2024-25 Catalog
Mathematics and Statistics
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Go to: Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Faculty
Yan Cui
Time series analysis, nonparametric estimation and inference.
Zajj Daugherty
Representation theory and algebraic combinatorics.
Lyudmila Korobenko
Analysis and partial differential equations. On leave spring 2025.
David Meyer
Algebra and representation theory.
Alexander Moll
Probability theory and mathematical physics. On sabbatical spring 2025.
Kyle Ormsby
Algebraic topology.
Angélica Osorno
Algebraic topology and category theory.
Michael Pearce
Bayesian statistics, preference modeling, and statistical demography.
James Pommersheim
Algebraic geometry, number theory, and quantum computation.
Marcus Robinson
Commutative algebra, algebraic geometry.
Jerry Shurman
Number theory and complex analysis.
Leonard Wainstein
Statistics and causal inference.
Curriculum
Since antiquity, mathematics has been a cornerstone of the liberal arts. It has served as a model of clear reasoning, and a foundational tool for a wide range of disciplines-historically acting as the scaffolding of the physical sciences, and enjoying new and exciting applications to information science, biology, network theory, cryptography, and economics. And in our increasingly data-driven world, the close relationship between mathematics and the field of statistics is particularly important. While mathematicians develop tools to solve the great long-standing problems of pure mathematics, statisticians comb through their solutions to inspire new ways of analyzing data.
The department of Mathematics and Statistics offers both a mathematics major and a mathematics major with a concentration in statistics. Both majors begin with a rigorous foundation in single- and multivariable calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra (MATH 111 , MATH 201 , and MATH 202 ). Building on fundamentals of proof writing and problem-solving developed in MATH 112 and MATH 113 , math majors will go on to upper-level courses in analysis and abstract algebra, as well as a wide array of topics courses. Recent topics have covered elliptic curves, polytopes, modular forms, Lie groups, Galois theory, representation theory, functional analysis, and hyperbolic geometry. Students concentrating in statistics will go on to a rich series of courses in probability, statistical learning, data science, and mathematical statistics, as well as foundational courses in computer science.
All majors have several opportunities to engage in research throughout their time at Reed. Many students take part in summer research projects, both with Reed faculty and elsewhere at Research Experience in Mathematics (REU) programs. Statistics Practicum (MATH 343 ) offers students experience participating in a team-based, semester-long research project. And the yearlong senior thesis involves working closely with a faculty member on a topic of the student’s choice. Many students from the department have participated in study abroad programs in math, such as the Budapest Semester in Mathematics.
Graduates from the mathematics department have completed PhD programs in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and biostatistics, computer science and engineering, and related fields such as physics and economics. Graduates have also entered professional careers such as the software industry, finance, law, medicine, engineering, and architecture.
First-year students who plan to take a full year of mathematics can select among Calculus (MATH 111 ), Introduction to Analysis (MATH 112 ), Discrete Structures (MATH 113 ), Computer Science Fundamentals I (CSCI 121 ), or Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MATH 141 ). The prerequisite for all of these courses except Introduction to Analysis is three years of high school mathematics. The prerequisite for Introduction to Analysis is a solid background in calculus, usually the course at Reed or a year of high school calculus with a score of 5 on the AB calculus AP exam or a 4 or 5 on the BC calculus AP exam. Students who intend to go beyond the first-year classes should take Introduction to Analysis in their first year. In all cases, it is recommended to consult the academic adviser and a member of the mathematics department to help determine a program.
The mathematics department’s web page can be found at academic.reed.edu/math.
For students who wish to pursue a standing mathematics-interdisciplinary major, please refer to Mathematics/Computer Science .
ProgramsMajorsCourses
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