PLU Department of Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics seeks to provide an excellent education for our students as our primary goal. Deeply rooted in the tradition of liberal arts education, mathematics is essential to many areas of study. We serve a diverse group of students and disciplines; we give a solid foundation to the science students, provide the tools needed for professional students, and prepare our mathematics majors for graduate work or for entering the work force. To do this, we provide a variety of learning environments and methods including technologies, group and individual study, and off-campus experiences. We strive to help all students view mathematics as part of the human endeavor, apply mathematics and logical skills as world citizens, and become life-long learners. Through research, we expand fundamental knowledge of mathematics and sustain our intellectual vitality. We invite students to join us on this journey.

The general goals for the department are:

1. To advance the university’s Principles of General Education and Integrated Learning Objectives.
2. To provide backgrounds for other disciplines.
3. To provide a comprehensive pre-professional program for those directly entering the fields of teaching and applied mathematics.
4. To provide a nucleus of essential courses which will develop the breadth and maturity of mathematical thought for continued study of mathematics at the graduate level.
5. To develop the mental skills necessary for the creation, analysis, and critique of mathematical topics.
6. To provide a view of mathematics as a part of humanistic behavior.