Mathematics

Why Study Mathematics at Bishop’s?

The liberal education model at Bishop’s encourages the pursuit of multiple degrees, opening up the possibility of combining a mathematics major with another major without extending length of degree. Bishop’s offers an unparalleled university experience by combining academic excellence and student experience.

Future Career Possibilities

In today’s knowledge-based economy, a strong background in mathematics open doors to many careers. A math major shows future employers that a candidate has good analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our recent graduates have found jobs in actuarial sciences, computer science, economics and statistics, among other fields.

Small Class Size

Small class sized can make a major difference when studying mathematics. It allows for more direct contact with your professors, resulting in more targeted teaching and learning. Our independent study courses go even further in allowing honour students to pursue their research interests.

Student Testimonials

Student and professor having a discussion.

Experiential Learning

A critical component of education today is the ability to apply your learnings in real-world settings. Bishop’s offers many opportunities through undergraduate summer research, peer tutoring or the math-stats help center to put your skills to work.

Resources and Opportunities

Courses & Programs

Mathematics covers a wide range of disciplines including algebra, analysis, combinatorics and discrete mathematics, and differential equations.

See Courses & Programs for details

(99 credits for B.Sc., 84 credits for B.A.)

The highest level of specialization is Honours, and Honours programs prepare students for direct entry into graduate work leading to a Master’s or Ph.D. degree. All Honours mathematics students have an opportunity to study independently and thus develop their reading and problem-solving skills, and there is some chance to pursue special interests.

Normally a student is admitted to an Honours program after completing a minimum of 12 credits in Mathematics courses with an average of at least 70% and having achieved an average of 65% in all courses taken at Bishop’s. To continue in an Honours program the student must obtain an average of at least 70% in Mathematics courses in each academic year. In order to graduate with a Mathematics Honours degree, the student must have an overall average of 70% in all Mathematics courses.

(81 credits for B.Sc., 66 credits for B.A.)

The Majors programs provide students with excellent general preparation for the career world, while not preventing entrance into graduate school (sometimes after a qualifying year).

(30 credits for B.Sc. and B.A.)

This is typically taken by Science students to enhance their analytical thinking skills and to add value to their degree.

(30 credits for B.A.)

Minor in Mathematical Contexts is intended for students of the Liberal Arts and Humanities, Education, and the Social Sciences, who come to the discipline of Mathematics relatively late. Here mathematical concepts are developed, and analytical thinking is employed to systematically study patterns (the raw materials of mathematics) discovered in diverse fields of study. The emphasis will be on mathematical context and thinking; not on techniques, computations, and prerequisite skills. An adult willingness to think deeply, and academic admission to Bishop’s University, are the only prerequisites. In no way should these courses be confused with the “remediation” courses of other institutions: rectifying shortcomings in algebraic skills is not the goal. Rather, developing analytical problem-solving skills in mathematical contexts is the objective. Successful students will find, incidentally, that their Bishop’s B.A. degree has been significantly enhanced by this innovative program of study for citizens of the 21st century.

Bishop’s offers a unique program that will teach you mathematics and Spanish. After completing three semesters at Bishop’s learning both Spanish and mathematics, you will spend one semester of Spanish immersion at the Universidad San Francisco in Quito (Ecuador). Upon completion of your degree you will be fluent in Spanish and hold a BSc Major Mathematics and a Minor in Hispanic studies.

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About your professors

At Bishop’s you will never be a number. As class sizes are relatively small, you are able to work closely with professors, increasing the opportunity for learning.

Learn more about your professors