Related Programs
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers several combined programs with other departments, including a major in economics - mathematics, mathematics - physics, and a minor in data science. For more information and course details, see the Mathematics and Statistics section of the Whitman College Course Catalog.
Data Science
Offered in conjunction with the Department of Computer Science, our data science minor is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of what this emerging field has to offer. As a discipline, data science sits at the intersection of mathematics, statistics and computer science. Data science has applications in science, industry, social sciences, humanities and the arts. Data science fits well within the liberal arts and, when brought to bear by folks with interdisciplinary training, has the potential to uncover profound insights. At the same time, when applied without consideration of bias or unintended consequences, data science can be dangerous.
Minor Requirements: The Data Science minor requires a minimum of 19 credits from: Computer Science 167, Mathematics 240, 247. In addition to these three required courses, at least 9 credits from any of Computer Science 351, 357 or Mathematics 248, 339, 347, 349, 350. Students wishing to combine the Data Science minor with the Mathematics major will be allowed to use Mathematics 240 to satisfy both sets of requirements. Students, in this case, will complete a minimum of 51 credits total.
Economics - Mathematics
Are you interested in pursuing career opportunities in marketing or finance? Do you want to understand and explore the ever-growing influence of mathematics and statistics in the field of economics? Are you considering graduate study in economics or perhaps an MBA or MA in applied international economics? If so, Whitman's economics-mathematics major may be an excellent choice for you. This program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to help you develop a strong foundation in both economics and mathematics, allowing you to build a deeper understanding of economic principles and to refine your analytical skills. It also gives you an opportunity to explore economic theories and principles that provide a critical lens through which to reflect upon social and economic challenges in the real world.
Major requirements: Mathematics 225, 240, 244,247,248, 349, and three additional credits chosen from mathematics and statistics courses numbered above 200. Economics 100 or 101, 102, 307, 308, 327, 428, plus one additional course in economics. Students should note that in addition to Economics 307 and 308, the prerequisites for Economics 327 include Economics 227 (or Mathematics 128 or 247). However, neither Economics 227 nor Mathematics 128 applies toward the minimum major requirements. In addition, Economics 100 or 101, 102, and Mathematics 247 are the prerequisites for Economics 327. Economics 227 does not apply toward the minimum major requirements. Economics 493, 494, and other economics courses taken P--D--F courses may not be used to meet the 27--credit requirement for Economic courses. The senior assessment consists of the written exam in mathematics and statistics, the Major Field Test (MFT) in economics, and a combined oral exam scheduled by the economics department.
Mathematics - Physics
Are you curious about the ways in which mathematics appears in the solutions to both applied and theoretical problems in physics? Do you have an interest in fields such as differential equations, quantum mechanics, or the theory of relativity? If so, Whitman's mathematics-physics major may be an excellent choice for you. The program provides an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to help you build a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics as well as develop effective critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and written communication skills.
Major requirements: Mathematics 225, 240, 244, 367 or 368, and six additional credits in mathematics and statistics courses numbered above 200; Physics 145 or 155 or 165, 156 or 166, 245, 246, 255, 256, 325, 339, and one additional physics course numbered from 300--480, or BBMB 324. Senior assessment consists of the written exam in mathematics, the written exam in physics, and a combined oral exam scheduled by the physics department.