The mathematics program is broad and flexible, providing the opportunity to study a variety of topics in pure and applied mathematics. The only prerequisites are courses in calculus of one and several variables and in linear algebra, and at least one course that introduces students to the rigorous mathematical proofs and formal arguments that play a significant role in most advanced mathematics.

Independent work during the junior year usually consists of participating in a junior seminar, which involves students working through some material on their own, after the relevant background is covered, and lecturing on their results. Alternatively some students work on an individual paper one or both terms, under the direction of a faculty member. Senior independent work focuses on the senior thesis, which can be an exposition of some topic in pure or applied mathematics, or the development of a mathematical model with some applications, or an extension of results of papers on current topics in mathematics, or the study of a particular problem in some depth. The focus can be on various topics in pure mathematics or on applications of mathematics in fields such as chemistry, economics, computer science, biology. Some students actually work with faculty members in other departments on applications of mathematics to problems or work in these areas.

Most graduating seniors continue with graduate work in pure or applied mathematics, physics, computer science, law, medicine or business; others go directly on to careers in education, business, banking, finance, or industrial research.