Mathematics
Description
Mathematics is the study of numbers and numerical reasoning in the abstract. Mathematics may be either pure or applied; the former usually involves the study of mathematics
from a theoretical standpoint; the latter is embodied in such concentrations as computer
science or mathematics for science. Pure mathematics is the major for students planning
to pursue graduate study; applied math is the major for the highly skilled student who is
seeking a math-related career. Mathematics is excellent preparation for a wide range of
careers.
Plan of study
The plan of study varies somewhat depending upon the area of mathematics concentration. At the lower-division level, a core curriculum with mathematics electives prevails.
At the upper-division level, students concentrate on subjects including pure mathematics, actuarial science, computer science, and mathematics education. Advanced courses
are supplemented by seminars on current topics, research projects, or internships during
the senior year.
Expect to take
Calculus and advanced calculus, applied mathematics, linear algebra, multivariable algebra, complex systems, differential equations, fundamentals of computing, programming,
advanced programming languages, number and numeration.
Suggested high school subjects
Advanced mathematics (AP preferred), advanced science, computer studies.
General interest areas
Mathematics, research, computing.
Some career possibilities
Actuary
Engineer
Astrophysicist
Nuclear engineer
College professor
Programmer
Computer engineer
Pure mathematician
Computer scientist
Research scientist
Demographer
Statistician
Some related majors
Accounting
Computer science
Applied mathematics
Economics
Banking/finance
Insurance
Business economics
Operations research
Business statistics
Directory Data is copyrighted material which is reproduced in this publication by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Alloy Education.
Copyright 2009 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.
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