Modern algebra has its roots in the mathematics of the ancient world, arising out of the basic problem of solving equations. Following an explosive development in the twentieth century, it is now a vibrant, multi-faceted and wide-ranging branch of mathematics, having ties with almost every field of mathematics and computer science. The interests of the algebra group at Northeastern include algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, representation theory, homological algebra, and quantum groups, with connections to combinatorics, singularities, Lie groups, topology, and physics.

The study of those properties that are preserved through continuous deformations of objects. It can be used to abstract the inherent connectivity of objects while ignoring their detailed form.