In some ways the Alfred University Division of Mathematics appears typical of a math department at many other colleges, but a closer look reveals that we are indeed different. Because AU is not a purely liberal arts college but rather a small university with significant engineering programs, our curriculum is more applications-oriented than most. We offer courses in both classical applied math (partial differential equations, Fourier series) and some of the most modern developments such as operations research, numerical techniques and modeling. While we have traditional coursework in things like linear algebra and advanced calculus, we also offer a statistics course and, from time to time, special topics courses.

Independent of the curriculum, we enjoy a level of personal interaction between faculty and students, which is unusual even among small colleges. Faculty offices are located around the Math Common Room, a space with a large table and chairs where students feel free to drop in all day. Whether using this room for study or visiting a teacher, students quickly become accustomed to talking with faculty outside of class.

The six faculty members are all dedicated to teaching and advising, as well as to mathematics itself. Their interests are diverse -- number theory, probability, new-age computer technology.

Some of our graduates go on to advanced study in mathematics; others pursue advanced study in a math-related area such as management or industrial engineering. About half of our students are preparing for high school teaching.

The Winners of the 39th Annual W. Varick Nevins III
High School Mathematics Competition - 2007
Students who earned the top three scores from the senior and junior participants were awarded cash prizes and offered tuition scholarships to Alfred University. Students who earned the top three scores from the sophomore and younger participants were awarded cash prizes.