
Mathematics Major
A math major at Washington College doesn’t just prepare you to solve life’s problems. You will also learn to be an effective communicator, too. Our major aligns with the best practices from the Mathematical Association of America. We emphasize reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills, teaching you the core components of the study of mathematics and how to convey your findings to people who don’t understand them. All of our students master the relevant basic mechanical concepts necessary to perform the fundamental operations related to both mathematics and computer programming. They also conduct oral presentations, regularly write detailed papers and reports, and complete a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE), pursuing independent research in a topic that interests them.
Our faculty are dedicated to helping you succeed and teaching you what you want to
learn. Student input often guides special topic course offerings. Our faculty and
students build close relationships, pursuing research together and feeding off each
other’s energy and excitement about math. Students attend conferences to present their
research and, under the guidance of a faculty coach, participate in mathematical problem-solving
contests against other colleges.
The mathematics major is flexible, making it easy to double major or add minors. Study
abroad is also possible as a math major.

Rachel Beall '25
Math and Environmental Science Double Major"I've done research in the math department, starting with my First-Year Seminar, the End of the World. We looked at civilizational resilience in terms of different existential disasters. I focused a lot on climate change.... Math is everything in science.... I like thinking about environmental science through the lens of predictive modeling and how we can better understand how climate change might impact specific places like a forest or how we can understand the impact of certain actions on the entire globe."