Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Mathematics is about finding patterns and generalizing to solve problems ranging from one-step computations to understanding deep, complex systems. At Otterbein, we have robust programs in pure and applied mathematics and actuarial science. Titles held by recent graduates include compliance analyst, high school teacher, actuary, mathematics graduate student, and biomedical engineering graduate student.
Student, Faculty, and Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
I have built a strong mathematical foundation that has prepared me for graduate school. The opportunities to grade, tutor, and conduct or do research have also been critical in my success at internships and in preparing me for graduate school.
Julia VanLandingham ’21
Mathematics B.S. and Computer Science B.A.
Julia is now pursuing her Ph.D. in mathematics at Clemson University.
Otterbein’s mathematics faculty members are not only excellent teachers, but also active researchers who understand the importance of immersing students in a rigorous – yet supportive – environment.
As the first private university in Ohio to offer a B.S. in Actuarial Science, our advanced program provides thorough preparation for the professional actuarial exams.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
I absolutely love it at Otterbein. The classes are small, which is great because you get time with the professors, who all really care about you. Whether it’s cheering you on during the exam process or helping you with internships – anything you need – the faculty were there for me, and that was great.
DJ Brown ’20
Double major in Actuarial Science and Mathematics with a minor in Finance
We’ll be enabling systemic and positive reform. I want students and teachers to claim their mathematical power!
Jeff Smith
Associate Professor of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Speaking to the significance of the NOYCE grant and its impact for Otterbein and future STEM students.
Otterbein selected by National Science Foundation to receive NOYCE grant, providing full scholarships for select juniors and seniors pursuing integrated mathematics licensure.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to Professor Jeff Smith on being selected as Otterbein’s 2021 Exemplary Teaching Award winner.
Jeff Smith
Associate Professor of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
From a Mathematics student: “He is so inspirational, flexible, warm-hearted, hilarious, intelligent. His teaching methods are great, and he never leaves anyone behind!”
Department Features and Student Opportunities
Scholarships
We are proud to support our students who qualify for endowed departmental scholarships. Those who meet requirements can also apply to be a NOYCE scholar.
Student Research
Every Mathematics major has the opportunity to work one-one-one with faculty members pursuing research projects.
Internships & Careers
Most Math and Actuarial Science majors complete internships in the actuarial, insurance, data analytics, and finance industries.
Mathematics and Actuarial Science Department News
National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…
Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape Otterbein’s Growth
News - July 31, 2023
Otterbein University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by “crowd sourcing” ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by Otterbein faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. “This investment in Otterbein’s future demonstrates our trustees’ commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard…
What I Did This Summer: Cassie Thompson Discovered an Unexpected Industry for her Data Science Skills
News - September 16, 2022
Cassie Thompson '23 Name: Cassie ThompsonMajors: Actuarial Science and MathematicsMinor: Data ScienceClass year: Senior, Class of 2023Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio During the fall of my junior year, I was searching for internships and applying to anything that remotely related to my major. One internship that I came across was a data science internship at Abbott Nutrition based out of Columbus. Naturally, I applied even though I had no idea what Abbott made or did. It was only after I got the…
What I Did This Summer: A Twist of Fate Changed Jacob Novotny’s Career Goals
News - August 31, 2022
Jacob Novotny Name: Jacob NovotnyMajors: Actuarial Science, MathematicsMinors: Data Science, FinanceClass Year: JuniorHometown: Mount Vernon, OH This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to intern full-time at Grange Insurance remotely. As an actuarial science major, I applied in the pricing department, where actuaries mainly work. (For those that are unfamiliar with what an actuary is, they traditionally use statistics and modeling to predict future financial trends in an insurance company.) When interview day came, I was surprised to discover there…
Five Cardinal Questions with Assistant Professor Kirk Kayser, Mathematics and Actuarial Science
News - August 15, 2022
Assistant Professor Kirk Kayser, Mathematics and Actuarial Science Assistant Professor Kirk Kayser joined the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science at Otterbein in 2018. He came to Otterbein from Arizona State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in applied mathematics and won two awards for his excellence in teaching. Kayser is already making his mark at Otterbein — he co-authored a Choose Ohio First Grant of $1,259,937 to support students from Ohio entering Otterbein’s math and nursing programs, with a…Programs of Study in Mathematics and Actuarial Science
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Contact Us
Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Towers Hall 124
1 S. Grove St.
Westerville, OH 43081
Administrative Assistant
Tess Schwarz
614-823-1218
tschwarz@otterbein.edu
