Degree Tracks:

Major areas within degree programs of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics include pure mathematics, secondary teaching, and actuarial science. General education requirements may be found on Washburn's Academic Policies and regulations page. Specific information for the three department tracks can be found here.

Pure Mathematics

Students choosing to obtain a major in pure mathematics in our department will be well qualified to pursue further study in mathematics or statistics in graduate school or to pursue one of many career options where a strong preparation in mathematics is essential. In particular, one may work in an area of finance or economics, engineering, or the life sciences where one's problem-solving skills are heavily utilized to analyze vast amounts of data. A useful resource for undergraduates with pure mathematics majors is the book, "Great Jobs for Math Majors" by Lambert and DeCotis published by VGM Career Horizons (ISBN 0-8442-6422-9). This book covers a wide range of career possibilities for those with bachelor's degrees in mathematcs, and also points to other helpful resources.

course requirements

Other important information:

A list with descriptions (PDF) of all the courses offered in the department.

A tentative two-year course rotation schedule (PDF).

Math Education

Students desiring to teach mathematics leave Washburn University fully prepared to teach at the elementary, middle, and/or secondary levels. Washburn offers one of the strongest mathematics education programs in the state and our graduates are finding rewarding employment in outstanding schools in the Kansas area. The math education program at Washburn offers the pre-service teacher a wide range of experience in curriculum and pedagogy, including current technologies.

course requirements

Pre-Engineering

Students wishing to receive an engineering degree may begin their studies at Washburn, then transfer to a university having a four-year engineering program to complete their degree requirements. In most engineering fields, approximately half of their degree requirements can be completed at Washburn by taking the appropriate mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, computer science, economics, humanities, and social science courses. Several engineering courses are also available.

Actuarial Science

Students skilled in mathematics can make a worthwhile contribution to society in the financially rewarding field of actuarial science. An actuary is a business professional who uses mathematical skills to define, analyze, and solve financial and social problems. The Washburn Department of Mathematics and Statistics is proud to be the only school in the State of Kansas that has an Actuarial Science Program recognized by the Society of Actuaries as an Advanced Undergraduate Program. Our coursework prepares majors in this program to be able to pass the first two examinations of the Society of Actuaries. We offer a special exam preparation course each spring semester. Some of our students choose to take up graduate study in statistics after they graduate from Washburn.

course requirements