Carroll Montana

Mathematics

Carroll has one of the most state-of-the art mathematics programs in the country. Affiliations with West Point and Harvey Mudd College via Project InterMath have led to a unique approach to teaching and integrating mathematical topics.

Concepts are threaded together in and between classes so that students have a deeper understanding of how different branches of mathematics are intertwined. Working individually and in groups, students are challenged to apply their knowledge to solve real world problems. In order to develop expertise in an area of applied mathematics, Carroll math majors take courses to complete a cognate concentration in a field of interest.

Students can select from biology, business and economics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, secondary education, or work with their advisor to develop a plan unique to their interests.

Mathematical Modeling

The Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and its sister contest, the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM), provide great opportunities for students to focus on problem solving skills in a real-world environment. Problems come from research areas of applied mathematics related to many fields – business, environmental sciences, and sports are a few examples. Student teams are given 96 hours to analyze a single open ended problem, develop a model of the problem, solve the model, and write a report. Carroll’s faculty meet with student teams weekly in the months before the competition to help them prepare for the unique nature of this international contest.
 

Carroll has had two teams awarded the contest's highest ranking: In 2003, Carroll's ICM team of Kylan Johnson, Gary Olson, and Joe Rasca was awarded an Outstanding Winner ranking. In 2006, Carroll's MCM team of Ben Dunham, Kyle Nixon, and Steffan Francischetti was awarded an Outstanding Winner ranking, placing them in the elite company of Cal Tech, Harvey Mudd, MIT, and Harvard. For more information on this contest, see the Carroll MCM-ICM Web Page.

Many students view the experience as a highlight of their academic tenure at Carroll. Faculty member Dr. John Scharf regularly serves as a final judge for the competition.

A Model Philosophy

“In teaching our students, we strive to help them see mathematics as a continuum of topics, emphasizing the interwoven nature of the discipline. Our classes are designed to build a strong foundation, using technology and projects to enhance students' understanding. We consistently tie together theory and application - real world issues where students must first define the problem and then develop strategies for solving it. Our students leave Carroll with a wealth of experience to contribute to their work or research teams. ”

 

Something for Everyone

We are excited about the opportunities for our students! Whether you are a new or returning student, we are planning activities for you.

Our mentoring program connects freshmen and sophomores with upperclass students, faculty, and industry personnel. Come join us at one of our meetings to find out about life during and beyond school.

Civil Engineers can join our ASCE Student Chapter, which is involved in the national steel bridge design contest, as well as getting the word out to high school students about engineering.

Students from all disciplines are welcome to challenge themselves by partipating in the Mathematical and Interdisciplinary Contests in Modeling or the William Lowell Putnam Competition.

10 reasons

to choose carroll college for Mathematics

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MATH DEGREE?

A degree in Math from Carroll can lead to a variety of careers, which may or may not use math specifically but will require the ability to reason carefully and problem solve. Some of the careers our math majors have found themselves in include:

• Actuary
• Mathematician
• Network Engineer
• Secondary Math Teacher
• Statistician
• Web Developer

 

“I was well prepared for graduate studies. My Carroll courses gave me a very strong base in mathematics and computers, along with engineering classes. A lot of students in graduate school seem to have very particular backgrounds and they struggle more. In general, I have a broad background in lots of different things.”
Chris Gossard, Carroll class of ’98 (Mathematics), who recently completed her Ph.D. (Civil Engineering) from the University of Oklahoma. 

Interested in Business and Mathematics?

Our newest concentration in the mathematics program is in actuarial science.  Actuaries use mathematical models to help make decisions about investments and insurance.  This is an exciting and rewarding career choice in a field that is rapidly growing.  We currently have 2 students interning at local firms, and the Society of Actuaries just approved our course work in support of Applied Statistical Methods.  For more information about this career path, visit BeAnActuary.org.