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Main Image for Welcome to Bard Mathematics

Welcome to Bard Mathematics

Mathematics Menu
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Apply Now!
Mathematics is at the core of human civilization and is the cornerstone of all modern science and technology. The Mathematics Program has three main functions: to provide students in the program with the opportunity to study the primary areas of contemporary mathematics, to provide physical and social science majors with the mathematical tools for work in their disciplines, and to introduce all students to serious and interesting mathematical ideas and their applications.
Rigor and Flexibility
Lauren Rose, associate professor of mathematics (right). Photo by Pete Mauney

Rigor and Flexibility

For students who choose to major in mathematics, the Bard Mathematics Program combines high academic standards with a great deal of individual attention, both in the availability of faculty members for discussion outside class, as well as the possibility of tutorials, independent study, and individualized Senior Projects. There are standard course requirements for the completion of the Mathematics Program, but these requirements are balanced with the needs and interests of each student, through Bard's Moderation process. For example, students can tailor their course of studies towards either the more pure or the more applied aspects of mathematics.

All Students Are Welcome

The Bard Mathematics Program does not force mathematics students to fit into a preexisting mold. Students who wish to apply to graduate school in mathematics are encouraged to do so, and will leave Bard well educated; students who want to study mathematics as undergraduates, but who are not aiming for careers in mathematics, are equally welcome. Additionally, mathematics majors are encouraged to take advantage of the strong programs at Bard outside the sciences, either by taking many courses in another concentrated area or by double-majoring.

News + Notes

  • The Putnam Exam
    The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is a daylong exam administered to college mathematics students in the United States and Canada every year on the first Saturday in December. The Putnam is given in two three-hour sessions, each consisting of six problems. The Putnam is not a test of your mathematical knowledge, but rather of your problem-solving skills. All of the problems can be solved using standard undergraduate mathematics. However, the problems are extraordinarily difficult; many people taking the Putnam cannot solve any of them!

    The Putnam Exam

    The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is a daylong exam administered to college mathematics students in the United States and Canada every year on the first Saturday in December. The Putnam is given in two three-hour sessions, each consisting of six problems. The Putnam is not a test of your mathematical knowledge, but rather of your problem-solving skills. All of the problems can be solved using standard undergraduate mathematics. However, the problems are extraordinarily difficult; many people taking the Putnam cannot solve any of them!

    Visit Putnam Website

    Preparation
    Students interested in preparing for the Putnam should not study advanced theorems, but rather practice solving as many hard problems and past Putnam problems as they can find, and hone their proof writing. Bard math courses that are particularly helpful for Putnam preparation are:
    • Mathematics 261, Proofs and Fundamentals
    • Mathematics 317, Graph Theory

Contact Us

John Cullinan
Mathematics Director
Phone: 845-758-7104
Email: [email protected]

Bard Math Resources

  • Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing
  • Bard Math Circle
  • Bard MAGPIES: Math & Girls + Inspiration = Success
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