• <a href="/live/image/gid/75/width/650/86489_Math_main_image.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86489"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg" alt="At Lewis & Clark, mathematical science is more than just equations. " width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86489_Math_main_image.rev.1607648593.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="3067" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> At Lewis & Clark, mathematical science is more than just equations. </div>
  • <a href="/live/image/gid/75/width/650/95723_lounge_photo.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image95723"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg" alt="A Real Analysis team decides whether or not the complex numbers form an ordered field." width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95723_lounge_photo.rev.1663039460.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2400" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> A Real Analysis team decides whether or not the complex numbers form an ordered field.</div>
  • <a href="/live/image/gid/75/width/650/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image96273"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg" alt="Mathematical Sciences Hike 2022" width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/96273_IMG_4325_1_2.rev.1666216575.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2400" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Mathematical Sciences Hike 2022</div>
  • <a href="/live/image/gid/75/width/650/75458_Math_Pumpkin.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image75458"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/75458_Math_Pumpkin.rev.1540490816.jpg 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/75458_Math_Pumpkin.rev.1540490816.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/75458_Math_Pumpkin.rev.1540490816.jpg" alt="Pumpkin pi from the department's annual pumpkin carving contest." width="720" height="690" data-max-w="504" data-max-h="337" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Pumpkin pi from the department’s annual pumpkin carving contest.</div>
  • <a href="/live/image/gid/75/width/650/86386_Computer_Science_Main_Image.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86386"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86386_Computer_Science_Main_Image.rev.1607124216.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86386_Computer_Science_Main_Image.rev.1607124216.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86386_Computer_Science_Main_Image.rev.1607124216.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86386_Computer_Science_Main_Image.rev.1607124216.jpg" alt="Computer Science students presenting a research project at our annual Festival of Scholars." width="720" height="690" data-max-w="1103" data-max-h="1057" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Computer Science students presenting a research project at our annual Festival of Scholars.</div>
  • <a href="/live/image/gid/75/width/650/95722_bubble.png" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image95722"> <source type="image/webp" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/95722_bubble.rev.1663039359.png 1x"/> <source type="image/webp" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95722_bubble.rev.1663039359.png 1x"/> <source type="image/png" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/500/height/479/crop/1/95722_bubble.rev.1663039359.png 1x"/> <source type="image/png" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95722_bubble.rev.1663039359.png 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/75/width/720/height/690/crop/1/95722_bubble.rev.1663039359.png" alt="Cubical bubble from the department's fall welcome back event." width="720" height="690" data-max-w="578" data-max-h="652" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Cubical bubble from the department’s fall welcome back event.</div>

Why Choose a Degree in Mathematics?

The mathematical sciences are structural mechanisms providing context for speculation and discovery; important tools for illuminating theories and implementing techniques from other disciplines; and art forms exhibiting aesthetic values. Our department prides itself on fostering a diverse community of students and faculty, where everyone is welcomed. You will graduate with a degree in mathematical sciences while being encouraged to engage deeply with the practice, passion, communication, and context of mathematical inquiry.

What You’ll Study

We offer three majors (computer science, computer science and mathematics, and mathematics), two minors (computer science and mathematics), and one optional cybersecurity concentration, all with several tracks depending on your interests. At the heart of our curriculum are the development of conceptual and computational intuition, sophistication in the analysis of complicated structures, and the interplay of these two with broadly based sets of technical skills and techniques. Many of our students earn course credit toward their computer science degree while on an overseas program.

Outside the classroom, we sponsor an annual math hike on Mount Hood or at the Oregon Coast. The physical layout of our department includes a space where students can gather in close proximity to faculty offices to study, socialize, and share a meal. We host a regular colloquium series featuring presentations by students, faculty, and guest speakers. We regularly participate in the William Lowell Putnam undergraduate mathematics competition, the COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling, the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest, and cybersecurity competitions NCL and PRCCDC. Our faculty mentor students in research experiences during the academic year and through the paid Rogers Summer Science Program.

Curriculum

Complement Your Education With One of These Minors

The most popular minors for our computer science majors are data science, entrepreneurial leadership and innovation, and philosophy.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Mathematics?

Our alumni use their BA in mathematics in a variety of careers in research, academia, and at companies such as Nike, Suplari, Downstream, and Mentor Graphics. Many start their own companies, or go on to pursue advanced degrees.

Dedicated Faculty

Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.

Meet the Professors

  • 15% 

    first-generation students at Lewis & Clark College

  • 54 

    nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body

  • 2,188 

    As of fall 2022, there are 2,188 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.

  • 1 of 7 

    L&C is one of seven Oregon schools to make the national Colleges of Distinction list in 2023–24.

  • 96% 

    Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Classes of 2018–2022 were already changing the world through employment (76%), continuing studies (19%), and service work (1%), like the Peace Corps.

Invest in Yourself

A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.

There are several scholarships and funds specifically for students in the mathematical sciences department. The Mathematical Sciences Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund provides assistance to eligible students with financial need and recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in the department. The Isaac Clark Memorial Fund for Physics and Mathematical Sciences provides grants for various educational opportunities for students in physics and mathematical sciences who demonstrate strong academic and leadership skills. The Christine Fredricks Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded annually to an outstanding junior or senior mathematics major who has demonstrated significant contributions to the department. The Mathematics Alumni Scholarship Fund, the premier award funded by mathematics alumni, supports an outstanding mathematics major, regardless of class standing, who has shown exceptional promise in the field of mathematics. The Shannon T. O’Leary Award is presented annually to a promising student in physics or mathematics, preferably a woman, to enhance their independent research efforts.

Find Your People

The student-run Math Club and the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery organize social and academic events, including panels and a pumpkin-carving contest held shortly before Halloween.


Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You

  • I have had the incredible opportunity to teach a couple courses as an adjunct instructor at LC since graduation. I have been able to provide mentoring and guidance to students there just as I received myself as a student.

    KJ MoChroi BA ’18
    Mathematics and Physics
    More about KJ
  • L&C taught me the critical thinking and analytical skills that I have needed in order to devise creative solutions to problems in both my personal and professional life. The ability to pull from many areas of study and make connections between multiple disciplines is invaluable in my field.

    Hanna Lyubinina BA ’19
    Computer Science and Mathematics and Psychology (double) | Concord, California
    More about Hanna
  • My time at Lewis & Clark helped foster my curiosity and desire to learn, and I learned a great deal about effective communication and building connections with people.

    Liz LeJeune BA ’22
    Mathematics
    More about Liz

More News and Events →