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Applied Mathematics

If you love math but also occasionally catch yourself wondering, “When will we ever use this stuff?” then Applied Mathematics might be for you. Because it’s exactly what it sounds like — the “use” of all those abstract math concepts in real-world contexts like finance, engineering, material science, epidemiology, and many more.

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M.S. in Data Analytics

Speaking of applied… when we say that McDaniel Mathematics students get hands-on experience and close attention from their professors, we mean it. Here’s the proof (no pun intended): “Fractals and Recursively Stable Words,” “Sums of Cubes in Quaternion Rings,” and “Hausdorff Dimension of Generalized Fibonacci Word Fractals.” Those are the titles of recent research collaborations between Mathematics students and their professors.

Future Career Paths

Graduates of the Mathematics & Computer Science department distinguish themselves by acceptance into some of the finest graduate programs in the country, including:

  • Brandeis
  • Cornell
  • Harvard
  • Johns Hopkins
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Virginia

Career Success

Almost every graduate of our program is working in a professional position with  titles like “mathematician,” “systems analyst,” and “statistician,” at places like:

  • National Security Agency
  • Pentagon
  • IBM
  • Hewlett Packard Corporation
  • NASA
  • Department of Defense

Distinctive Courses

CSC 1106 - The Art of Programming

An introduction to the use of algorithms for problem solving. The course will focus on finding algorithmic solutions for a given problem and expressing these solutions in a programming language.
 

MAT 2224 - Fundamentals of Mathematics

A transition course from the technical problem solving of the calculus courses to the rigorous theorem proving courses of advanced mathematics. Introductions to logic and set theory, including the algebra of sets, functions, and relations, with examples from number theory, analysis and abstract algebra.

PHI 3200 - Writing in Philosophy

Focused, direct instruction in the writing skills necessary for successful research papers in Philosophy. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students interests and needs.

MAT 4405 - Real Analysis I

A treatment of the theory of elementary calculus including functions limits, sequences, series, uniform continuity, derivatives and Riemann integration, topological properties of the real numbers.

Senior Capstone

Matthew Welte, a Mathematics major from Berlin, NJ, examines how musical objects such as notes and chords can be translated into mathematical structure so that mathematical operations can be applied; effectively changing them from one note or chord to another.

Special Opportunities

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Conference Experiences in Math Network with Professionals

During Jan Term (and practically any other time of the year), students attend conferences to showcase their original research and get the full experience of mingling with high-profile mathematicians. Mark your calendar for:

  • Jan Term Conference Experience in Mathematics 
  • Mathematics Association of America (MAA) conference / MathFest
  • Maryland Collegiate Honors Conference
  • And more!

Pictured: Students attended the Joint Mathematics Meetings in January 2023, the largest mathematics conference in the world.

Professor announcing winner at Estimathon.

Student-Faculty Research in Math Maximize Your Summers

The annual Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Program gives students an opportunity to work on a unique project with peers and faculty mentors. Previous Mathematics research projects include:

  • Generalizations of Waring's Problem with Professor Spencer Hamblen

  • Sign Language Recognition and Translation using Machine Learning with Associate Professor Paul Lin

  • Applications of Entropy to Gerrymandering with Lecturer Jonathan Epstein

  • Hierarchies in Fibonacci Word Fractals with Associate Professor Benjamin Steinhurst

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The McDaniel Commitment in Action

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Study Abroad

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Internships

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Research

Group of students at Math Conference.

Math majors’ research presentations earn high marks at national conference Research in Mathematics

After choosing to do original research in mathematics instead of spending a summer savoring surf and sun, a group of McDaniel Mathematics majors took their papers to MathFest and three of them returned with Outstanding Presentation awards.

Read the full story.
Spencer Hamblen

Professor Spotlight Spencer Hamblen Associate Professor and Department Chair

Professor Hamblen is the advisor to the Math Club and Kappa Mu Epsilon, the Mathematics Honor Society at McDaniel. He studies number theory, algebraic symmetry, and arithmetic dynamics. He also enjoys baking pecan pi and high-quality chalkboard chalk.

Learn More About Dr. Hamblen

Related Programs

Computer Science Physics Elementary Math Instructional Leader Certification Biology Mathematics
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Request More Info
mapsearch Created with Sketch.

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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