The Franklin College Department of Mathematics and Computing prepares its students to tackle the quantitative challenges that face the world today while also helping them develop the skill sets necessary to take on future challenges.

The department of mathematics and computing builds upon the strength of the liberal arts tradition of Franklin College. The 2013 Survey of Employers conducted by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) highlights the need for students in the 21^st century to have this type of broad-based education as preparation for a successful career.

• Innovation a Priority: 95% of employers give hiring preference to college graduates with skills that enable them to contribute to innovation in the workplace.
• More than a Major: 93% of employers say that a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than a candidate’s undergraduate major.
• Broad Learning is Expected: 80% of employers agree that, regardless of their major, all college students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.
• Liberal and Applied Learning: Employers strongly endorse educational practices that actively involve students in collaborative problem solving, research, internships, senior projects, and community engagements.

These principles guide what we do in the Franklin College Department of Mathematics and Computing. Our students are encouraged to think critically and creatively about possible solutions to complex problems in their mathematics courses, and the ability to communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences is emphasized throughout the curriculum.   All mathematics majors either engage in a research project or an internship, and our students get hands-on experience working with complex datasets through two innovative courses, one where students work with an alumni partner to analyze a real big data set and another where students provide statistical consulting services to a local non-profit organization.  All of these experiences position our graduates for success in their future careers.

Student Learning Outcomes

At Franklin College, learning is not a passive activity. The mathematics faculty promote an active learning environment inside and outside of the classroom in which students are guided and encouraged to systematically develop not only their mathematical and technical abilities but also the professional dispositions needed for a successful career after graduation.
The departmental philosophy of active learning, coupled with the Franklin College emphasis on an engaged, experiential liberal arts education, ensures that mathematics majors from Franklin College will:

• understand and utilize mathematical concepts, techniques, and processes which are relevant to their personal and professional development;
• apply those concepts, techniques, and processes in situations requiring quantitative reasoning, drawing conclusions from data, problem solving, and logical and analytical thinking;
• creatively adapt what they have learned to new situations in mathematics and in other disciplines;
• learn and be able to effectively use appropriate technology;
• develop the ability to work productively in teams;
• communicate their knowledge to others;
• learn the skills necessary to continue to expand their knowledge base.

Mathematics and the Franklin College Family

As a student in the Franklin College Department of Mathematics and Computing, you will get a sense that everything the department does is designed with you, our student, in mind. The mathematics faculty spends a great deal of time interacting with students both inside and outside of the classroom, in activities ranging from working one-on-one with students during office hours to traveling to professional conferences together. The mathematics faculty stay connected to our students even after they graduate, often times inviting them back for alumni panels or other speaking opportunities where they can share their experiences with our current students. From the day you meet all of the mathematics faculty and students during the Math and Computing Club’s Welcome Event until the annual gathering of seniors at a faculty member’s house the week before graduation, you will know that you will always be an important member of the mathematics community at Franklin College.