Mathematics and Physics
Faculty
Chair: Igor Strugar
Professor: Rajive Tiwari
Associate Professors: Igor Strugar
Assistant Professor: Kelly Smalenberger, Ashley White, Chad Estabrooks
Program Mission
The Mathematics and Physics Department endeavors to help students understand those disciplines as integral parts of the liberal arts and sciences. We seek to provide all students with an understanding of mathematical language and ideas, which will enable them to better handle abstract reasoning and quantitative manipulation more effectively. We also strive to give our students an appreciation of the fundamental laws that reflect the order and beauty of the physical world. In so doing, we acquaint them with the amazingly beautiful results the language of mathematics achieves when used to express the patterns found in the natural world—which are, in Catholic thought, manifestations of divinity. By holding our students to the highest standards we prepare them to pursue advanced studies and careers with discipline, integrity, and virtue. We recognize that the qualities we want students to emulate are best taught by our setting the example through our own conduct. Since an outlook rooted in the understanding of Mathematics and Physical Science is crucial in assessing many of the issues facing the world today, we strive to give our students the tools of critical analysis that will enable them to participate in public discourse as responsible citizens and to promote the common good.
Program Goals
Students who acquire a B.S. in mathematics will be well versed in the fundamentals of various branches of higher mathematics. They will be suitably poised to pursue graduate studies or to begin a professional career in the many fields that employ personnel with mathematical training. The B.A. in Mathematics offers students a more diverse program of study, consistent with the aims of liberal arts education. With a greater choice of free electives, the Mathematics major appeals to a broad spectrum of students with varying interests.