Math

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Program Overview

The student of mathematics can analyze and reason like no other. Fairfield University's Mathematics Department offers a curriculum that blends traditional, applied, and modern math courses, providing students with a solid and diverse foundation in mathematics. 

The mathematics program teaches students to think analytically, to find connections between concepts, and to spot patterns both in abstract settings and in practice. 

The mathematics program provides students with the opportunity to both solve real-world problems and address the truth that underlies them.  You will collaborate with your peers and faculty mentors, both in the classroom and out, through original research projects or applied internship opportunities. 

Alumni from our department graduate from Fairfield University with the skills, disciplinary awareness, and preparation to pick his or her career path, either through graduate study — our own MS in Mathematics Program or at another institution — or in a multitude of professional areas including engineering, computing, medical research, actuarial science, data analysis, finance, government agencies and laboratories.

Requirements & Curriculum

Required Courses

Introduction to Computing
Calculus I
Calculus II
Discrete Mathematics
Linear Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Abstract Algebra
Real Analysis
Six (6) 3000-level Mathematics electives
Two (2) semesters of a laboratory science
Mathematics Capstone
A single two-course 1000-level Calculus sequence
Three (3) Mathematics 2000-level or higher courses

The new minor in Applied Statistics is perfect for students majoring in business, economics, engineering, the natural sciences, nursing, health studies, public health, psychology, sociology, journalism, or politics, or for any student who wants to understand and interpret data. Students completing the Applied Statistics minor will gain hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting real world data - skills which they can then bring to their chosen careers.

For more information, please contact Dr. Laura McSweeney or Dr. Chris Casement.

(Applied) Calculus I
(Applied) Calculus II
Statistical Computing
Statistics I
Statistics II
One (1) approved elective course

The new minor in Mathematical Statistics is designed for (1) math majors and (2) non-math majors with a strong math background (such as those majoring in chemistry, engineering, and physics). The Mathematical Statistics minor will provide students with foundational courses in statistical computation, theory of mathematical statistics, and probability. Students will learn and use many common techniques of statistical analysis which will prepare them for professional positions or graduate study in statistics, biostatistics, or a related field.

For more information, please contact Dr. Laura McSweeney or Dr. Chris Casement.

Statistical Computing
Applied Statistics I
Probability Theory
Mathematical Statistics
Applied Statistics II

A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog.

Stag Spotlight

Amanda Pogson

Class of '07

Get to Know Amanda

Amanda Pogson
Class of 2007

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
I was looking for a well-rounded liberal arts school that wasn't too large. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I wanted a school where I could do a wide variety of things. Fairfield hit all of those things and I simply loved the campus and the vibe that I got when I visited.

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
Fairfield is a great school in a great area. It allows you to get a well-rounded education that will help you in any future job that you have.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
I always loved math. I was debating between math and business, but ultimately decided that my love of Math was stronger and that I would be able to use the skills and analytical thinking that I learned in my math classes across a variety of careers.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
I loved the people I met there, the professors, the campus. Really the whole experience was great.

Please describe any interesting project, research opportunity, internship, leadership opportunity, or anything else you were a part of while at Fairfield.
I had the opportunity to tutor at the math center as well as privately. Tutoring gave me a great opportunity to hone my teaching skills, which I use every day in my current work as a manager.

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I am currently a credentialed actuary (FCAS) at Liberty Mutual, a large property and casualty insurance company. My job title is director, actuary. I am responsible for determining the best estimate of our future liabilities that will arise from claims that have occurred. I love what I do. I love trying to analyze the data and figure out what is going on beneath the surface. I enjoy being able to hear executives reference things from my work in earnings releases.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
My profession requires a significant investment of time into exams. I was able to partake in a study session held by Dr. McSweeney to help prepare myself for taking (and passing the first exam). I was also able to take classes in economics and business that were also required for my credentials. The biggest thing that helped me in my career as an actuary, though, is that I learned how to think analytically, which is invaluable in my profession. Taking a variety of math classes really taught me how to think through analytical problems and really gave me a leg up when I started at my first entry level actuarial job.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus? Please include any honors you may have received.
Pi Mu Epsilon. Graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Marcel Blais headshot

Marcel Blais

Class of '99

Get to Know Marcel
Headshot of Marcel Blais

Marcel Blais
Class of 1999

Minor: Computer science, Economics, & Business Management

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
I really liked the University on my initial campus tour and interview. Dartmouth was my top choice and I didn't get in. I was deciding between Fairfield & Stonehill for my final decision.

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
I would strongly encourage them to attend and point out that Fairfield provides a strong liberal arts education and a strong treatment of major and minor subject areas.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
I was undeclared and unsure of what to study, and Professor Ben Fine's “Discrete Mathematics” course introduced me to what mathematicians actually do and inspired me to study math.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
I loved studying math there. I felt a very strong connection to the math department, and the many of the math faculty were nurturing of my love for math. Faculty mentors were happy to work with me and mentor me in my interests. Also, I loved being involved with the college radio station.

Please describe any interesting project, research opportunity, internship, leadership opportunity, or anything else you were a part of while at Fairfield.
I worked with Professor Stephen Sawin on some research, which was pivotal in preparing me for moving on to graduate study in math. Also, I had a great internship at William M. Mercer in Stamford that gave me nice industry experience and also perspective on whether to pursue graduate school or take an industry job offer.

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I'm a faculty member in the Mathematical Sciences Department at WPI (also currently serving as the departmental associate head), and really everything about my job I find inspiring, with the exception of grading. More specifically, teaching upper level and graduate coursework in operations research and financial math and advising student projects with industry sponsors are consistently inspiring and fulfilling aspects of my work. I also started a brewery with a close friend from Fairfield, which has been a wonderful side project for me.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
My mentors at Fairfield, specifically Matt Coleman, Steve Sawin, and Ben Fine, were huge for me in terms of professional development and getting me onto my career path.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus? Please include any honors you may have received.
Arthur Dershowitz Math Prize, Pi Mu Epsilon President, WVOF DJ and Metal Director

Please add anything else you wish us to know.
I had a wonderful experience at Fairfield and do maintain a connection to the math department.

Karen Kenny Dettlinger

Class of '98

Get to Know Karen

Karen Kenny Dettlinger
Class of 1998

Minor: Education

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
One of the main reasons was the Jesuit influence that is woven throughout the whole campus. It was the perfect distance from home (not too far, not too close).

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
Fairfield not only gives you an amazing education, it shapes who you are as a person. You grow to realize that giving back to your community matters.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
Dr. Coleman was my Freshman year calculus professor and he convinced me to major in math. I was undecided and explained that with a math major I would be able to enter so many careers.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
There are so many! Dorm life, living at the beach, FUSA and the math department.

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I have been teaching mathematics for over 20 years. I have a passion for volunteering and giving back. I am president of the Board of Education for Brielle School District. I also am on the board for Brielle Recreation.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
My close contact with my professors after my graduation has helped me be successful.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus?
Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics Honor Society); Fairfield University Student Association Leadership; Award Dean’s List 1996-1998.

Catherine Capuzzi Feuerstein headshot

Catherine Capuzzi Feuerstein

Class of '98

Get to Know Catherine
Headshot of Catherine Capuzzi Feuerstein

Catherine Capuzzi Feuerstein
Class of 1998

Minor: Computer Science/Secondary Education

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
I wanted a small, Catholic school with no Greek life.

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
Your professors will truly care about your success and will go above and beyond to help you learn.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
Mathematics was always my absolute favorite subject. I went back and forth with mathematics related majors (like engineering) but ultimately decided that a mathematics major would allow for the most flexibility after undergraduate school.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
The professors! The professors are master teachers. They love their field and they have a passion for sharing it with you. In bigger schools, the professors are focused on their research and you are taught by teaching assistants. Somehow, the amazing professors at Fairfield figured out a way to be successful in their research as well as their classrooms!

Please describe any interesting project, research opportunity, internship, leadership opportunity, or anything else you were a part of while at Fairfield.
After junior year, I spent the summer at Northern Arizona University doing mathematics research. I continued this research when I returned to Fairfield as part of my honors program final project (with the help of an amazing professor).

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I work in mathematics curriculum design and assessment writing. I have co-authored a couple secondary text books and have worked with companies like the College Board and Kaplan to design and edit assessments.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
During my junior year, my advisor really pushed me to apply for undergraduate research positions. The research program I participated in as a junior really opened doors for me. I was accepted into a graduate program with a full ride and a stipend.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus?
I was heavily involved in FUSA each year. I was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Mu Epsilon.

Please add anything else you wish us to know.
I will never forget how much time and effort my advisor put into making sure I was prepared for my GRE subject test. He spent hours helping me to study, explaining concepts I was unsure of. I credit him with much of my success. I would not have had the confidence to apply to graduate school if it wasn't for him and I certainly would not have earned a full ride/stipend without his help!

More About Mathematics

Mathematics Center

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Mathematics Center

The Mathematics Center, located in the Academic Commons (DiMenna-Nyselius Library), is a place where students can get free tutoring for statistics and first year calculus courses. Students can schedule appointments online and are encouraged to come prepared with specific question that will help the tutor identify what to focus on most.

Visit the Mathematics Center

Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

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Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

Four Students sitting together talking to each other in common srrea 

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.

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Faculty

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Faculty

The College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University is home to a vibrant community of engaged faculty, dedicated staff and budding scholars devoted to the process of invention and discovery and excited by the prospect of producing knowledge in the service of others. Meet the innovative members of our Mathematics Department.

Meet the Faculty

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