Mathematics Department

Mathematics at Westmont

You belong to a supportive community of mathematicians becoming fluent in the language of the natural world. You look beyond numbers and formulas to abstract patterns, using your imagination and stretching your creativity. As you develop deeper understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics, you’ll become a well-educated and well-rounded person. Through your classes and work on research projects, you’ll gain knowledge and skills that make you a better thinker and communicator and prepare you for interesting and rewarding careers.

Majors & Degrees

Mathematics

Do you value rigorous academics? Like a challenge? Seek to understand the common threads running through every discipline? 

 

Explore the Mathematics Major

Explore the Mathematics Minor

Explore the Applied Mathematics Minor

Majors & Degrees

Mathematics Education

Do you enjoy working with young people? Do you want to share your love of mathematics with others? Through the Math Education Fast Track you can earn a junior high and high school teaching credential in mathematics in just four years. 

 

Explore the Mathematics Education Fast Track

Mathematics & Computer Science Department

Faculty

The mathematics faculty at Westmont excel in both research and pedagogy. The department provides a world class education with innovative and evidence-based instructional practices designed to foster the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Faculty are currently researching in the areas of machine learning, interpretable artificial intelligence, fractal processes, complex analysis, algebraic geometry, and the history of mathematics. 

 

Meet The Faculty

Highlights of Westmont Mathematics

RESEARCH

STUDENT AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Howell Scholars Program

The Westmont Mathematics and Computer Science department is pleased to open applications for the Howell Scholars program for students who are considering attending Westmont in the fall of 2025.

This scholarship was created to attract passionate and talented students who want to attend Westmont to study mathematics. It is named in honor of Dr. Russell Howell, a beloved professor in the mathematics department who has worked tirelessly to support Westmont students in their pursuit of mathematics, including fundraising, pursuing excellence in the classroom, and regularly mentoring exceptional undergraduate research.

Applications for the scholarship are due by March 14.

 

CAREER PATHS

Interested in pursuing a career based on solving complex problems?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment occupations that require a strong background in math or computer science continues to grow at faster than average rates. Our graduates find jobs in many areas, including:

  • Education
  • Linguistics
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Finance
  • Biomedical Research
  • Software Development
  • Systems Analysis
  • Operations Research
  • Government Service
  • Data Analytics

 Explore Mathematics Graduates' Career Paths

MATH FIELD DAY

Every year, Westmont students host a "Mathematics Field Day" for Santa Barbara high-school students.

Join us for challenging and thrilling events like Chalk Talk, College Bowl, Team Exam, and Awards Banquet.

Participants get an iconic shirt like one of these.

Learn More About Math Field Day

 

COMMUNITY TUTORING

The Mathematics Department maintains a list of Westmont students who are interested in tutoring community members in mathematics. For access to this list please contact our department administrator, Susan Leyva, at sleyva@westmont.edu. 

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

Bailey Hall ‘24 double majored in Mathematics and Data Analytics at Westmont. Her favorite memories in the department include attending the Women in Tech events, volunteering during the annual Mathematics Field Day, and the hours spent studying and chatting in the Math/CS lounge with other students and faculty in the department.

Currently, Bailey is at the University of Washington as a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow through the Accelerated AI Algorithms for Data-Driven Discovery (A3D3) Institute. The research project she is involved in finds ways to implement variational recurrent neural networks (vRNNs) into FPGA systems for a real-time closed-loop Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) design, focusing on how Latent Factor Analysis via Dynamical Systems (LFADS) can interpret and predict neural activity data.

Looking forward, Bailey plans to build upon her foundation in Mathematics, Data Analytics, and research by pursuing a doctorate in Biostatistics.

Read More About Mathematics Alumni

MATHEMATICS NEWS

 

A MESSAGE FROM THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

 

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF

Visit & Receive a

$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP

2025 applicants can receive $1,000 in additional aid for coming for an official admissions visit to campus!