Mathematics and Statistics

Two students work out a math problem on a classroom whiteboard.

Insight

Math majors can expect small class sizes that allow students and faculty to know each other on a one-to-one basis. Additional support includes a drop-in tutoring lab with the dual goals of helping students with their math courses and providing employment for tutors. During the summer, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUTs) 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. The department also hires graders and tutors—a win-win for student workers as they earn a little bit of cash while improving their own math understanding by seeing other students’ work, and learning to explain mathematical concepts and skills.

Experience

The Math Club serves as a social vehicle for some of our majors. This group organizes social events such as bowling, softball, and recreational math talks. Attending undergraduate math conferences and supporting Putnam exam participants are just some of the things Math Club has sponsored.

Students in the mathematics education option can participate in Project Math, designed to build a community of future teachers. An on-campus dormitory exclusively for math and science majors is another community-building opportunity.

Outlook

Job prospects are very good for any option you choose.

Statistician and data scientist are usually in the top 10 of any best jobs list, and the demand keeps growing as big tech companies and pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies all need statisticians and data analysts. Statisticians collect data, analyze and interpret the data, and write conclusions. Add a minor in computer science, and you have a very marketable skillset.

California (and many other states) has a chronic need for qualified high school math teachers, so graduates can find work in nearly any location. If you enjoy working with teenagers and helping them grow into responsible, productive adults, this can be a very rewarding job. One of the perks of a high school teacher is long summer vacations!

Both general and applied mathematics degrees get you into the door of many industries and government jobs. Knowledge of number theory can be applied to security systems; mathematical models can be used to predict trends—for example, how a pandemic can spread. Applied mathematicians can work with engineers, physicists, and biologists in both theoretical research programs or developing the next cool piece of technology. Good knowledge of computer programming strengthens both degrees.

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