Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Krishnan “Ravi” Shankar, Academic Unit Head
Phone: (540) 568-6184
Email: mathstat@jmu.edu
Location: Roop Hall, Room 305
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/mathstat

Professors
E. A. Arnold, E. Brown, M. Capaldi, L. Chen, J. Ducey, S. Garren, H. Hamdan, N. Jahan, B. Jones, C. Lubert, S. Lucas, K. Nashimoto, H. Nelson, M. Oh, S. Prins, J. Rosenhouse, E. Strawbridge, L. Taalman, R. Thelwell, A. Tongen, L. Van Wyk, D. Walton, D. Warne, P. Warne, L. Xu

Associate Professors
R. Busi, A. Capaldi, D. Duncan, R. Field, K. Quertermous, D. Sharma, J. Siegfried, A. Stevens, J. Webb, J. Willingham, D. Withana Gamage, C.Woodruff

Assistant Professors
M. Augat, J. Bush, B. Cochran, V. Kokushkin, B. Moradi-Jamei, Z. Woodstock

Senior Lecturers
A. Casiple, C. Watson

Lecturers
S. Berry, J. Gibson, R. Koch, S. Palliyage, E. Ward

Mission

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics provides a program of study in the mathematical sciences that meets the needs of a wide variety of students and makes a continuing contribution to the advancement of mathematical and statistical knowledge and its dissemination. The program provides opportunities for in-depth study that can lead to careers as analysts, mathematicians and statisticians in private and public sectors, teachers of mathematics, and further study in graduate school. The program provides support for the mathematical and statistical needs of students in the natural sciences, integrated sciences, social sciences, and professional and pre-professional programs. The program meets the general education needs of all students, providing an understanding of mathematical and statistical thinking and approaches to problem solving.

We are committed to promoting mathematics and statistics as an art of human endeavor as well as a fundamental method of inquiry into the sciences and a vast array of other disciplines. We are committed to encouraging an attitude of appreciation and support for mathematics and statistics in current university students and, through them, the next generation of citizens. We are also committed to fostering an appreciation for the effective use of applied mathematics and statistics in connection with and support of other disciplines for those students majoring in other subjects.

Goals

As a major in mathematics or statistics, a student can expect to use and build on skills such as:

Thinking critically
Formulating and solving problems
Communicating solutions clearly, both orally and in writing

These skills have been gained in previous courses in mathematics, statistics and other areas. As the breadth of knowledge of the subject grows, students gain an increased understanding and appreciation of the fact that mathematics is truly a universal language whose creation and applications cut across all boundaries of race, class, culture and time.

There also will be opportunities for students to experience the challenges and rewards of faculty-mentored research, individually or as a member of a team, as they investigate mathematical and statistical problems that extend beyond those normally encountered in the classroom. Students increase their abilities to prove theorems, understand complex structures and apply mathematics and statistics in many real-world settings. The program students choose will make it possible for them to acquire strong preparation for professional applications in mathematics and statistics, teaching, natural and social sciences or other technical areas, and for graduate work.

Programs

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers the B.A. and B.S. degrees with a major in mathematics and the B.S. degree with a major in statistics. There is a program for a major in mathematics that qualifies a student for initial teaching licensure. Minors are offered in mathematics, statistics, computational analytics and data analytics.

The department also recognizes the importance of providing courses for non-specialists who need to make effective use of mathematics or statistics in their chosen careers.

The university is an institutional/educational member of the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the numerous undergraduate research opportunities as well as individual and small group projects available in the department. Opportunities exist through the Center for Computational Mathematics and Modeling, the JMU Experimental Mathematics Lab, the Statistical Consulting Center, honors theses and independent studies with individual faculty mentors.

Majors in the department are expected to participate in assessment activities. Assessment information is used to assist faculty members in modifying curricula.