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Science & Mathematics

Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The possibilities are infinite.

Does your mind work in numerical ways? Does the sight of a complex math problem cause you to reach for the nearest pencil? Are you fascinated by statistics, patterns, and formulas? Do you see the crucial role of numbers at the core of just about everything? 

Lesley’s mathematics major will prepare you for a deep understanding of mathematics and its varied applications across many fields, then help you decide how and where you can take it. You'll gain hands on learning at places like the Museum of Science, Boston Financial, New England Aquarium, Boston Consulting Group, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and many more, to help you decide on your path.

Mathematics majors often go into the business and finance worlds, with Wall Street increasingly putting a premium on those who can analyze and predict the direction of stocks, commodities, foreign exchanges and more. But that’s just one path you could take with this incredibly versatile (and lucrative) major. 

You could become an actuary, an engineer, an accountant, go into computer science, statistics, or you could become a math teacher, too.

A degree in mathematics can truly open you up to a nearly incalculable number of opportunities. Of course, with your degree you’ll be equipped to calculate them pretty quickly.

Curriculum overview

Here's a snapshot of what your course of study could look like.

View Full Curriculum
Craft Creative Combinations
As a Mathematics major, you can pursue a second major or one of our 45+ minors—in art & design or a liberal arts subject—to expand your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
  • Mathematics + Business Management = Financial Analyst
  • Mathematics + Psychology = Cryptographer
Gain Skills and Expertise
Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our mathematics program:
  • Learn complex mathematical and quantitative thinking.
  • Understand how to analyze and construct mathematical models that can be applied across many disciplines.
  • Pursue hands-on collaborative research into emerging topics such as Game Theory, alongside our expert faculty.
  • Get exposure to all the major branches of mathematics.
  • Learn how math can be applied to your personal areas of interest.
  • Make observations, ask new questions, test predictions, and evaluate the results.
  • Hone communications skills including writing, editing, and giving presentations.
Fact
15

Our small average class size means more personal attention and bigger opportunities for learning.

Applying to Lesley

Lesley University is SAT Optional

We know that a single standardized test can't sum up your accomplishments and abilities. That's why we don't require SAT scores when you apply. Instead, we'll focus on the strength of your application, including your essay and activities.
Good fit for

Big idea generators / Strategic planners / Dot connectors / Future teachers / Problem solvers / Mathletes.

students from an environmental science class outside in a group

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,400 students and the hands-on attention from specialized faculty. In our mathematics and science programs, you'll build your critical thinking, observational, and analytical skills to help solve the world's complex problems.

What's the Lesley Dividend?

Every student who earns an undergraduate degree from Lesley is eligible to receive 12 graduate credits, 100% free. That's potentially over $13,000. And that's not the only way to make your graduate degree more affordable.
Graduate Financial Aid & Scholarships
Pre-College Students

Pre-College Program

Do something different this summer. Expand your horizons. Learn something new. Earn some college credit along the way.
Read more about our pre-college program.
Undergraduate Programs
835

Undergraduate students lived on-campus during the 2016-2017 school year.

Charles River with Boston skyline in the background

Discover Boston & Cambridge

Learn more about our cities.

$84,060
average salary for math occupations (as of May 2017).
That's more than double the median annual wage ($37,690) for all occupations. On top of that, jobs in math are projected to grow 28% from 2016-2026, also faster than the average occupation. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Jobs you could have.
Mathematics majors go on to rewarding jobs in a variety of fields, and often pursue graduate study to enhance their careers.
  • Actuary
  • Accountant
  • Computer Scientist
  • Statistician
  • Financial Analyst
  • Teacher
Places you could work
You'll have the opportunity to gain practical experience before graduation, preparing you to work at places like:

  • Google
  • U.S. Government
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • State Farm Insurance
  • Intel
  • Boston Public Schools
drone photography of cambridge
Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Whether you're pursuing biology, environmental studies, or another science or math major, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. Work alongside faculty researchers in our state-of-the-art science lab and benefit from being in innovative Cambridge, the home to 200+ companies and incubator labs that are studying life sciences and clean energy. Discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of internships, professional opportunity, service work, culture, and fun few other cities can match.

Find out more about Cambridge and Boston.

Faculty

Steven Benson
Steven Benson
Professor
James O'Keefe
James O'Keefe
Professor
faculty roser gine
Roser Gine
Associate Professor
Steven Benson

Steven Benson

Professor

Steven's areas of academic focus and expertise include: algebraic number theory, problem solving, and content-based professional development for inservice and preservice teachers. At Lesley, he teaches courses in a variety of topics, such as Mathematics in Context, Abstract Algebra Problem Solving, Multivariable Calculus, and Transition to Abstract Mathematics through Number Theory.

He holds a BS from the University of Texas at Austin as well as an MS and a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Read Full Bio
Publications,
Presentations
James O'Keefe

James O'Keefe

Professor

James has been teaching mathematics at Lesley since 1991. His areas of academic focus and expertise include: mathematics and emerging technologies in teaching math and science. At Lesley, he teaches the following courses: Introductory Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Quantitative Reasoning, Patterns and Functions, and Conceptual Calculus.  He is dedicated to mentoring  his students.

Additionally, he is the principal investigator for Project MIST - Mathematics Integrated with Science through Technology. The goal of the project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and HUD, is to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics through the use of emerging educational technologies.

James holds a BA in Boston College, an MEd from Harvard University, and a PhD from Boston College. 

Read Full Bio
faculty roser gine

Roser Gine

Associate Professor

Roser’s current research focuses on understanding how students make sense of mathematics in the context of the classroom, with a focus on classroom discourse developed through the interaction of students, teacher, and curriculum artifacts. She brings academic expertise in the following areas: methods of teaching mathematics at the secondary school level; mathematics professional development for teachers; discourse analysis for understanding meaning making in mathematics; socio-cultural theories and their appropriation in the learning of mathematics.

Courses taught at Lesley include Calculus I and II; Discrete Mathematics; Inferential Statistics; Patterns and Functions; Teaching Middle and Secondary Mathematics: Exploring Connections; Teaching Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers; Geometry Measurement and Data; Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Mathematics; Teaching Mathematics in a Student-Centered Secondary Classroom; Constructing Mathematical Understanding for Number Theory. Roser is dedicated to mentoring her students.

Roser holds a BA from Dartmouth College, an M.Ed. from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

 

Read Full Bio
Publications,
Scholarly Activity
Approximate cost, before financial aid, for 1 year of study in this undergraduate program.
Mathematics
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
On-Campus
Commute
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $14,600
    Spring Tuition
    $14,600
  • Fees
    Activity Fees
    $250
    Materials Fees
    $150
    Registration Fees
    $80
    Lab Fees
    $40
  • Room & Board
    Double/Triple/Quad Room
    $10,060
    Housing Deposit
    $300
    Meal Plan
    $6,570
    Health Service Fees (required for resident students)
    $800
  • Total cost before financial aid

Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, in the fall of 2019, 98% of incoming Lesley students received some level of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
On-Campus
Commute
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $14,600
    Spring Tuition
    $14,600
  • Fees
    Activity Fees
    $250
    Materials Fees
    $150
    Registration Fees
    $80
    Lab Fees
    $40
  • Room & Board
    Double/Triple/Quad Room
    $10,060
    Housing Deposit
    $300
    Meal Plan
    $6,570
    Health Service Fees (required for resident students)
    $800
  • Total cost before financial aid

Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, in the fall of 2019, 98% of incoming Lesley students received some level of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

View apply guide
View Full Program Cost
Approximate cost, before financial aid, for 1 year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Financial Aid
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Apply Now
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