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The mathematics program at St. Olaf is nationally recognized for innovative and effective teaching, for scholarship, and for service to the profession. We see mathematics as interesting, important, useful, and appropriate for students with a wide variety of interests. Welcome to our mathematical community.

[edit] Do I have to take a math class at St. Olaf?

The short answer is no, but the longer answer is that all B.A. students must satisfy the Abstract and Quantitative Reasoning (AQR) General Education requirement (B.M. students may choose to complete a general education requirement with an AQR course). Students complete the AQR requirement either by taking a designated course in Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science or through successful completion of an equivalent course prior to arriving at St. Olaf. Get started on the Math and AQR Placement Process by clicking here.

[edit] Do I have to complete the AQR requirement at St. Olaf?

Some students have taken the right kind of courses in high school or have had other academic experiences that give them credit for the AQR. Visit our AQR Placement page to see whether or not this includes you.

[edit] How do I satisfy the AQR requirement?

There are several different courses in mathematics, statistics, and computer science that satisfy the AQR requirement. Which kind of course you should take depends on your academic strengths and interests. Click here to get started on the Math and AQR Placement Process and you'll find your way to the information you need.

[edit] I know that I want to take a math course at St. Olaf, but which one should I take?

Excellent--we're glad you want to take a math course! In order to gather information and report it to your advisor you must go through the Math and AQR Placement Process. Click here to get started and you'll find your way to the information you need.

• Congratulations: to Nate Bishop '12 and Amelia Stonesifer '12 who won awards at the Mathematical Association of America's summer MathFest. Nate won the Council on Undergraduate Research award for his presentation Rational Equidistribution, a research project conducted under the supervision of Prof. Adam McDougall. Amelia and her research partner won an MAA Outstanding Presentation award for their work titled Word length in alternate presentations of Tompson's group F, completed at the BYU REU.
• Textbook Info: All sections of Calculus I and II (Math 120, 126, 128) will use Stewart's Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 7th ed. This is available in print as well as in ebook format. All sections of Linear Algebra (Math 220) will use Poole's Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, 3rd ed.
• AQR and Mathematics Placement Information: Please see the information to the left.
• Tenure-track search: Please go to St. Olaf's main job postings page for some information on our search for an algebraist. More information will be posted on MathJobs.org by early September.
• Class of 2011: Among the 2011 graduates were 74 mathematics majors (the 2nd biggest major at the college this year), 31 statistics concentrators, and 11 computer science majors. Read about the students' post graduation plans. Congratulations to the students, parents, and faculty who helped this happen!
• MSCS Mess: Read the latest issue.
• Alumni: View profiles of recent alumni/ae.