{"id":672,"date":"2012-05-17T20:23:31","date_gmt":"2012-05-18T00:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/mathematics\/?page_id=672"},"modified":"2026-02-26T15:32:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T20:32:16","slug":"goals-for-math-majors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/mathematics\/resources\/goals-for-math-majors\/","title":{"rendered":"Goals for Math Majors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What should a Mathematics major know, be able to do, and\/or have achieved by graduation?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking \/ Logical Thinking Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assess correctness of solutions, create and explore examples, carry out mathematical experiments, and devise and test conjectures<\/li>\n<li>Organize logical arguments coherently, demonstrating clear reasoning<\/li>\n<li>Provide and evaluate the validity and relevance of evidence to support mathematical claims and conclusions<\/li>\n<li>Analyze and critique mathematical arguments, identifying strengths and weaknesses<\/li>\n<li>Identify, analyze, and apply patterns and connections within mathematics and across academic disciplines<\/li>\n<li>Move from concrete to abstract thinking and back with facility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Communication Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create clear, concise proofs that effectively communicate mathematical ideas<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicate mathematical topics to diverse audiences, adapting style and tone accordingly<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop a voice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Interdisciplinary Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop collaboration skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take intellectual risks by exploring unfamiliar mathematical territories and approaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop independence in thinking, problem-solving, and applying mathematical concepts creatively<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultivate a love of learning and enjoyment in mathematical exploration<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build confidence in tackling interdisciplinary problems using mathematical tools and techniques<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Math Conceptual Understanding and Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop a strong foundational understanding of core mathematical concepts in calculus and linear algebra<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore advanced mathematical topics such as<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">l<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> analysis, algebra, geometry, computational mathematics, and mathematical modeling, gaining depth of understanding<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice technical skills through the use of mathematical and\/or statistical software and typesetting tools like LaTeX<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare for future pursuits by engaging in rigorous mathematical study and research, exploring career opportunities and recognizing the role of mathematical skills across various fields<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What should a Mathematics major know, be able to do, and\/or 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