Mathematics
The comprehensive mathematics curriculum at Luther serves a wide variety of student interests. The department offers two majors: mathematics and mathematics/statistics. Many students carry double majors, combining mathematics with another discipline involving mathematics applications, e.g., computer science, physics, or accounting.
The mathematics curriculum responds to students' needs by providing course offerings that produce concentrations according to interest areas. Analysis courses provide an excellent background for students considering the physical sciences. Operations research is offered for those interested in the applications of mathematics to management, while discrete structures and numerical analysis serve students taking computer science. Probability and statistics provide powerful tools for the natural and social sciences and for business management.
Advanced courses such as real analysis, topology, and abstract algebra have prepared many students for graduate study in pure and applied mathematics. A student's curriculum is tailored to meet his/her interests with the assistance of a faculty adviser.
Within the mathematics department, student access to professors is a priority. Student assistants (advanced mathematics students) provide welcome resources by correcting daily assignments and leading evening tutoring sessions for lower division courses. This procedure provides students with continuous feedback and allows faculty members more time to give individual help to their students.
Outside the classroom, math students have presented results of undergraduate research at national conferences, competed in an international math-modeling competition ("Meritorious" solution), competed in a statewide college and university team problem-solving competition, helped administer a problem-solving competition for high school students, and solved problems from the Math Horizons magazine.
Luther students receive recognition through the Beta chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, a national collegiate honor society for mathematics.