Major Description
Mathematics is a tool essential to many other scientific disciplines and careers. Applications are necessary in engineering, the biological and social sciences, economics, and computer science in addition to the more traditional physical sciences. Mathematics is a broad discipline that contains a range of areas of specialization. Mathematics is designed to enable students to conduct research in fundamental mathematics or to apply mathematical techniques to solve problems within various fields.
Concentrations
Mathematics offers five possible concentrations to choose from.
Mathematics
The most flexible concentration, allowing students to explore the areas that interest them.
Math Doctoral Preparation
Intended for students interested in pursuing a PhD in Mathematics.
Applied Mathematics
Designed for students interested in coursework relevant to engineering/scientific applications of mathematics.
Data Optimization
Intended for students interested in statistics, optimization, logistics, and analysis of business data.
Mathematics Teaching
For students planning to complete the Teacher Education Minor in Secondary School Teaching to teach mathematics in grades 9-12.
Courses That Introduce the Major
- MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus Sequence
- MATH 347—Fundamental Mathematics
Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.
Possible Career Opportunities
Government and industry need skilled mathematicians for work in operations research, numerical analysis, computer systems market research and commercial surveys. Jobs related to statistics, computer science, actuarial work, economics and engineering hold possibilities, especially if the student has a minor in one of these areas. The employment opportunities are best for graduates with advanced degrees in applied mathematics.
Common Career Skills
- Ability to analyze & interpret data
- Advanced quantitative skills
- Computer literacy
- Critical thinking
- Efficient
- Logical thinking
- Numerical computation
- Organizational skills
- Problem solving
- Systemizing skills
- Team skills
- Testing skills
Common Career Titles
- Actuary Estimator
- Bank Examiner
- Budget Analyst
- Claims Adjuster
- Commodities Trader
- Computer Programmer
- Cryptologist
- Engineering Analyst
- Financial Planner
- Information Scientist
- Insurance Agent or Broker
- International Trade Specialist
- Investment Analyst
- Investment Researcher
- IRS Investigator
- Market Research Analyst Trust Analyst
- Mathematical Technician
- Mathematician
- Numerical Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Purchasing Agent or Buyer
- Psychometrist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Securities Broker
- Statistician
- Technical Writer
- Underwriter
Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.
Enhancing Your Academic Experience
- Participating in undergraduate research. See math specific opportunities.
- Applying for a study abroad experience
- Utilizing resources of The Career Center
- Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Mathematical Advancement Through Research and Idea eXchange (MATRIX): Social activities, game nights, math talks.
- uAWM: Undergraduate Association for Women in Mathematics, which is open to students of ALL genders with a particular eye to supporting women and genders less-traditionally represented in math.
- Undergraduate Friday Seminars
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics: Aims to advance the application of mathematics and computational science to engineering, industry, science and society. Locally, the chapter seeks to build a community of members interested in the intersection of mathematics, computing, engineering, and science.
Further Information
There are several professional organizations dedicated to Mathematics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Mathematics. These organizations include American Mathematical Society, Mathematical Association of America, and Association for Women in Mathematics.