Summer Research
Campuses all over the US offer wide-ranging opportunities to do math research projects (REUs) over the summer. These will generally include:
  • Room and board for the length of the program, usually 6-10 weeks.
  • A stipend - yes, that's right, you get paid to do math!!
  • A great opportunity to see some math that doesn't come from a textbook.
While some programs require advanced coursework like linear algebra, analysis, or abstract algebra, there are also programs which specifically target early students. The REU information page also contains some advice about the application process. Deadlines are generally in February and March.
Competitions
  • The prestigious William Lowell Putnam Examination is offered every December to students all over North America. Dr. Chavez-Dominguez runs a Putnam seminar in the fall. Everyone is welcome to come work Putnam-style problems, whether or not you wish to participate in the Putnam exam.
  • Check out the fiercest competition of them all - the OU Math Problem of the Month! Problems are posted in the 2nd floor display case across from the elevators, and can also be found on the OU math blog or on the Problem of the Month page. Solutions do not have to be complete and should be turned in to the main Math Dept. office, PHSC 427, by the last day of the month.
Conferences
These mathematics conferences are for you! There will be sessions where undergraduate students can present talks or posters about a research project. There are also student-friendly main speakers, and panel discussions about issues of interest to students. You can apply for funding to attend a conference from the Department of Mathematics and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Study Abroad
These excellent programs consist of mathematics courses taught in English, enabling you to study mathematics while experiencing a different place and culture. You can consult with Dr. Hall about the application of credits to your degree requirements, and you can apply for scholarships from the Education Abroad Office. Contact Professor Kornelson (kkornelsonATmathDOTouDOTedu) for more information.
  • The Budapest Semesters in Mathematics is a long-standing mathematics program for North American students. Math courses are taught in English, and you can also take courses in Hungarian language and culture.
  • The Math in Moscow program is an opportunity to spend a semester in Moscow studying mathematics in the Russian style. The emphasis is on in-depth discovery-based learning.
Bridge Programs for Pre-Graduate Study
Bridge programs offer students who have been accepted into a mathematics graduate school the opportunity to take fundamental courses during the summer as a way to ramp up to the intensity of graduate school.
Math Associations and Links