Mathematics

We offer several tracks for our students to facilitate satisfying and rewarding careers or continuing graduate studies. These tracks include statistics, education, pure math and applied math.

Mathematics-based jobs — mathematician, statistician and actuary — have routinely occupied the top few slots in recent studies of the “best jobs” as reported in the Wall Street Journal over the past several years. In 2014, mathematician ranked No.1. A degree in mathematics prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including statistician or research scientist in a government laboratory or just about any type of company, including pharmaceutical, manufacturing and technology, research programmer, risk analyst and actuarial scientist for financial or insurance companies, and educator.

Proficiency with mathematics and analytical reasoning is a highly desired skill, especially when combined with a background in a secondary field, such as business, computing or a branch of science. A mathematics degree combined with training (such as a minor or second major) in another field is especially attractive to employers, as it indicates stronger quantitative skills than a typical practitioner within that other field, and an ability to see broader links between technology and society.

In 2014, the department awarded more than $19,000 in scholarships to math majors; roughly that amount is awarded to students each year. There are often opportunities for students to work with faculty in both research and teaching. Many of our students regularly attend conferences and summer research programs locally and nationally. The department runs an informal seminar series aimed at students, and undergraduates regularly give presentations at meetings.