Mathematics cultivates student's logic and critical thinking skills, qualifying them for a wide variety of career pursuits, and also providing a valuable foundation to those planning careers in the applied sciences.
The Saint Francis University Mathematics Program recognizes the two paradoxical views of mathem
as abstract structures, independent of the physical world
as the cornerstone of all scientific inquiry, and therefore essential to the physical world
Mathematics requires problem solving, formulating models using mathematical language, applying mathematical structures to other disciplines and considering abstract ideas.
Mathematics is a Liberator, a discipline with infinite possibilities! Mathematics is central to numerous satisfying and successful career paths. According to the most recent job surveys, six of the top thirteen most satisfying career paths are mathematics-related.
One of the striking phenomena of the last five or six decades is the increasing use of mathematics in almost every field of human endeavor. Not only the so-called "hard" sciences and engineering, but also the "soft" sciences and the humanities are being examined quantitatively with significant use of mathematical techniques.
Individuals who both understand the problems of another field and are willing to use their mathematical skills in modeling them will find great and varied opportunities for careers and success.
Sophisticated statistical methods are used to determine authorship of essays and the history of branching of a family of languages; analysis of time series is used to search for oil; and statistical computer programs are essential to weather predictions. Data transmission from satellites and planetary probes relies on mathematical models and mathematical number theory. Mathematics is used to protect financial records and is essential to cryptography.
New areas and fields that are emerging and are commanding the attention of society are energy, the environment, aircraft design and medical technology. These are but a few areas of great interest and all utilize sophisticated mathematical analysis.
No one knows what new fields will be added to the list, but it is certain that, whatever the field, the talents of mathematically adept individuals with broad backgrounds and training will be in demand.
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