MATHEMATICS
WHAT IS MATHEMATICS?
Mathematics is a discipline, a science, an art, a language, a collection of techniques, and a way of thinking. Mathematics communicates with unparalleled precision; no other language allows us to describe complex ideas with such specificity. Mathematics is a science of patterns, and as such, is particularly well suited for describing, defining, expressing, and answering questions about the natural world.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Mathematics is a broad field, and the courses that are required for a degree vary from school to school; however, there are some core courses everyone majoring in mathematics should take. As soon as you are qualified, you should begin with the calculus sequence, which should take you about a year and a half. Generally, this sequence is all the mathematics that is recommended during your first year. In your later years you will probably have to take additional sequences in real analysis and abstract algebra and select from many electives. These include:
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus
- Assembly Language
- Applied Graph Theory
- Computer Organization
- Differential Equations
- Probability and Statistics
- Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
- Problem-Solving
- Number Theory
- Numerical Analysis
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN MATHEMATICS?
A strong mathematics background is essential for success in any of the science disciplines—natural and social. Students who major in mathematics often pursue advanced degrees in other disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, business, and economics, to name just a few. Although these disciplines don't require an undergraduate degree in mathematics, the experts say that a mathematics background (either major or minor) will serve you well in these and many other disciplines. Although there are relatively few jobs that require advanced mathematics of the type studied by a math major, almost all employers realize mathematics majors are skilled problem-solvers and hard workers.
If you don't plan to go on to graduate school for a master's or doctorate, consider combining your study of mathematics with another discipline. If you like working with computers, there is no more employable degree than a major/minor combination of mathematics and computer science