Mathematics at The Ohio State University

Mathematics is a tool for understanding our world and trying to solve its problems. Mathematical models are used in such diverse areas as determining the shape of aircraft’s wings for maximum lift, analyzing disease spread and control, and simulating network flows for efficient transportation systems.

Mathematics also requires imagination, necessitating abstract and formalized thought on the one hand and creativity and intuition on the other. All people, in every trade and profession, use mathematics in their personal and professional lives. Thus, almost all university students will take formal courses to acquire the use of mathematical tools.

The mathematics major introduces students to the areas of real and complex analysis, number theory, abstract algebra, logic and other fields. Mathematics study can be designed to support different career goals, such as employment in business and industry, biology and medicine, development of new products using physics and chemistry, preprofessional education, or preparation for graduate school.