Mathematics is a major achievement of the human mind, a subject with its own structure and elegance, worthy of pursuit for its own sake. On the other hand, mathematics has always been used to help us understand the world and the society in which we live, and with the development of the computer, applications of the mathematical methods of thought have become even more prominent.

At Beloit, we respect and teach both aspects of mathematics. The structure and intellectual appeal of mathematical ideas is central to our courses and curriculum. We stress the relationship of mathematical thinking to other fields of intellectual and practical endeavor. We emphasize the importance of clear and careful expression to mathematical reasoning; our courses involve practice in writing, giving oral presentations, and working on projects as part of a team.