Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Hobart and William Smith Colleges Opportunities For Majors

This page contains information for mathematics and computer science majors regarding summer research, course work, and other opportunities that may be of particular interest. Links to the programs are provided. If you have questions, please contact the Department Chair or any member of the department. NOTE: While some information may appear to be out of date, most programs are updated annually and their web links remain valid and often provide information for the coming year. Information Available: NSF Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Mathematics NSF Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Computer and Information Science and Engineering Summer Opportunities in Mathematics Programs for Women in Mathematics Study Mathematics and Computer Science Off-Campus and Abroad Teaching Oriented Programs Links for Jobs, Careers, Summer Study, and more Find the Graduate School That's Right for You

Summer Opportunities in Mathematics Summer Math Institute at Cornell University Program Dates: Mid-June to early August Application: Apply Online by March 1 Award: $3000 Stipend + Room, Board and Travel Program Information is available at http://www.math.cornell.edu/~smi/ Are you considering graduate study in the mathematical sciences? The Summer Math Institute at Cornell University provides an opportunity to explore the world of mathematics, and helps prepare students for the rigors of graduate school. Participants spend seven weeks at Cornell's scenic Ithaca, NY campus taking an upper-level course in Real Analysis and working on interdisciplinary research projects. Previous year's research areas were Dynamical Systems and Neurobiology, and Random Graphs and Algorithms. Participants also meet guest speakers from leading academic institutions, and can take advantage of Ithaca's many recreational activities. We especially encourage applications from women and minorities. National Security Agency (NSA) Summer Programs The Director's Summer Program (DSP) is a highly competitive program that seeks to reach the Nation's most outstanding undergraduate mathematics majors. Each summer, we invite 24 exceptional students to put their problem-solving skills to the test in mathematics, cryptology, and communications technology. These problems often involve applications of abstract algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithms, computer science, and analysis. Application Deadline: October 15 Program Information is available at http://www.nsa.gov/careers/students_1.cfm Programs for Women in Mathematics The Annual Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics Late January or early February Program Information is available at http://www.math.unl.edu/~ncuwm/ The Annual Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematic takes place early in Winter Term at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The bulk of the program will be talks given by the undergrads on their own research; there will also be a poster session for students who prefer to present their work that way. In addition, Professor Ruth Charney (Brandeis) and Professor Barbara Lee Keyfitz (University of Houston and the Fields Institute) will give plenary lectures and there will be panel discussions on topics such as choosing a graduate school and careers in mathematics. There will be several special guests on hand, including three NCUWM alumni who have now completed their PhDs, graduate students from a variety of graduate programs, and Michelle Wagner from the National Security Agency. We expect to provide lodging (double-occupancy hotel room) and most meals during the conference for all the participants. We ask that the participants' home institutions do their best to cover travel costs, but we do have funds to help there as well. For more information, see their webpage: http://www.math.unl.edu/~ncuwm/. Note that students need not present at the conference in order to participate. They don't even need to have done research already in order to participate. Part of the point of the conference is to encourage more students to take advantage of undergraduate research opportunities. The Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges' Summer Mathematics Program for Women Dates: Mid-June 18 to mid-July Application deadline: Late February Program Information is available at http://www.mathcs.carleton.edu/smp/ The Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges' Summer Mathematics Program for Womenis an NSF-funded program to encourage and support women in their study of mathematics. The goals of the program include: introducing students to new areas of mathematics; honing students' mathematical reasoning, proof writing, problem solving, and presentation skills; building self-confidence, encouraging enthusiasm for mathematics, and increasing awareness of careers in the mathematical sciences; connecting students into a supportive network of other female college math majors, graduates and professionals. Admission into this program is highly selective and is limited to female mathematics students who are currently completing their first or second year of college. Students are expected to have had Calculus and Linear Algebra. Participants must be U.S. citizens. The Summer EDGE Program for Women Dates: June to July Application deadline: March 1 Program Information is available at http://www.edgeforwomen.org/ See the link to Summer EDGE The EDGE Program (Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education) is designed to strengthen the ability of women and minority students to successfully complete graduate programs in the mathematical sciences. A distinguishing characteristic of the EDGE summer program has been its unwavering commitment to diversity, both among its participants and its faculty and staff, and even among its host institutions. The summer program consists of two core courses in analysis and algebra/linear algebra. There will also be minicourses in vital areas of mathematical research in pure and applied mathematics, short-term visitors from academia and industry, guest lectures, graduate student mentors, and problem sessions. In addition, a follow-up mentoring program and support network will be established with the participants' respective graduate programs. Applicants to the program should be women who are graduating seniors who have applied to graduate programs in the mathematical sciences, recent recipients of undergraduate degrees who are now entering graduate programs, or first-year graduate students. All applicants should have completed standard junior-senior level undergraduate courses in analysis and abstract algebra and have a desire to earn a doctorate degree. Women from minority groups who fit one of the above three categories are especially encouraged to apply. Final acceptance to the program is contingent upon acceptance to a graduate program in the mathematical sciences. Study Mathematics and Computer Science Off-Campus and Abroad Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Application Deadline: April 30 (Fall Semester) and November 1 (Spring Semester) Program Information is available at http://www.bsmath.hu/ Initiated by Paul Erdos, Laszlo Lovasz, and Vera T. Sos, the program Budapest Semesters in Mathematics provides a unique opportunity for North American undergraduates. Through this program, mathematics and computer science majors in their junior/senior years may spend one or two semesters in Budapest and study under the tutelage of eminent Hungarian scholar-teachers. The instructors of Budapest Semesters in Mathematics are members of Eotvos University and the Mathematical Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the two institutions known for having educated more than half of Hungary's highly acclaimed mathematicians. Most instructors have had teaching experience in North America and are familiar with the cultural differences. All courses are taught in English. Classes are small. Credits are transferable to North American colleges and universities. The school is near the center of historic Budapest. Living costs are modest. Several students from HWS have participated in the past as did Professor King (contact her) when she was an undergraduate. Center for Women in Mathematics Junior Year in Mathematics at Smith College, Northampton, MA Application Deadline: Apply Now Program Information is available at http://math.smith.edu/center/ The Junior Program is for undergraduate women mathematics majors who want a mathematically intense semester or year among other women. (While the program is intended to take place during the junior year, second-semester sophomores and rising seniors will also be considered.) Students spend a semester or year at Smith, taking 3 math courses each term. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a great variety of courses. Standards include courses in analysis, algebra, statistics, number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, differential equations, complex analysis, topology, and geometry. There are also topics courses reflecting the diverse interests of the faculty. In recent years, these have included relativity, analysis of algorithms, chaos and fractals, cryptography, mathematical sculpture, set theory, and phyllotaxis. Participants may also take undergraduate and graduate courses at the neighboring campuses of Hampshire College, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Center for Women in Mathematics Post-baccalaureate Year in Mathematics at Smith College, Northampton, MA Application Deadline: Apply Now Program Information is available at http://math.smith.edu/center/ The Post-Baccalaureate Program is for women who have graduated from college but wish they had taken more mathematics. Some may have discovered their love of mathematics too late to major in it, or too late to take enough courses before they graduated. Others may be changing career goals, or careers. These students will take undergraduate mathematics courses at the appropriate level. Generous funding from the NSF will cover most expenses. Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters (MASS) at Penn State University Application Deadline: Mid-March Program Information is available at http://www.math.psu.edu/mass/ Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters (MASS), which began in 1996, provides a comprehensive, semester-long mathematical environment for a group of talented undergraduate students recruited from throughout the United States. The program, located at Penn State's University Park campus in State College, PA offers a mutually reinforcing blend of learning and research. MASS is an excellent way to prepare for the research requirements and rigors of graduate school. Seniors, juniors or sophomores enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities may apply for admission to the MASS program. All participants must have demonstrated a sustained interest in mathematics, a high level of mathematical ability, and a mastery of basic mathematical proof techniques. The required background includes a full calculus sequence, basic linear algebra, and advanced calculus or basic real analysis. The search for participants is nationwide. Each participant is selected based on academic record, two recommendation letters from faculty, and an essay. National Security Agency (NSA) Cooperative Education Program Applications are accepted February 1st-May 15th and September 1st-December 15th of each year. About the Program You will operate under a rotational program, alternating semesters of full-time work with full-time study from entry into the program until graduation. We require a minimum of 52 weeks of co-op work experience prior to graduation. During your work tour, you will work a regular 40-hour week. Each work tour is designed to reveal the specific areas you may want to focus on as a career. Computer Science majors will explore high-tech opportunities such as object-oriented methodology, multimedia, data warehousing/data mining, design/analysis development of software and systems, client/server development, networking, and Internet technology. Program Information is available at http://www.nsa.gov/careers/students_csp_2.cfm Teaching Oriented Programs Teach for America Application Deadline: Various from September through February Program Information is available at http://www.teachforamerica.org/ Teach For America recognizes that Hobart and William Smith Colleges' students have a long history of pursuing and achieving ambitious goals. We are looking for those exceptional, committed individuals from Hobart and William Smith Colleges to join our movement. Teach For America seeks to eliminate educational inequity by calling upon our nation's most promising future leaders - outstanding recent college graduates of all backgrounds and academic majors - to commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and to become lifelong advocates for change. In the short run, Teach For America gives talented graduates the opportunity to use their leadership to improve academic achievement in low-income communities. In the long run, this experience gives our alumni the insight and credibility to effect fundamental change both inside education and in other sectors to ultimately ensure that all children have an equal chance in life. Participants also gain skills to succeed in whatever profession they pursue. We seek all academic majors. No previous education experience or coursework is required. Corps members receive full first-year teacher salaries and benefits, an AmeriCorps education award (if eligible), and student loan forbearance and interest payments for two years. If you have what it takes - both to excel as a teacher despite immense challenges and to assume great influence in our country - we want to talk to you. Log onto our website today and watch video of corps members in action all across the country. Then, sign up for an informational conference call to speak with corps members and hear their stories. If you want to receive more information from Teach For America, sign up our e-newsletter at https://www.teachforamerica.org/online/request/subscribe.jsp. And if you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us at 800.832.1230 ext. 225 or e-mail admissions@teachforamerica.org. Math for America Application Deadline: Early February Program Information is available at http://mathforamerica.org/ The Newton Fellowship Program focuses on the shortage of adequately qualified mathematics teachers in our nation's public high schools. The Newton Fellowship Program trains mathematically-talented individuals to become high school math teachers and supports them in the early years of their careers. The program currently operates in New York City and is endorsed by the New York City Department of Education. MfA will appoint over 180 Newton Fellows in NYC between 2004 and 2008. MfA expects to expand the program to other cities in the future. The Benefits of Becoming a Newton Fellow Receive an aggregate stipend of $90,000 over five years Obtain a full tuition scholarship to master's level teacher preparation program at Teachers College/Columbia University or New York University Achieve a position as a high school math teacher in New York City Earn New York State Teaching Certification and New York City teacher's salary Develop your classroom skills through MfA's mentoring, coaching, and support services Build a life-long career through professional development activities Become a part of a group of outstanding math teachers Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Application Deadline: Mid-January Program Information is available at http://www.kstf.org/ KSTF Teaching Fellows are young men and women who have received a bachelor's or advanced degree in science, engineering or mathematics and are committed to teaching high school science and/or mathematics in U.S. schools. The fellowship supports them professionally and financially for up to five years through a teacher preparation program to eligibility for tenure. During the initial academic year of the fellowship, fellows typically participate in a recognized teacher credentialing program. After receiving a teaching credential and beginning a career in teaching, fellows continue to receive training and support Aside from receiving financial support, Teaching Fellows are part of a network of outstanding beginning teachers who are grappling with the same issues of teacher preparation and induction. Throughout the five-year cycle, fellows are exposed to a variety of teaching resources, curriculum materials, research and experts in the field. Most importantly, fellows develop into a community of scholars of high school science and mathematics teaching - confident in their own teaching abilities, able to support each other, and ready to act as leaders in science and mathematics education. Career and Employment Links The American Mathematical Society Career, study, job, and lots more information for undergraduates is available at http://www.ams.org/employment/undergrad.html The Mathematical Association of America More career, study, job, and lots more information for undergraduates is available at http://www.maa.org/students/undergrad/career.html The Association for Women in Mathematics More career, study, job, and lots more information for undergraduates is available at http://www.awm-math.org/career.html The Association for Computing Machinery Career profiles and more are available at http://computingcareers.acm.org/