The Department of Mathematics offers courses which serve as a fundamental part of a liberal education and as a basis for work in other disciplines. In addition, the department offers a complete major program providing opportunities for a deeper study of mathematics. Mathematics majors pursue a wide range of career options, including work in teaching, business, industry and government service. Many mathematics majors choose to continue their studies with graduate work in mathematics, statistics, computer science or other fields which require significant mathematical background, such as economics or science.

The department also provides opportunities for independent study and research. Collaborative student/faculty research projects have been conducted in the areas of mathematical modeling, chaos theory, dynamical systems, statistics, real analysis, complex analysis, linear algebra, algebra, representation theory, geometry and bioinformatics.

In partnership with the Hope College Department of Education, the Department of Mathematics offers a teaching major in the elementary level for certification through the State of Michigan.

The requirement for a major in mathematics with elementary teaching emphasis is a plan for study designed in consultation with a departmental advisor, and includes a total of at least 34 credits in mathematics.