Department of Mathematics

Why study mathematics?

Because mathematics is a framework upon which humanity builds an understanding of the world.

The mission of the Department of Mathematics is to create and teach mathematics, and to develop in all students the capacity to understand, discover, enjoy, and use mathematics.

This is a wide-ranging enterprise that involves:

  • Enabling students to experience the value and power of mathematical reasoning;
  • Providing for the specific mathematical needs of users of mathematics, e.g., in engineering, computer science, economics, physics, finance, education and other physical and social sciences;
  • Providing statewide leadership in the mathematics education of all Kansans from K-12 through graduate school;
  • Developing interdisciplinary research with other units which make extensive use of mathematics;
  • Fostering a climate conductive to active faculty research and interaction with other departments.

The Mathematics Department offers two undergraduate degrees, a B.A. in Mathematics and a B.S. in Mathematics, as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Actuarial Science. The B.A. has fewer mathematics course requirements and more general education requirements. The B.S. requires more mathematics courses, an applied mathematics concentration, and fewer general education courses. Students who wish to teach mathematics in high school should pursue a B.A. or B.S. in mathematics while participating in the UKanTeach program. The mathematics department offers two graduate degrees, an M.A. and a Ph.D., as well as a Certificate in Applied Mathematics.