A reading knowledge of French, German, or Russian is recommended for students considering graduate work. Study of the mathematical sciences develops logical thinking and quantitative ability. Mathematical skills in deductive analysis and in the use of data are important in many disciplines. The first three semesters of a typical mathematics program at Grinnell are taken by a wide range of students and consist of a year of calculus and a semester-long study of linear algebra. After completing these courses, the students' intellectual curiosity, interests, and abilities, and the needs of various disciplines, determine the mathematics courses selected.
Courses range from a problem-solving seminar to topology and analysis.
In recent years, Grinnell's teams have done very well in these competitions. In addition, Grinnell mathematics students present talks to the Math Journal Club, attend speeches by visiting mathematicians, participate in internships, and work closely with faculty on research projects. Recently, students had an opportunity to do summer research on problems in dissection theory, geometric configurations, and combinatorial group theory. Career Opportunities Mathematics majors who graduate from Grinnell pursue careers in pure or applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, the natural and social sciences, business, and education. Job titles held by graduates from the department include senior network software engineer for Adaptec, Inc., economist with the Federal Reserve Bank, air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Agency, professor of mathematics at Reed College, professor of philosophy at Beloit College, and vice-president of business for Drake University.