Mathematics is the art of creative problem solving, the science of pattern and structure, and the quantitative language of the world. As such, it touches all academic disciplines. Graduates with a mathematics major have the problem-solving skills and analytical tools needed to understand and work with patterns, to solve difficult problems independently, and to assimilate new concepts rapidly.

Our alumni include accountants, actuaries, college and university professors, computer programmers, comptrollers, data processing managers, economists, engineers, government workers, independent business owners, independent consultants, industrial mathematicians, insurance company executives, investment managers, middle school and high school teachers, ministers, physicists, sales managers, and systems analysts.

Elmhurst has an active mathematics and computer science club and also participates in ACCA, the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area, as well as the MAA, the Mathematical Association of America. These organizations provide students with opportunities to interact with professors outside of the classroom. In addition, there is an on-campus chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honorary society.

The mathematics department aims to place prospective majors in the most advanced courses for which they qualify. Students should study the course descriptions and prerequisites, remembering that grades of C or better are expected in any prerequisite course. Students who have successfully completed some calculus should consult with a mathematics faculty member for proper placement and credit. Scores on the advanced placement test in mathematics are useful in such placement and awarding of credit.

A 2.0 grade-point average is necessary in courses satisfying major or minor requirements.

The curriculum in mathematics is based on recommendations by the Mathematical Association of America.