About the Department

Quality made problem solvers.

Excellent Teachers: We currently have 19 tenured/tenure-track positions; our faculty members are friendly, approachable, highly committed to teaching and enjoy interacting with students in and out of class.
Small classes: The average class size is 24 students, although many classes have fewer than 20 students. Our technologically equipped classrooms present information in a variety of ways and the small class size allows for ample in-class interaction.
Diverse programs: The programs in our department prepare students for theoretical work through advanced courses in propability, analysis and abstract algebra. Students interested in applied work or preparation to enter the workforce may take courses ranging from applied statistics to applied mathematical models. Unique opportunities exist which allow students to engage in exciting undergraduate research under the guidance of faculty members.
Contemporary technology: NKU received funding from the National Science Foundation to provide calculus students with advanced graphic/symbolic calculators. These calculators are loaned to all beginning calculus students and allow professors to assign creative and fascinating calculator projects. Software tools such as Mathematica, Minitab or SPSS are used in many courses.
Co-op: The cooperative Education Program provides students with opportunities to obtain valuable work experience related to their major while earning up to 12 semester hours of college credit. Through co-op, students can earn money, gain professional experience, asses the different types of jobs available, and gain permanent employment.
Enrichment Activities: Many social and academic activities are offered out of class, including a picnic to kickoff each academic year, the Sehnert-Pugh Banquet and Lecture and pizza lunches. Majors may compete in competitiions such as the Virginia Tech exam in the fall, the Putnam exam and COMAP contests in the spring. Opportunities to travel to conferences such as the KYMAA meetings, Miami (OH) meetings, the Joint meetings of the MAA and AMS and the Rose-Hulman conference are also available.
Outstanding reputation: Faculty in our department have been recognized with several awards: two Outstanding Junior Faculty Member awards from the College of Arts and Sciences, the MAA George Polya Award and the MAA Kentucky Section's Distinguished Teaching Award.