Prospective Students

Pi Day 2007

Bucknell and Mathematics. People who enjoy mathematics typically are those who enjoy solving problems – all kinds of problems, not just mathematical ones. They are creative individuals who enjoy thinking hard and who find mental exercise challenging and invigorating. Very frequently, they are people who enjoy many other things as well – music, art, science, literature, athletics, drama – and continue to pursue those interests in college. Does this sound like you?

Bucknell's ideal medium size, its emphasis on undergraduate teaching, and its traditional strength in the sciences and engineering enable it to offer excellent facilities and a wide range of mathematics courses for majors and non-majors alike. Bucknell's mathematics majors enjoy all the advantages of a small college combined with many of the advantages of a large university. They attend small classes and receive the personal attention to be expected at a small college, but with a larger selection of courses.

Student Activities: The social and academic aspects of mathematics are integrated in the activities of several societies and clubs, including Pi Mu Epsilon (an honorary society), MAA (a chapter of the Mathematical Association of America that is open to all), Right Angle (students interested in mathematics education), and the Putnam gang (problem-solving enthusiasts).

Scholarship. Bucknell University offers a merit scholarship to exceptionally talented mathematics students. The responsibilities of a Mathematics Scholar may include enrolling in the mathematics problem solving course, participation in student research, being an active member or officer in one of the mathematical student organizations, or hosting future mathematics scholars for on-campus visits. The stipend amounts to $10,000 annually. To maintain the fellowship a scholar will need to major in mathematics (with a formal declaration by the second semester of the sophomore year or before), maintain an overall grade point average of 3.5, remain in good social standing at Bucknell, and continue to fulfill the responsibilities as agreed upon with the Mathematics Scholars Program Coordinator.

If you are interested and talented in mathematics, when you apply to Bucknell list ‘mathematics’ as your first potential major and at the beginning of February 2009 you might be invited to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship offer will be made at the same time as the regular admissions offer. Students admitted to Bucknell in the early decision process will be considered for the scholarship at the same time as the regularly applying students.

The Curriculum: The Bucknell Mathematics department offers both BA and BS options and concentrations, double majors, and minors.

The Faculty. Bucknell faculty members are talented and dedicated teachers. They also are scholars who are active in research and enjoy sharing with their students all the excitement and challenge of doing mathematics. Professors are available outside of class to assist and advise students, and they participate with students in the more social aspects of the mathematics department.

Advanced Placement: Bucknell offers AP credit for various AP exams in calculus and statistics.

Life after a Bucknell mathematics degree: careers, advanced degrees, alumni, the world!

If you have any questions about our programs in mathematics, just e-mail us and we will be happy to answer them.

Class project presentation