Mathematics Professors and Research?

Question

Do these professors do research outside of teaching their college students?

If so, what kind?

Also, are there any other activities that math professors usually take part in outside of the classroom?

Answer 1

If you are at a community college, no, but otherwise, very definitely. Most spend at least as much time on research as they do on teaching, especially at better universities. Look at the mathematics journals in your library's periodicals section to see what they are doing, or at some schools, faculty research is listed on the website.

In addition to teaching and research, faculty are expected to provide "service" to the university. This often takes the form of serving on a variety of university committees, but may also include such things as advising student clubs, speaking at open houses, etc. If it is a research university, they may be working with doctoral students on their dissertations. If a "balanced" school, they may be advising students. They may be involved in programs to prepare high school students to pursue careers in math and science. In addition, there are other things faculty are expected to do, such as attending lectures on and off campus, being involved in professional organizations, reviewing papers for colleagues, attending conferences (perhaps presenting papers there, chairing sessions, or serving as a discussant for others' papers).