The department provides opportunities for learning and research in several fields of concentration. Mathematics provides the language and concepts in terms of which knowledge in almost all disciplines is understood and communicated, and it often provides the means and techniques for solving problems. The courses required in the department’s programs serve several purposes, which include helping students along paths leading to branches of science and technology as well as to mathematical specializations.

The department, through an active faculty, offers graduate students both an unusual amount of personal attention and a lively research atmosphere. The degree programs are designed to provide students with a strong theoretical background in graduate-level mathematics.