Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics has a fascinating dual nature. Many study it as an object of endless beauty, interest, and intellectual challenge, while others are motivated by its applications to real-world problems. Increasingly, mathematics is an essential tool for modeling phenomena in the physical, biological, and social sciences. Mathematical literacy is the key to surviving and thriving in the world of technology. At its heart, mathematics is the study of patterns: it is a creative art as well as a logical system.

Statistics, an interdisciplinary subject by nature, plays an important role in liberal arts. In an increasingly quantitative world, statistical knowledge is fundamental in advancing our understanding of politics, economics, business, sports, industry, the humanities, and more. With the availability of modern technology, our ability to measure, collect, and store a huge amount of data has led to high demand for people who have the skills to process that data into meaningful information.

Mathematics and Statistics are a core part of the liberal arts at Wellesley College. Many of our students combine a major in mathematics with a minor or a second major in another field such as economics, English, classics, or chemistry. Some other students choose to pair a minor in statistics with a major in another field. Mathematics and statistics are excellent preparation for a lifetime of discovering, learning, and applying new knowledge. Most courses meet for three periods weekly or for two periods weekly with a third period approximately every other week.

The Mathematics and Statistics Department Web Page (https://www.wellesley.edu/academics/department/mathematics) has more detailed course descriptions and information for majors and minors.