Undergraduate Studies
This page is most relevant to math majors, students with an interest in becoming one, or engineering students who need specific information about calculus and higher-level math and statistics courses.
If you cannot find answers to your questions here consider checking out the information about lower-division courses and courses for nonmajors in the First-Year Math area or contact the undergraduate office.
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Why major in Mathematics?
Mathematics has established itself as the language used in conveying the understanding of the physical world which surrounds us. It forms a crucial component in physics and engineering applications, and in other disciplines such as business, economics, life sciences and social sciences, where the need for quantification in the analysis of phenomena is just as strong.
In itself a math degree may not command the respect of an engineering or business degree. However, its breadth enables graduates with some background in an additional field (e.g. engineering science, business, social science) to outperform other degrees when it comes to hiring or promotion on the job. Many employers and graduate institutions often even prefer hiring candidates with a substantial undergraduate training in mathematics (coupled with an appropriate minor) over candidates who have majored in the field itself because of their increased analytical and computing skills, logical thinking and experience in problem solving.
Employment opportunities for math majors can be found in virtually all sectors:
- Industry engineering, biotech, computer
- Government consultant, federal and state organizations
- Business actuary for bank or insurance company
- Medicine
- Academia high school, college, university
See profiles and descriptions of jobs and career paths of actual mathematicians in a wide array of fields published by the American Mathematical Society.
Still not convinced? Check out these resources discussing what you can do with a degree in mathematics.
Not ready to commit yourself to be a math major? Then why not consider a math minor on top of your first degree. A minor allows more flexibility in choosing topics that interest you most (related to your major field) while still offering a firm foundation in mathematical thinking. In the process, you might discover in yourself some fondness for mathematics and appreciating its usefulness after all.
