School of Computer Science and Mathematics

The purpose of Academic Assessment and Improvement at Marist College is to provide information and support in the area of learning outcomes assessment. 

Department of Mathematics

Mission Statement

The Department of Mathematics exists to support the study and advancement of mathematics. Mathematical reasoning is a uniquely effective method of describing and analyzing human experience. As such, it is an indispensable part of any education in the sciences or liberal arts.

The Department of Mathematics combines the traditional focus of a liberal arts mathematics education with modern technology to create an environment that fosters quantitative reasoning and deductive thinking, and that promotes mathematical understanding. At all levels of the mathematics curriculum students develop a broad understanding of the field of mathematics and its historical development, the interdisciplinary applications of mathematics, and the role mathematics plays in the careers they choose.

The Department of Mathematics seeks to ensure that all Marist students are given a basic understanding of mathematical reasoning and some experience of its application. More advanced techniques and interpretative skills are taught to those whose chosen disciplines require them. The Department offers major and minor courses of study that initiate students into the active practice and use of mathematics. Mathematics majors are provided with the background necessary to pursue careers in industry, to teach in the secondary schools, or to succeed in further graduate study.

The Department of Mathematics provides resources that support the scholarly activities of its faculty and students. It strives to provide appropriate mathematical services as well as to make the principles and use of mathematics known to the wider community outside of Marist College.

Undergraduate Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Goals

The Department of Mathematics has four goals for a student who completes either the Bachelor of Arts degree program in mathematics or the Bachelor of Science degree program in Applied Mathematics. The extent to which these goals are emphasized varies between the programs.

Students who complete our degree programs shall:

1. develop a broad understanding of the field of mathematics
2. learn to communicate and assimilate mathematical information effectively
3. become familiar with interdisciplinary applications of mathematics
4. learn how to access and utilize resources that will facilitate further mathematical study or research

Undergraduate Mathematics Objectives

Student Learning Outcome 1A: The student will have sufficient mathematical knowledge to begin a career teaching mathematics at the secondary school level.

Student Learning Outcome 1B: The student will have sufficient mathematical knowledge to begin graduate studies in mathematics or applied mathematics.

Student Learning Outcome 1C: The student will have sufficient mathematical knowledge to begin a career in mathematics, applied mathematics or a related field.

Student Learning Outcome 2A: The student will write clear and concise solutions to computational problems.

Student Learning Outcome 2B: The student will critically analyze theorems, proofs and larger mathematical writings for the completeness, accuracy and effectiveness of their presentation.

Student Learning Outcome 2C: The student will write convincing arguments to prove or disprove mathematical statements.

Student Learning Outcome 2D: The student will present mathematics clearly to an audience of peers and faculty.

Student Learning Outcome 3A: The student will make connections between mathematics and other academic disciplines.

Student Learning Outcome 3B: The student will become familiar with at least one academic discipline that makes extensive use of mathematics (B.S. degree program in Applied Mathematics).

Student Learning Outcome 4A: The student will become familiar with software packages and/or platforms that can be used as resources in the teaching, learning, and practice of mathematics.

Student Learning Outcome 4B: The student will become familiar with library and web-based literature and materials that can be used as resources in the teaching, learning, and practice of mathematics.

Student Learning Outcome 4C: The student will become familiar with extra-curricular activities, events, and contacts that can be used as resources in the teaching, learning, and practice of mathematics.