Mathematical Sciences - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
Mathematical Sciences Hike 2022
At Lewis & Clark, mathematical science is more than just equations.
Cubical bubble from the department’s fall welcome back event.
Pumpkin pi from the department’s annual pumpkin carving contest.
A Real Analysis team decides whether or not the complex numbers form an ordered field.
Computer Science students presenting a research project at our annual Festival of Scholars.
Home / Academics / Mathematical Sciences Mathematical Sciences Mathematical sciences are an integral part of a liberal arts education. Mathematics and statistics will provide you with ways to describe the world we live in and our relationship to it. Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in Mathematics? The mathematical sciences are structural mechanisms providing context for speculation and discovery; important tools for illuminating theories and implementing techniques from other disciplines; and art forms exhibiting aesthetic values. Our department prides itself on fostering a diverse community of students and faculty, where everyone is welcomed. You will graduate with a degree in mathematical sciences while being encouraged to engage deeply with the practice, passion, communication, and context of mathematical inquiry. Apply Visit What You’ll Study We offer one major and one minor with several tracks depending on your interests. At the heart of our curriculum are the development of conceptual and computational intuition, sophistication in the analysis of complicated structures, and the interplay of these two with broadly based sets of technical skills and techniques. Many of our students also spend a semester or year on an overseas program . Outside the classroom, we sponsor an annual math hike on Mount Hood or at the Oregon Coast. The physical layout of our department includes a space where students can gather in close proximity to faculty offices to study, socialize, and share a meal. We host a regular colloquium series featuring presentations by students, faculty, and guest speakers. We regularly participate in the William Lowell Putnam undergraduate mathematics competition and the COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Our faculty mentor students in research experiences during the academic year and through the paid Rogers Summer Science Program. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
Ordinary Differential Equations
I loved working with a variety of models that I then used to predict the behavior of phenomena based on certain parameters. This class enabled me to explore the connections between mathematics and a broad range of other subjects. This greatly tested my interdisciplinary skills and enabled me to use knowledge I had gained from all different kinds of classes at Lewis & Clark to come up with creative ways to construct, manipulate, and use these models.
Concepts and approaches from statistics and probability pop up all over the place in math and physics courses, but taking that class gave me a new perspective about how the field is a synthesis of many topics that I’m really interested in. It really inspired me and helped shape my future career in statistics and data science.
Quantum is notorious for being difficult and “funky,” and Mohamed did a very good job of encouraging curiosity and showing mastery in his academic background.
Jess is an AWESOME professor and super supportive. She introduced me to many different materials in art and makes you think about things (not just art) in multiple ways.
I was able to discover my passion for math and being able to think about and solve different complex problems; this class really helped me to learn about myself and my own studying process.
There is an inherent beauty in understanding how different molecules behave and come together to synthesize new molecules. My experience in organic chemistry at Lewis and Clark has really allowed me to appreciate this beauty.
Medicine, Healing, and Culture taught by Professor Sepideh Bajracharya
It was a truly incredible class, and I would recommend it to everyone. The class truly changed how I viewed the process of healing and its relation to the Western biomedical industry. We read so many amazing works, and I am so grateful to have taken the class.
It’s so fun getting an introduction to abstract structures that underscore all of higher mathematics, and Sweta is an excellent guide to the world of groups, rings, and fields. It could be very hard at times, but it was incredibly rewarding, and I feel so lucky that I got to take it at such a great place with such a great instructor.
Human Rights in international affairs with Professor Heather Smith-Cannoy
Looking back, Heather’s course really set my path for future work and graduate studies in motion. She challenged us to examine complex problems surrounding the protection of individual and collective human rights, and to think through nuanced policy-oriented solutions.
Major: International Affairs and Mathematics (double)
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors The most popular minors for our mathematics majors are physics , economics , computer science , and data science . I love how interdisciplinary my Hispanic studies major is because I’ve gotten to take courses from different departments like history and music, and I got to study abroad in Spain! Jenn Sosa Ramírez BA ’23 Hispanic Studies | Mathematics | Richmond, California More about Jenn Being a math major, there are so many different classes to take. The math department also feels like its own little community, and all of the professors are so great. Zoe Rommel BA ’26 Mathematics | Telluride, Colorado More about Zoe My favorite course was Ordinary Differential Equations. This class greatly tested my interdisciplinary skills and enabled me to use knowledge I had gained from all different kinds of classes at Lewis & Clark to come up with creative ways to construct, manipulate, and use models. Drew Blauth BA ’23 Chemistry and Mathematics (double) | Redlands, California More about Drew What Can You Do With a Degree in Mathematics? Our alumni use their BA in mathematics in a variety of careers in research, academia, and at companies such as Nike, Suplari, Downstream, and Mentor Graphics. Many start their own companies, or go on to pursue advanced degrees. Dedicated Faculty Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth. Meet the Professors Top For the seventh time in 11 years, Lewis & Clark has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution for 2023–24. 52 nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body 2,139 As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College. 12:1 Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. 96% Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps. Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition . There are several scholarships and funds specifically for students in the mathematical sciences department. The Mathematical Sciences Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund provides assistance to eligible students with financial need and recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in the department. The Isaac Clark Memorial Fund for Physics and Mathematical Sciences provides grants for various educational opportunities for students in physics and mathematical sciences who demonstrate strong academic and leadership skills. The Christine Fredricks Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded annually to an outstanding junior or senior mathematics major who has demonstrated significant contributions to the department. The Mathematics Alumni Scholarship Fund, the premier award funded by mathematics alumni, supports an outstanding mathematics major, regardless of class standing, who has shown exceptional promise in the field of mathematics. The Shannon T. O’Leary Award is presented annually to a promising student in physics or mathematics, preferably a woman, to enhance their independent research efforts. Find Your People The student-run Math Club organizes social and academic events, including panels and a pumpkin-carving contest held shortly before Halloween. Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You I have had the incredible opportunity to teach a couple courses as an adjunct instructor at LC since graduation. I have been able to provide mentoring and guidance to students there just as I received myself as a student. KJ MoChroi BA ’18 Mathematics and Physics More about KJ Since starting graduate school, I’ve grown to really appreciate the liberal arts education and academic rigor of my undergraduate education. The small class sizes and mentorship from professors at L&C mirrors that of my graduate school experience. Syrah Starnes BA ’20 Chemistry and Mathematics | Corvallis, Oregon More about Syrah After graduation, I started my Master’s program in Physics at San Jose State. In my last semester, I applied and was offered a teaching job at my alma mater, Archbishop Mitty High School. Jeramy Albert BA ’19 Mathematics / Physics Double Major More about Jeramy Featured News Finding Post-Grad Success Graduating from Lewis & Clark College means you will earn a bachelor of arts degree that is grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving—all of the essential qualifications you need to succeed in any career. Read the story More News and Events → Iva Stavrov Professor of Mathematics, Chair of Mathematics Department istavrov@lclark.edu 503-768-7559 Admissions Academics Financial Aid Alumni
