Mathematics at Bates

With connections to many disciplines, mathematics is vital in understanding science, technology, and society.

The Department of Mathematics provides students with essential foundational math knowledge while allowing them to tailor their studies to their areas of interest. Entry-level courses in the department introduce students to basic concepts and hint at some of the power and beauty behind these fundamental results, while upper-level courses and the capstone experience provide students with the opportunity to explore mathematical topics in greater depth and sophistication.

Contact Us

Hannah Underwood, Academic Administrative Assistant
Hathorn Hall
Phone: (207) 786-6495 hunderwood@bates.edu

What You Will Learn

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To develop a strong foundational understanding of core mathematical concepts in calculus and linear algebra

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How to recognize the role of, and application for, mathematical skill across various fields

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To explore advanced mathematical topics such as analysis, algebra, geometry, computational mathematics, and mathematical modeling

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To develop independence in thinking, problem-solving, and the creative application of mathematical concepts

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How to communicate mathematical topics to diverse audiences

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How to analyze and critique mathematical arguments

Life After Bates

Recent math graduates have pursued a variety of careers: public health, software engineering, biostatistics, law, consulting, education, and sports statistics, to name a few. Whether working as data scientists at Spotify, biostatisticians on AIDS research, or principal engineers for acoustical engineering firms, graduates from the program have found a wide range of uses for their degrees.

94%

of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.

“My mathematics major at Bates played a defining role in shaping my career as a teacher and tutor. It strengthened my ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging ways. My thesis on engaging middle school students in math deepened my passion for education and continues to influence my approach. Today, I run my own tutoring business (mindzonthemove.com), working both independently and online, which gives me flexibility and freedom to support students in a way that aligns with my values. I’m especially grateful for the guidance of my advisor, who helped shape my path.”

— Lauren Berube ‘22

Selected Places of Employment/Service

Microsoft
J.P. Morgan
Barclays
Bank of America
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Wayfair
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Analysis Group

Selected Graduate Schools

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
University of Oxford
Harvard University
Yale University
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia University
University of Chicago
Northwestern University
Brown University
Stanford University

Two students work with their professor during an Advanced Topics in Biomathematics class in the computer lab of Hathorn Hall.

A student works on their laptop in Chase Lounge during a visit to Bates by Lewiston Public Schools educators.

Students work on programming robots in Chase Lounge during a visit to Bates by Lewiston Public Schools educators.

Students watch as their peers program robots in Chase Lounge during a visit to Bates by Lewiston Public Schools educators.

A professor smiles as they engage with their students during a Mathematics for Social Justice class in Carnegie Science Center.

A student experiments with a color wheel on their laptop while programming robots in Chase Lounge during a visit to Bates by Lewiston Public Schools educators.

A professor instructs a Mathematics for Social Justice class in Carnegie Science Center.

A student gestures while engaging in a class discussion during a Mathematics for Social Justice class in Carnegie Science Center.

Two students engage in a small group discussion during a Mathematics for Social Justice class in Carnegie Science Center.

A student works on their laptop covered in colorful stickers.

A student takes detailed notes on approximating the Gine index during class.

Three students stand in front of a crowd of supporters at Coram Library to celebrate binding their senior theses.

Why Study Mathematics at Bates?

Mathematics is an integral part of a liberal arts education. Students can choose to focus on theoretical or applied mathematics courses, and mathematics majors at Bates often double major in a related field, such as economics, physics, or engineering. Students get the chance to engage in math beyond the classroom, whether through math competitions, community-engaged learning opportunities at local schools and nonprofits, or on-campus math seminars.

Featured Courses

Meet the Faculty

Faculty members teach classes across a wide range of subjects and come from a diverse set of academic backgrounds, with expertise in various aspects of the field. Specialty areas include mathematical epidemiology, noncommutative algebra, mathematical ecology, and algebraic geometry.