Do you find joy in solving puzzles? Do you find fractals fascinating, symmetry scintillating, game strategies gripping, or patterns provocative? If so, you may be interested in our thriving mathematics program at Goshen College.
In an era where computing power has become ubiquitous, GC mathematics majors focus on the key concepts, interconnect relevant ideas, and make use of all available tools to solve problems. Every course involves project work that explores ideas and applications in greater depth, including optimal placement of firebreaks to contain forest fires in Calculus I; modeling mechanical and electronic circuits in Differential Equations; and explaining strategic choices by nations in Game Theory. By repeatedly engaging in such projects, mathematics students also develop their communication and collaboration skills, highly sought by employers.
Mathematics majors tend to be an eclectic group. Most take on a second major–physics, computer science, education, music, or history. Many intern with businesses and nonprofit organizations who value their modeling, statistics and computer skills. Others spend a summer participating in the Maple Scholars research program working one-on-one with faculty members in areas such as fair allocation and game theory. Alumni have gone on to become teachers, administrators, software engineers, architects, actuaries, authors, actors and farmers.
After graduating from Goshen in 2008 with a math and computer science degree, Jason Yoder earned a doctorate at Indiana University Bloomington--and plays for a professional Ultimate Frisbee team, the Indianapolis AlleyCats.
Leah Landes is a 2017 math education graduate from Saint Louis, Missouri. She is looking forward to using her degree to teach math to junior high students.
Peter Miller, a computer science and applied math major, graduated from Goshen College in 2011. Today, he runs CodePurple, a company that provides on-campus opportunities for students to practice programming.
Michelle Espino, a 2014 grad who majored in physics and mathematics, is an avid Colts fan and loves listening to The Beatles. At Goshen, Michelle balanced classes, track practices and mentoring at a local high school.
Tavo Parral, a 2013 graduate, came to Goshen College to be a teacher. But while he was here, he was also a first generation college student, a basketball player, a leader in the dorm and a peacemaker.
Rosanna Nafziger Henderson graduated from Goshen College in 2006 with majors in English and math--not the most obvious path to becoming an authority on food.