Scroll down to see the most affordable mathematics degrees, as well as info on the different types of mathematics degrees and math program accreditation.
Want to see the top online colleges for Math? View them here
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll get you started!
Math is one of the most versatile degrees available. With lucrative opportunities in everything from finance to IT, there are many paths for a focused student. Mathematics graduates work as actuaries, data scientists, cryptographers, biomathematicians, quantitative analysts, economists, statisticians and more.
While math is a flexible degree with great opportunities, it can be a difficult subject to master. Math is generally considered one of the hardest majors – not because students aren’t qualified, but because of the rigorous coursework.
To help you climb this proverbial Mt. Everest, we’ve put together a guide to affordable mathematics programs. In it, you’ll find information on everything from sample coursework and career options to details about becoming an actuary.
The Department of Mathematics at UC Irvine's School of Physical Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree with concentrations in mathematical finance, applied and computational mathematics, and mathematical biology. There is also a concentration in education/secondary teaching certification that allows students to complete the required coursework for a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential as well as a BS degree. The department also offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mathematics. Students accepted to the doctoral program can choose from the following specialization areas: algebra, analysis, applied and computation mathematics, geometry and topology, logic, and probability. Upper division students pursuing a mathematics teaching credential can apply for the Schools First Federal Credit Union Scholarship ($1,500).
30,836 Students
The University of Minnesota-Duluth offers a week of math preparation for students from under-represented groups entering the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. The program not only builds essential math skills, but also helps connect incoming freshmen with student mentors and faculty as they prepare for their college education. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Statistics and Actuarial Science and Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities and take part in student organizations. The department also offers weekly colloquia and seminars. The department offers scholarships that range from $500 to $3,000, such as the Nelson Scholarship, Lounsberry Scholarship, and Faculty Excellence Scholarships.
10,878 Students
The Mathematics Department and the Statistics Department at Texas A & M are deeply involved in research, with math research funded for about $8 million and statistics research funded for more than $4 million. Students benefit from the research through opportunities to preform research independently or alongside faculty, research-oriented classes, and presentations about research. Available degrees include Bachelor of Mathematics; Bachelor of Applied Mathematics; Bachelor of Statistics; Master of Mathematics with options of a traditional, teaching, or applied track; Master of Analytics; Ph.D. in Mathematics or Ph.D. in Statistics. Scholarships available for math or statistics majors include the Elizabeth Wade Lepley Endowed Scholarship ($1,250), the Koss/Klipple Scholarship ($1,500), and the Emanuel Parzen Graduate Research Fellowship Award (amount varies).
63,813 Students
The three campuses of Rutgers all have undergraduate math programs, but the focuses differ. At Camden, students can choose pure math, applied and computational math, or math education. At Newark, it's a choice of math or applied math. At New Brunswick, it's standard or honors track math, or a concentration in actuarial math. Graduate programs include Master of Education degrees in teaching math, and Master of Science programs in mathematical sciences and mathematical finance. The MS in Mathematical Finance program is interdisciplinary, with course content from the departments of math, statistics, engineering, business, economics, computer science, and operations research. Merit-based scholarships are available for the MS in Mathematical Finance program.
11,720 Students
The University of North Carolina's Mathematics Department allows students to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, including an option for a degree in Applied Mathematics for those seeking a BS. Math majors can also earn their teaching credentials as part of their undergraduate studies. Another option for undergraduates is to earn a degree in Mathematical Decisions Sciences, which offers tracks in Statistics, Operations Research, and Actuarial Sciences. UNC also offers master's and Ph.D. programs in Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, and Interdisciplinary Statistics and Operations Research. UNC encourages students at all levels to become involved in research, and the university's Office for Undergraduate Research maintains a searchable database to help students find projects.
10,669 Students
The Department of Mathematics at UCLA offers Bachelor of Science degrees in the following: applied mathematics, financial actuarial mathematics, mathematics, mathematics/applied science, mathematics for teaching, and mathematics of computation. There is also a BS in Mathematics/Economics degree, which is an interdepartmental program jointly administered with the UCLA Economics Department. Students who qualify for the Mathematics Department Scholar program can earn their BA and MA degrees in four years. Master of Arts in Teaching and Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics degrees are also available. Incoming freshmen with excellent academic credentials are considered for the Math Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, and room and board. Students admitted to the PhD program are guaranteed at least four years of full financial support.
41,908 Students
UIC's Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science funds eight separate awards for undergrads majoring in Mathematics or Mathematics and Computer Science. Each has its own requirements. The Louise Hay Award, for example, is reserved for female enrollees, whereas the Twersky Memorial Scholarships wants students focused on Applied Mathematics. Graduate students are also eligible for these awards, in addition to department teaching assistantships and tuition waivers. Plus, the department also sets aside money for professional development - student presenters can receive $500 toward travel expenses, and attendees can claim $250.
29,048 Students
Baruch College offers a Bachelor in Mathematics and a Bachelor in Actuarial Science, which requires students to complete several business courses along with their math classes. The college also offers a Master of Science in Financial Engineering, a degree that can lead to a career in the financial services industry doing modeling and problem solving. The financial engineering program combines a strong emphasis on mathematics with training in computational techniques and how to apply them in a financial setting. The faculty for the financial engineering program includes managing directors, traders, and others with professional experience in the financial world, along with professors whose research areas include probability, modeling and market microstructure.
18,433 Students
Those who earn a baccalaureate in Mathematics at Vassar can practice teaching elementary students during the Exploring Science at Vassar Farm program. The department also participates in the Teaching Experiences for Undergraduates program along with 60 other liberal arts colleges; winners get an all-expenses-paid trip to Brown University for a course and practicum. Closer to home, students are eligible for the 60 spots to the Undergraduate Research Summer Institute each year. In 2017, for instance, one student received a $3,800 stipend for his proposed project, "Computational Mathematics for the Sciences." Meanwhile, the Phyllis Hunt Belisle Fellowship is exclusively for Math grads trying to add up funds for post-baccalaureate work.
2,435 Students
Every year, through her endowed scholarship, Rosalie Ketchersid gives money to multiple financially needy residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties pursuing a BS in Math. Another award specifically for math majors at UC Riverside is the Bosch Prize, which has no geographical or financial restrictions. At the graduate level, the department is stacked with dozens of teaching and research assistantships, with incoming PhD students automatically considered for openings. To make sure their tuition is covered, those with financial need can tap into funds from the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, such as the Ernest Propes Endowed Graduate Fellowship. They can also get travel grants to cover the cost of presenting research.
21,385 Students
The Department of Mathematics at UC San Diego offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the following: mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics-applied science, and mathematics-computer science. BS degrees are offered in mathematics-scientific computation and in mathematics-probability and statistics. The BA in Mathematics-Secondary Education program prepares students for teaching Mathematics in secondary schools. On the graduate level, Master of Arts degrees are available in mathematics and in applied mathematics. Doctor of Philosophy degrees are available in general mathematics, as well as in the following areas of specialization: bioinformatics, computational science, and statistics. Full-time math majors can apply for the BAE Systems Scholarships (up to $5,000) and the Klara D. Eckart Scholarship ($1,000). Both programs are for one year only.
32,906 Students
A variety of course options and student organizations are offered by the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Mathematics to help prepare students for careers and meet their academic interests. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Master of Science with emphasis in Mathematics or Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and a Ph.D. degree. The School of Statistics offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. in Statistics. Interdisciplinary centers offer research opportunities in mathematical biology, financial and actuarial math, and applied, computational and industrial math. Internships are available, and faculty members often sponsor research projects. Scholarships include the Dalaker Fund, Segal Scholarship and Lando Scholarship.
50,678 Students
Rutgers University's Mathematics Department offers an undergraduate mathematics major and minor, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The mathematics major can be completed in a standard track or an honors track. Students who choose the standard track will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and students who choose the honors track will earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Interdisciplinary majors are also available in statistics/mathematics and biomathematics, as is a five-year B.A.-M.A. program with concentrations in statistics, operations research, industrial and systems engineering, mathematics education (K-12) and mathematical finance. The M.S. in Mathematics is available in a mathematics finance or traditional track of study. The Ph.D. in Mathematics requires the completion of 48 credits of coursework, a teacher training seminar and a dissertation, among other requirements.
6,408 Students
Undergraduate math majors at Buffalo State can earn a degree in math, applied mathematics, or in math education. At the graduate level, the college offers programs in professional applied computational math and in math education. The Bachelor of Arts in Math requires students to complete at least 50 credits in math classes. The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics is a good choice for students planning to attend graduate school or who are interested in a computer- or math-related career. The 30-credit Master of Science in Professional Applied and Computational Math (PCAM) arms students with skills in data analysis, mathematical modeling, business management, and research. The Mathematics Department reports job placement rates of nearly 100 percent for PCAM graduates.
10,330 Students
Math majors at SUNY Oswego can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, or an interdisciplinary degree in Applied Mathematical Economics. The B.A. program focuses on theory and gives students the option of independent study or entering an honors program in math. Students seeking the B.A. must earn at least 43 credits in math, with 31 to 34 of those credits laid out as core requirements. The applied math program gives students a background in the practical applications of mathematics in science and research. Students seeking the B.S. degree take at least 52 credits in math classes. Three of their electives will be from a track: applications, statistics, or foundations.
7,937 Students
The University of California Berkeley has one of the strongest math programs in the country, ranking No. 3 on the 2018 U.S. News list of Best Grad Schools, and it's ranked No. 1 in the subcategories of logic and topology. Undergrads can major in math, applied math, or math with a teaching concentration. The Mathematics Undergraduate Student Association holds weekly get-togethers that range from pure fun to serious study, and the Women in Mathematics organization provides networking opportunities. Math majors with a competitive streak can join the team for annual math competitions. The Math Department also grants a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Mathematics. Master's students can choose to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive final exam.
38,189 Students
Undergrads at the University of California Davis can choose from four bachelor's programs in math: mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics and scientific computation, or mathematical analytics and operations research. There's also a program for a teaching credential in math. Outstanding students can complete a senior thesis. The Math Club organizes lectures and networking events, and the STEM Cafe is open weekly for students who need help with math homework. The department also grants a master's and Ph.D., and graduate students can choose a research topic in any theoretical or applied math area represented by a faculty member. Undergrad math majors are eligible for the need-based Ruliffson Scholarship and the merit-based McCurdy Family Scholarship. Graduate awards include the Leung Scholarship.
35,186 Students
Students can pursue a straight BA in Mathematics or double it up with an Economics baccalaureate. If they do the latter, they will also be taking part in the department's actuarial program, which is one of six in the state formally recognized by the Society of Actuaries. Teaching licensure is also an option, with middle school and high school tracks available at the baccalaureate and master's levels. The department also has extracurricular programs, sponsoring the Math Club as well as "math circles" alongside local math educators._Need the money to add up? The Carey Family Scholarship goes to a Math major with a solid GPA, while the Doner Scholarship is earmarked for incoming Math or Education majors.
6,496 Students
Students who major in math at Barnard College have several options. A degree in Mathematical Sciences - combining elements of math, computer science, and statistics - is designed for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation or to study social science in graduate school. A bachelor's in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics will prepare students to continue the study of math in graduate school. Students earning the bachelor's in Mathematics may specialize in statistics or computer science or pursue a general degree. Students specializing in math-computer science must take at least 15 courses in those fields while all the other math degrees require a minimum of 14 math classes. The Columbia/Barnard Mathematics Society sponsors a weekly speakers series.
2,548 Students
Math majors at SUNY Oneonta are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members on research projects or perform independent study so they can explore advanced topics that interest them. The college hosts a day each year where students can present their research. Students with a competitive streak can join a team to compete in the prestigious Putnam math competition. At Oneonta, math, statistics, and computer science are in the same department, and students from all three majors can mingle through the Sanford Society. Students who enjoy helping others can earn academic credit by working as a lab monitor for a math teacher. The department awards the James and Gladys Alex Mathematics Scholarship based on academic accomplishments, research, and independent studies.
6,119 Students
At Appalachian State, undergrad math majors can choose from a variety of concentrations when working on a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, including Statistics, Business, Computation, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Secondary Education, or students can design their own concentration. Students can also earn a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Sciences. The Master of Arts in Mathematics program allows students to concentrate in college teaching, secondary teaching, or both. The master's program includes hands-on training for teachers but is also appropriate for students who want to earn a doctorate in math or in teaching math. Departmental scholarships include the Inez Harris Mathematics Education Scholarship, the Edith A. Goodman Memorial Scholarship, the G.T. Buckland Scholarship, and the Taylor Memorial Scholarship.
17,932 Students
Undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst can demonstrate their knowledge and research abilities through the paid summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program or the Math Competition. The department offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Master of Science in Mathematics intended for those who will continue to the Ph.D. degree program, and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics. The MS of Applied Mathematics is a two-year program designed for those seeking careers in industry. The school offers access to study materials, computer labs and tutoring services. Scholarships include the Flosum Scholarship ($750) and the Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship (full cost of attendance).
29,269 Students
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at St. Cloud University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teaching, and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. Statistics majors can choose to concentrate in Actuarial Science, Applied Statistics or Mathematical Statistics. The department hosts a colloquium series where guest speakers discuss research. The university has a Statistical Consulting and Research Center, and statistics students have gained real-world experience by working with faculty to analyze data. Scholarships available to math majors include David and Kathryn Campbell Endowed Scholarship ($1,250), the Xcel Energy Foundation Endowed Scholarship (amount varies) and the Darlene M. Carlson Science Encouragement Scholarship for Freshmen ($1,000).
16,096 Students
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Michigan Technological University offers Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and statistics, as well as Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mathematical sciences. The B.S. in Mathematics is available in five concentrations: actuarial science, applied and computational mathematics, discrete mathematics, general mathematics, and mathematics secondary education. All five concentrations require the same core courses in subjects like statistics, mathematical reasoning and computer-related discrete math. The M.S. in Mathematical Sciences is available in four concentrations: discrete mathematics, pure mathematics, statistics and applied mathematics. The M.S. degree is also available in three tracks of study: a thesis track, a report track and a coursework track. The Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences is available in the concentrations of applied mathematics, discrete mathematics and statistics.
7,218 Students
Farmingdale State College offers students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics an option of two tracks. One is a traditional track, and the other one, in financial mathematics, concentrates on mathematics as they relate to financial markets and pricing financial instruments. Students in the financial math program take related business and economics courses while those in the traditional track have more flexibility in choosing electives. All math majors must take a capstone seminar course where they work in teams on a research project they will present to faculty. Students can also do research through the Center for Applied Mathematical Sciences. Available scholarships include the Dr. Frank C. Pellegrini Memorial Scholarship ($1,000).
8,648 Students
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree offered at CSU Long Beach has three options: applied mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics. Students who select the applied mathematics option can further choose from two areas of application - science and engineering or economics and management. The department offers two Teacher Credential programs: Single Subject Credential in Mathematics (7-12th grade teaching) and the Credential Option for Teaching Mathematics in Middle School. The Master of Science in Mathematics program offers an option in applied mathematics and in mathematics education for secondary school teachers. A number of scholarships are available to math majors each year, and students are automatically considered for all departmental scholarships for which they are eligible based on their application.
At Iowa State University, options for undergraduate math majors include Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Science, teacher certification, and an interdisciplinary program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. For graduate students, the Mathematics Department offers a Master or Ph.D. of Mathematics, a Master or Ph.D. of Applied Mathematics, a Master of Information Assurance, and a Master of School Mathematics. A separate Department of Statistics State offers a Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. of Statistics. A number of scholarships are available through the Statistics Department, including the George W. Snedecor Undergraduate Statistics Award ($1,000), the Charlie and Barb Hunt Scholarship in Statistics ($1,000) and the J.A.K. Scholarship in Statistics ($1,000). Math scholarships include the Marian Daniells Mathematical Scholarship and the Alan J. Heckenbach Award.
35,714 Students
Undergraduates seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Math from the University of Florida can work closely with faculty mentors on research through the University Scholars Program. The program not only offers a chance to work on a capstone project for one's undergraduate career, but also includes a stipend. The Department of Mathematics also offers summer research activities and a number of prizes that recognize academic achievement. Master of Science and Ph.D. programs are also offered. The Department of Statistics offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. in Statistics, with a double major in math available. Scholarships include the Sigmon Scholarship ($100), Robert Long Essay Scholarship ($100-$200) and Chat Ho Scholarship ($500-$1,000).
50,645 Students
Berea College offers a B.A. in Mathematics that is designed for students with various academic and professional goals, including those who want to study mathematics at the graduate level, those seeking employment in mathematics-centric fields and those who want to teach mathematics at the secondary level. Mathematics majors are required to complete five core courses in subjects such as calculus, linear algebra and fundamental math concepts. Students are also required to complete a capstone course in the form of a math literature course or an approved research experience. Mathematics students have the opportunity to obtain departmental employment as teaching assistants, tutors, research assistants or other roles. Students can also participate in the Math and Computer Science Club and are eligible for several scholarships, including the Ballard-McConnell-Willis Mathematics Scholarship.
1,643 Students
The Division of Mathematics and Computer Science at Alfred University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science and an undergraduate mathematics minor. The B.A. in Mathematics requires 37 credits of major coursework, while the B.S. in Mathematics requires 58 credits of major coursework. Since B.A. students have many more free electives, they usually choose a concentration in one of three areas: business, science or secondary education. The B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science prepares students to become actuaries through 65 credits of major coursework that qualifies them to take the first two exams required to enter the actuarial profession.
2,286 Students
On the undergraduate level, Binghamton University offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and students in either program can choose the general track or the actuarial track. Students who want to teach high school math can consider the combined five-year BA/Master of Teaching program at Binghamton. The department also grants a Master and a Ph.D. degree in Mathematics, and most of the emphasis is on mathematical statistics. Faculty research is concentrated in the areas of statistics, geometry/topology, combinatorics, algebra and analysis, and many guest speakers visit campus to lecture on these topics. Available scholarships include the Barbara and Alan Pollack Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the Bruce M. Steinberg '88 Scholarship in Mathematics and Science.
16,913 Students
Michigan State University awards a bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computational Math, Actuarial Science, and Statistics, and math majors can also minor in education to receive teaching credentials. Graduate students can earn a master's degree in Industrial Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Statistics, or Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Mathematics. Ph.D. degrees include Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, and Statistics. The Mathematics Department holds the annual Herzog Competition, which offers cash prizes to students who solve challenging math problems and helps determine who will be on the university team for a national math competition. Scholarships available to math majors include the Actuarial Science Scholarship Fund, the James P. Conlon Endowed Mathematics Scholarship, the Kindle Mathematics Teacher Scholarship and the Harold and Helen Tolles Scholarship.
50,538 Students
The Mathematics Department at Queens College offers undergraduate degrees in math education, pure mathematics, and applied mathematics and also offers a Master of Arts in Pure or Applied Mathematics. The math faculty is involved in research on topics such as combinatorics, dynamics, number theory, and geometry and topology. The department's colloquium, open to students and the public, brings in guest speakers to discuss current research. The department is home to TIME 2000, a program designed to prepare secondary school math teachers. TIME 2000 participants receive a partial tuition scholarship and proceed through the required classes as a group. Departmental scholarships and awards include the Joseph Hershenov Memorial Award, given to the most effective math lab tutor.
19,520 Students
The Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics offered at Cal State Fullerton has four areas of concentration: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, probability and statistics, and teaching mathematics. The department offers a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics program that is required for teaching high school mathematics in California. This is a one-year post-baccalaureate program that is typically taken after completing a BA in Mathematics degree. The Master of Arts in Mathematics program has options in applied mathematics and in teaching mathematics. There is also a new Master of Science degree in statistics that is available online. Upper division students who plan to pursue careers teaching secondary mathematics can apply for the MSTI Prospective Math Candidate Scholarship for Mathematics Majors ($1,000).
38,948 Students
Math majors at Brigham Young University in Idaho can earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics or a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. Students who are pursuing the University Studies Degree, which allows BUYI students to create their own program, can develop a concentration in one of three math disciplines: Actuarial, Applied Math or Statistics. The Math Department also offers a minor in mathematics and two statistics minors, one for math and science majors and one for students who are not majoring in math or science. Math students may join the campus Math Society.
43,803 Students
Undergraduates majoring in math at City College of New York may pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics or Secondary School Math Education, or a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. Depending upon the degree sought, students must complete eight or nine math courses. All math majors must make a 10-minute oral presentation on a math topic to faculty evaluators as a requirement for the degree. CCNY's Master of Science in Math is a 30-credit program designed to provide flexibility for students with a range of interests. Master's level classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate the work schedule of graduate students. Grad students may apply for adjunct teaching positions.
15,778 Students
Undergraduates interested in math have several options at Hunter College. In addition to a standard math major, the college offers a concentration in Quantitative Biology and concentrations for students who plan to teach elementary or adolescent students. A Bachelor of Arts in Statistics is another option. At the graduate level, Hunter offers a Master of Arts in Pure Mathematics, M.A. in Statistics and Applied Mathematics, and teacher education program in grade 7-12 math. The college also has accelerated master's programs that allow students to earn a B.A. and M.A. in math or adolescent education. Outstanding students may be nominated for membership in Pi Mu Epsilon, the national math honor society. The department also frequently sponsors guest lecturers and speakers.
22,918 Students
The Department of Mathematics & Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics 4-8 Certification, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics 7-12 Certification, a Master of Science in Mathematics, a Master of Science in Mathematics with a Statistical Emphasis, and a Master of Science in Mathematics Teaching. These programs prepare students to pursue careers in computational math, math education, statistics, etc. Students may qualify for scholarships like the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and the Rose Marie Smith Endowed Scholarship for Student Teachers in Mathematics &/or Computer Science, the Maurine Faulker Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Ben Goldbeck Endowed Scholarship, and more.
15,286 Students
SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics that prepares students for graduate school or for a job in a field such as finance, actuarial science or computing. To earn the degree, students must complete nine core math classes and three math electives. Applied math majors are also encouraged to work an internship, which results in academic credit and allows studies to use their skills in a real-world setting. SUNY Poly is one of only three SUNY branches to offer a degree in applied math. Undergrads interested in a math minor must complete 20 credits, including eight credits in calculus with the other 12 credits selected from a list of acceptable math electives.
2,779 Students
The Mathematics Department at Brooklyn College offers Bachelor of Arts programs leading to a B.A. in Mathematics or in teaching math. Bachelor of Science programs are offered in Mathematics, Actuarial Math, Computational or Theoretical Math, or Financial Math. Graduate students can earn a Master of Arts in Mathematics or an M.A. in teaching math to secondary school students. (Licensed teachers can earn professional certification; new teachers can earn initial and professional certification.) The department also participates in the master's program for teachers who are math specialists in grades 5-9. Math-related activities on campus include the Math Club, which sponsors guest speakers. Departmental scholarships include the George Booth Memorial Award, given to an undergraduate math major.
17,410 Students
All math courses at the State University of New York-Plattsburgh are taught by members of the faculty, from introductory courses to advanced seminars and independent study. That helps to foster professional mentorship by the faculty, who often work with students in the Math Commons. Students choose from a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics or a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Adolescence Education. The BA degree is flexible and allows students to choose a minor course of study or pair a math degree with a second major. The BS degree requires additional upper-level mathematics courses. Mathematics students compete with all Science students for the Hudson Scholarship, while the department recognizes academic achievement with annual awards.
5,718 Students
The Department of Mathematics at the University of North Texas offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a Master of Arts in Mathematics, a Master of Science in Mathematics, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Students who graduate with degrees in mathematics often find employment in business, teaching, government, and industry. Mathematics majors may be eligible for the John Ed Allen Scholarships, the David F. Dawson Scholarships, the E.H. Hanson Scholarships, the Mildred Masters McCarty Scholarships, the Roger L. Perry Scholarships, and the Ram Lal Seekri Scholarships. Mathematics students will take classes such as Mathematical Theory of Computation, Topics in Logics and Foundations, and Probability and Fractals.
37,299 Students
The Department of Mathematics at Stanislaus State University offers the following degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and Bachelor of Arts with Single Subject Matter Preparation in Mathematics. The BA program is designed for students who plan to pursue further studies, such as an MS and/or a PhD in Mathematics. Students who want to study the varied applications of mathematics are advised to pursue the BS degree. The BA with Single Subject Matter Preparation is for students who plan to teach mathematics after graduation. Mathematics is also available as an area of concentration for the BA degree in liberal studies. A minor in mathematics is available as well for non-math majors enrolled in the university.
9,282 Students
Applied mathematics is concerned with using existing mathematical concepts and methods to solve real-world problems in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, computer science and operations research. After earning a bachelor’s degree in applied math, some students choose to attend graduate school in a specific area of science or engineering.
Statistics is usually considered a subset of applied mathematics. To find answers to pressing questions, statisticians collect and analyze samples of data from surveys, experiments and databases. They present these findings in reports and advise their colleagues and clients on appropriate steps to take. Statisticians work in all areas of the economy – from healthcare to government to sport – and are increasingly involved with data science.
Actuarial science deals with the mathematics of insurance. Actuaries are expert statisticians – they conduct financial risk analyses, calculate insurance premiums and advise their clients on investments and business strategies.
Be aware that you will have to take a number of certification steps (including exams) before you can practice as an actuary. To make sure you’re attending a high-level program, check to see if your school is accredited as a Center of Actuarial Excellence with the Society of Actuaries.
Some graduates choose to teach math in K-12 schools or universities. Most mathematics education programs combine courses in pure and applied mathematics with courses in teaching, learning, and pedagogy.
You can learn more about becoming a teacher in our article on Affordable K-12 Education Degrees.
Thanks to the explosion of big data and the increasing power of technology, computer science/math graduates are finding work in areas such as cyber security, data science and cryptography.
An associate’s degree in mathematics is a 2 year undergraduate program that provides a grounding in important mathematics principles. These programs are offered by community colleges, universities and a variety of learning institutions. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.
Many students use the associate’s degree in order to earn credits for a bachelor’s degree further down the track. If you’re considering this option, make sure your credits will be transferable to your preferred school.
Most associate’s degrees are designed to give students a fundamental understanding of calculus, statistics, linear algebra and principles of physics. You may also be able to elect to take courses in related areas such as computer science, finance and engineering.
A bachelor’s degree is the preferred minimum for many mathematics-based jobs. However, math + specific work experience will give you a decided advantage in certain jobs.
For example, in the field of finance, you could consider working as an accounts payable clerk, a bank teller, a loan processor or an assistant to a certified public accountant. Other job titles worth exploring include insurance sales agent, auto claims adjuster, health information technician and operations assistant.
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is a 4 year undergraduate degree that gives students a thorough understanding of mathematical theory and practice. Unlike the associate’s degree, the bachelor’s degree allows math majors to concentrate on specific areas of interest. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.
To increase their employment options after graduation, many students choose to pursue a double major in a related field (e.g. computer science, engineering, finance, etc.) or enroll in programs that combine applied mathematics with courses from other disciplines.
In the first two years, most BA and BS programs typically cover major mathematical areas – calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, geometry and the like.
After that, the curriculum becomes more interesting. Depending on their choice of discipline, students can focus on pure math, applied math, statistics and more. Students enrolled in a double major will split their time between two departments.
Unless you’re focused on becoming a math teacher or an actuary, it can be tricky to find a job with a bachelor’s degree in pure math. Some graduates choose to minor in math or double major in an area such as physics, computer science, finance or computer engineering. Others use their degree as a step towards graduate work (e.g. law, medicine, business, research, etc.).
We don’t want to put you off – a BS in math is going to be a lot more marketable than a BA in history. However, you will need to do some career preparation during college. If you’re interested in becoming a cyber security expert, a statistician or any other job title related to applied mathematics, be sure you incorporate job training, internships and networking into your 4-year plan.
A master’s degree in mathematics is a 1-3 year graduate program that focuses on an advanced area of mathematics. Master’s programs require approximately 30 credit hours and are offered in practically every discipline. A bachelor’s degree in math or a related field is generally required in order to apply. Accelerated 1-year degrees are available to qualified candidates.
Along with advanced courses in your chosen discipline, your master’s program in math may include independent research and opportunities to create new mathematics. A thesis, final exam or practical capstone project is often required for graduation. Students interested in becoming math teachers should ask if their master’s program also offers state teaching certification/licensure.
Graduates with a master’s degree find work in a variety of job concentrations. Some enter the world of computer science, working as hardcore statisticians and data scientists; others find employment as high-paid quantitative analysts at hedge funds and investment banks. Those with a love of analysis and cryptography apply for jobs with national intelligence agencies and global firms. Others become researchers with big companies such as IBM and Google. In order to continue their research, pure mathematicians often pursue a PhD.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in mathematics is a 4-7 year terminal degree and the highest education qualification in math that students can achieve.
The first years of a PhD generally consist of graduate-level courses and exams in advanced mathematics. After that, students are permitted to conduct independent research, searching for breakthrough theories and concepts. This in-depth work is typically written up in an research dissertation and defended in an oral exam.
Most candidates choose to earn a PhD in order to:
PhD graduates have gone on to work for Google, Wall Street and the Department of Defense. Many of these industries will also want to see proof of computer science expertise.
A certificate in mathematics is a non-degree program that takes ~6 months to 1 year to complete. Certificate programs fall into two broad categories:
Whether you’re thinking of state or private, we recommend you attend a U.S. college or university with regional accreditation. This is a “seal of approval” granted to institutions (e.g. non-profit and public colleges and universities) by one of six regional accrediting bodies (e.g. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools).
You can learn more about the difference between regional accreditation and national accreditation in Accreditation: Understanding the Difference Between Real Schools and Diploma Mills.
Attending a regionally accredited school will make it easier for you to:
Featured Programs