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NOTE: While some information may appear to be a year out of date, most programs are updated annually and their web links remain valid and often provide information for the coming year.

Information Available:

  1. NSF Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates
  2. Summer Opportunities in Mathematics
  3. Programs for Women in Mathematics
  4. Study Mathematics and Computer Science Off-Campus and Abroad
  5. Teaching Oriented Programs
  6. Links for Jobs, Careers, Summer Study, and more

Summer Opportunities in Computer Science

National Institute for Technology & Liberal Education (NITLE)
Software Engineering Program
Dates: June 4 - August 5, 2006
Application deadline: Febuary 10, 2006
Program Information is available at http://www.colleges.org/techcenter/se/

The National Institute for Technology and Liberal Education (NITLE, http://www.nitle.org) is in search of Computer Science majors or individuals with a passion for computers and software development. Through development of a software project to be used by NITLE, interns will develop real-world skills and create a network of friends while working on a professional software development project. The internship will take place on the Southwestern University Campus in Georgetown, TX.

Summer interns learn Extreme Programming (XP), one of the latest approaches to software engineering. Past programs have used a variety of development technologies, including: Java

  • Java Server Page and Struts
  • SQL and Relational Databases
  • XML and SOAP
  • XHTML and CSS
  • Unit Testing, including HttpUnit and MockMaker
Interns are responsible for all travel expenses, but will be housed in Southwestern dorms at no cost and will also receive a stipend of $2,500 for the program. A partial meal plan will be provided, but students will be responsible for some meals.

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
In Computer Science and Mathematics
Program and application dates vary.
Program Information is available at http://www.maa.org/students/reustuff/pages/REU.html

The NSF sponsors several REUs for undergraduates. Most programs run about 8 weeks and participants will receive a stipend and housing. Students work closely with other students and faculty at the sponsoring institution on a variety of problems in mathematics. A complete list of the programs can be found at the address above. There are links to some of the local programs below, but be sure to check out the other opportunities across the country.

NSF: Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mathematics at Canisius College, 2006.

This REU program is focused on the study of graphs with two types of projects:
  • the study of algebraic and combinatorial properties of groups using heat kernel techniques from physics;
  • the invention of new families of graphs and the study of their combinatorial properties using tools from algebraic topology and geometry.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2006
Program Information is available at http://www2.canisius.edu/~prasside/reu/index.html

NSF: Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mathematics at SUNY Potsdam, Summer 2006.

There will be three groups exploring topics in graph theory, ergodic theory and graph/knot theory. Stipend $3200 and room in an on-campus apartment.
June 5 - July 28, 2006

Application Deadline: February 28, 2006
Program Information is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/mcs/reu.html

NSF: Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mathematics at California State University, Chico, Summer 2006.
Mathematical Modelling or Knot Theory

Under the direction of Dr. S. Fomin (math modelling using calculus and differential equations) and Dr. T. Mattman (knots), students will be investigating open problems with the goal of producing publishable research.

To apply, please complete the application form (available on-line). Financial Support: $1800 plus travel and housing.

June 19 -- July 28, 2006

Application Deadline: March 1, 2006
Program Information is available at http://www.csuchico.edu/math/mattman/REUT.html

NSF: DIMACS Research Experience for Undergraduates at Rutgers University

June 5 - July 28, 2006, Czech Trip July 22 - August 9, 2006
Application Deadline: January 31, 2001
Programs in mathematics and computer science. Information is available at http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/REU/

NSF: Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mathematics at Hope College

June 5, 2006 - July 28, 2006
Application Deadline: February 28, 2006
Program Information is available at http://www.math.hope.edu/reu.html

Topics include algebra and topology, dynamical systems and modeling, geometry and probability, and numerical analysis. Participants will receive a stipend of $2600 for the eight week program. Free apartment-style housing will be provided. Funds for travel and books/supplies are also available.

The Hope campus has over 100 students from Hope College and other colleges and universities doing research in the natural sciences and mathematics during the summer. There are substantial recreational opportunities, with the west Michigan beaches nearby. Joint social events will be planned with students in concurrent REU programs in physics, computer science, biology, and chemistry.

Our past experience has shown that students find summer research experiences to be both valuable and enjoyable. Many have written papers based on their results and given talks at professional meetings.

Summer Opportunities in Mathematics

2006 Summer Math Institute at Cornell University

Program Dates: June 17 - August 6, 2006
Application: Apply Online by March 1, 2006
Award: $3000 Stipend + Room, Board and Travel
Program Information is available at http://www.cam.cornell.edu/~smi

Are you considering graduate study in the mathematical sciences? The 2006 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. This year's research areas are 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, 2005
Program Information is available at http://www.nsa.gov/careers/students_1.cfm

Programs for Women in Mathematics

The Ninth Annual Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics

February 9-11, 2007
Program Information is available at http://www.math.unl.edu/~ncuwm/

The Ninth Annual Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics will be on February 9-11, 2007, 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 our 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: June 18 - July 16, 2006
Application deadline: February 24, 2006
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.

For more information locally, contact Professor Jennifer Roche in Lansing 306.

The EDGE Program for Women

Dates: June 12 - July 7, 2006
Application deadline: March 1, 2006
Program Information is available at http://www.edgeforwomen.org/index.html

The EDGE Program, funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is designed to strengthen the ability of women and minority students to successfully complete graduate programs in the mathematical sciences. 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.stolaf.edu/depts/math/budapest/WebPages/intro.html

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 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/index.html

Under this program, interested and talented mathematics majors from other colleges will spend a semester or a year here taking (mostly) mathematics courses, alongside Smith students. As you know, many of our majors spend their junior year away from campus. The program will make Smith a junior year destination as well. The funding from NSF will allow students to attend Smith for the same cost as they would pay to their home institutions.

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/index.html

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: Apply Now
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: October 30, 2005 and February 17, 2006
Program Information is available at https://www.teachforamerica.org/meet_online.html

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.

As you may know, 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, a $9,450 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: February 10, 2006
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: January 16, 2007
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://campus.acm.org/crc/cri/categorylist-cri24-crc.cfm?cat_id=61