Students are expected and encouraged to become familiar with emerging technologies. Mathematics is no longer simply a traditional subject of instruction, it is also an important tool in developing these new technologies. Mathematics majors at Ramapo College take a semester of computer science, and continue to develop their technological skills in higher level mathematics courses. This incorporation of computers and graphing calculators helps students develop the skills necessary to meet the challenges of the technology age.

Mathematics education is facing new and important challenges. The need for mathematics teachers is currently strong and expected to grow. The mathematics program at Ramapo College prepares students for careers in education, through the teacher education concentration within the mathematics major. This program is tailored to provide the background and insights needed for a career in secondary education. In addition to the standard calculus-analysis sequence, students receive instruction in algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, statistics, and the history of mathematics. Mathematics majors intending to pursue a career in elementary education will also benefit from the diversity of courses offered in the teacher education concentration; through those courses students receive instruction in the practices and methods of teaching. The program culminates in student teaching in area schools.

A knowledge of mathematics offers students a diversity of job opportunities beyond teaching as well. Someone who has completed a major in mathematics has developed a strong set of quantitative and analytical skills. A person possessing such skills, along with experience in computer science, is well-qualified to pursue a career in such areas as actuarial science (primarily in the insurance industry), quantitative analysis (a growing field in the financial industry), market research, scientific programming, biomedical statistics, cryptography (one of the nation?s largest employers of mathematicians is the National Security Agency) and diverse other fields.