Why Study at Andrews?
What does Andrews University have to offer you as a math major? For one thing, a marvelous tradition of academic excellence. For over 50 years, the Andrews mathematics program has been recognized for producing fine mathematics students who excel in graduate work and professions.
Exceptional Faculty: At Andrews, your professors are not only active in their respective specialties and recognized for their research contributions, but they are also deeply interested in helping you find the best professional opportunities. Moreover, you will study in a Christian setting under professors who are dedicated to furthering your personal and spiritual development.
Pi Mu Epsilon: Andrews University is home to the Gamma Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. Students who qualify for membership may receive travel money to attend the summer MathFest and rub shoulders (and ideas) with top math students from all over the country. In 2005 an Andrews mathematics major, Chantel Blackburn, walked away with top honors for her paper presented to the Pi Mu Epsilon session at the MathFest in Albuquerque, NM.
Undergraduate Research: It's rare for mathematics students to gain significant research opportunities at the undergraduate level, but that's exactly what math majors have at Andrews. In 2005, Kami Lizarraga, a senior mathematics student, co-authored a research paper with Professor Joon Kang that was submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Currently, two National Science Foundation grants support opportunities for biology, behavioral science, and mathematics students to engage in scientific research in mathematical ecology and behavioral neuroscience. Under one of these grants, Clara Logan, a member of the Seabird Ecology team, traveled to Protection Island to collect data, and later co-authored two research papers with Dr. Shandelle Henson. These papers have been accepted for publication in a mathematical biology journal.
Diversity and Camaraderie: It's tough to beat the rich, multicultural atmosphere at Andrews University, and the Department of Mathematics is proud to include among its 30 mathematics majors students from many cultures and backgrounds. Half of the mathematics faculty and half their students are women, a great advancement in a discipline that used to be thought of as male-dominated. Also, as a math major, you'll automatically become involved with Eigen, the Physics and Math Club that sponsors functions like the Friday EigenTalks, where you can enjoy refreshments and guest lectures with your friends. You can even have your hand in planning Eigen functions as one of the club's elected officers. As you can see, no matter what your background is, the camaraderie and diversity you'll find here ensures that you'll feel right at home in the Andrews Department of Mathematics.
Scholarship and Student Work Opportunities: Math majors typically win substantial academic scholarships based on their ACT/SAT scores, and the Department offers several named scholarships as part of the Andrews Partnership Scholarship program. There are also numerous employment opportunities in the Mathematics Department and mathematics majors are given preference in filling these jobs. The Department hires math majors as tutors in the Math Tutoring Center, as readers to grade homework assignments, and as supervisors for lab sections of certain courses. All of these positions constitute skilled work and therefore pay somewhat better than the average campus job.