Mathematics and Statistics

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A math professor points to a chalkboard inside the Math Research Space as three students look on.

Insight

Math majors can expect small class sizes that allow students and faculty to know each other on a one-on-one basis. All math majors complete a core set of courses to build general knowledge while also selecting one of four options to focus their interests. Students will choose from applied mathematics, general mathematics, mathematics education, or statistics depending on postgraduate goals. During the summer, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is an opportunity to conduct research alongside a faculty mentor.

In addition to university-wide scholarships, there are numerous scholarships available exclusively to math majors. Additional academic support includes the Math Learning Lab, a drop-in tutoring space to assist students in math courses and provide employment opportunities for math majors to tutor. 

Experience

Students have the opportunity to get involved with the Math Club. This group organizes social events and recreational math talks in addition to representing the department on campus. Attending undergraduate math conferences and sponsoring Putnam exam participants are just some of the things Math Club supports. 

Students in the mathematics education option can also participate in Project Math, designed to build a community of future teachers. Project Math introduces students to the classroom setting, provides early field experience, and professional development opportunities on the path to becoming a teacher. 

Students can also participate in DataFest, an annual 48-hour data analysis competition offering the chance to work creatively with data and network with professionals. 

Outlook

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates with degrees in mathematics or statistics can obtain desirable jobs in industry or government.

High tech companies routinely seek to employ mathematicians, statisticians, and data scientists. Mathematics can be used to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics, and business problems. Graduates can be creative with their career pursuits and work in a variety of fields such as astronomy, climate study, national security, or robotics. Adding a minor in computer science offers a very marketable skillset to future employers.

California and many other states continue to have a need for qualified high school math teachers, so that graduates can find work in nearly any location. If you enjoy working with high school students and helping the next generation grow into responsible, productive adults, this is a very rewarding career. Mathematics teachers are crucial to the development of quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills needed in society.  

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