Mathematics Program Profile

The purpose of the Dordt University mathematics program is to promote human flourishing through the study of mathematics, cultivating student learning through active engagement, creative problem solving, and meaningful application.

More about Mathematics
Math professor speaks about differential equations to a class

PROGRAM STRENGTHS

  • We cultivate a friendly, welcoming community of students and faculty.
  • We invite students to pursue with us a deep understanding of mathematics as a part of God’s creation.
  • We foster engaging classroom environments where students actively learn.
  • We provide hands-on experiences where students partner with faculty in research and teaching equipping them for life after Dordt.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

A graduate of the Dordt University mathematics program is:

  • A communicator: Can clearly communicate mathematical ideas to a variety of audiences.
  • An explorer: Has developed a curiosity to ask questions and the skills to investigate them.
  • A connector: Can translate real-world questions into mathematical models and solve them.
  • A learner: Has a knowledge of foundational mathematics and leverages it to inquire about new fields.
  • An ambassador: Can share the joy of mathematics to promote a Biblical perspective about its place in God’s creation.

VISION

The Dordt University Mathematics Program will be known for excellence and innovation in teaching, preparing students who are rooted in faith and who can flexibly meet the challenges of a changing world. Our students will be sought after by reputable graduate programs, will be known as leaders in their vocations, and will be in demand as teacher-leaders in K-12 schools.

Our faculty are men and women of faith, recognized as regional, national, and international leaders in their fields. Their scholarship is highly valued and they are well-known for their excellent and innovative teaching. Through their service they will permeate the joy of mathematics to their areas of influence, and will meaningfully support and contribute to the broader mathematical community.

A student uses a whiteboard to work on a path problem

OUR PERSPECTIVE

WHAT IS MATHEMATICS?

Mathematics is the study of the spatial, numerical, and logical aspects of creation. Mathematicians explore the creation by uncovering patterns and structures and capturing them through both concrete and abstract reasoning. This includes problem solving, simulation, modeling, abstraction, patterning, critical thinking, and other forms of exploration which in concert form the core of doing mathematics.

WHY STUDY MATH?

Studying mathematics enables us to cultivate a sense of awe at the beauty and depth interwoven into the created world as well as to help solve real world problems. Skills developed through the study of mathematics are valued in many fields and prepare students for diverse vocations including being a teacher, data scientist, businessperson, financial analyst, national security specialist, operations research analyst, modeler, and computer scientist. Throughout their studies, Dordt students will also develop an understanding of both the power, but also the limitations, of mathematics including the potential of using mathematical skill to manipulate information.

HOW CAN YOU GROW?

Our professors create a friendly, learning environment and view your development as their primary goal. Students learn best by doing mathematics; therefore, classroom activities engage the students through problem-solving, interaction and discovery. Our students collaborate directly with professors on interesting projects through undergraduate research. Our professors continue to learn about mathematics as we explore alongside students.

If you are excited about solving puzzles and want to learn more, perhaps God is calling you to engage his world through the study of mathematics. There are multiple programs of study tuned to your interests including general mathematics, mathematics education, and applied mathematics.

Our graduates have pursued meaningful vocation in many areas including as professors, analysts, teachers, government servants, and actuaries.

A degree in mathematics education from Dordt University prepares you to step into the 5th-12th grade classroom with the mathematical content knowledge to teach students, but also the pedagogy and Christian perspective to educate students faithfully in both the public and Christian school setting.

A degree in mathematics from Dordt University trains you to solve problems, model reality using mathematics, and deal with abstraction. These skills are valuable in settings from research to engineering and science to business.