Professional Development

In addition to what you learn in classes, you will have several other opportunities for gaining a broader and deeper understanding of mathematics.  These are very similar to the resources that you will find when you graduate and become a practicing professional in mathematics (professional memberships, conferences, and journals).

·        Student memberships in professional societies:

o       The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the premier professional organization for prospective and in-service mathematics teachers.  If you are planning to teach, you should join today.  (The organization offers discount prices on student memberships!)                                                                       

o       The Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the Indiana branch of the NCTM.  Student memberships are available at $6 per year.  If you are planning to teach, you should join today.  The organization also has scholarships for students who are planning to teach.                                                        

o       The Mathematical Association of America has programs for undergraduates interested in mathematics.  (If you plan to teach, don’t think that the NCTM is the only organization you should join.  The MAA has a lot to offer anyone who is in mathematics!) The organization offers discounted prices on student membership.  If enough of you join, we can get a student chapter started!  

o       The Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences is a group of Christians who are in the fields of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and the like.  Student memberships are only $10 for two years.                                                                                     

·        Miami Mathematics Conference:

Each fall, the department takes sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the Miami University Mathematics and Statistics Conference.  It is held in late September or early October on the Miami campus (Ohio, not Florida, although there is a connection!) on a Friday afternoon – Saturday morning.  You will hear talks from professional mathematicians, as well as from students, on topics that vary from year to year.  (You should consider giving a student talk.)

·        Math Horizons:

The student journal Math Horizons, published by the Mathematical Association of America, has articles dealing with math, history of math, careers, graduate school, puzzles, problems, etc..  You will get 4 issues per year, compliments of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department.  We hope you read each issue, and that you use ideas from there in various classes.  Many of our students have gotten an idea for their senior seminar paper from here.  Talk about the articles with others who have read them (and also impress your non-mathematical friends with something you’ve read!)