to write convincing and cogent mathematical proofs
- In the upper division, be able to write more complex proofs specific to such mathematical areas as number theory, advanced calculus, abstract algebra, and geometry
- Learn a wide variety of techniques useful for mathematical and/or statistical modeling
- Use common technological tools in the service of mathematics
- Use a computer algebra system to perform the following operations basic to precalculus and calculus: graphing in two and three dimensions, differentiation, and integration
- Use common technological tools in the service of mathematics
- Write programs in a high-level programming language
- Use common technological tools in the service of mathematics
- In statistics at the 200-level or above, be able to use specialized statistics software for data analysis
BW related programs include:
- Applied mathematics major
- Engineering major
- Pre-engineering dual-degree program (chemistry or physics)
- Multi-disciplinary statistics minor, which gives students valuable background in a rapidly growing field
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's pure mathematics program.
Students benefit from experiential learning initiatives like research, independent study, internships and co-curricular activities. Opportunities include:
STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Math Club
The math club's purpose is to stimulate interest in mathematics, serve the community and foster a community among students interested in mathematics.
Kappa Mu Epsilon
This organization is the National Mathematics Honor Society. Its members have achieved standards of scholarship, professional merit and academic distinction.
Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program
The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in mathematics. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding substantial annual, renewable scholarships.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
FACULTY
Full-Time Faculty
Brent Strunk
Chair, Mathematics and Statistics Department
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., Purdue University
David T. Calvis
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Laura Croyle
Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Melissa Dennison
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Chungsim Han
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., Brandeis University
Catherine Lane
Associate Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science
ED.D., University of Cincinnati
Maria Mathews
Instructor
Math Placement Administrator
M.A., The Ohio State University
Aaron Montgomery
Coordinator, Data Science & Analytics
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Oregon
Peggy Slavik
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Core Mathematics Coordinator
Ph.D., Kent State University
Adjunct Faculty
Barbara T. Aylward
Lecturer in Mathematics
M.A. Mathematics, John Carroll University
John Domanski
Lecturer in Mathematics
M.S.E.E., Cleveland State University
Amy Nowacki
Lecturer in Mathematics
Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina
Sally A. Sikorski
Lecturer in Mathematics
M.S., The Ohio State University
Christine Strunk
Lecturer in Mathematics
Ph.D., Purdue University