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Mathematics
Overview
Mathematics programs teach people how to use math to solve problems.They include topics such as:
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Functional analysis
- Number theory
Concentrations
In mathematics programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Geometric analysis
- Topology and foundations
- Algebra and number theory
- Analysis and functional analysis
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in mathematics. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in mathematics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in mathematics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Accounting
- Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Mathematics
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering Technology, General
- Engineering, General
- Finance
- Insurance
- Physics
- Statistics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Actuaries
- Cost Estimators
- Market Research Analysts
- Mathematicians
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Operations Research Analysts
- Statisticians
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Computer Engineers
- Computer Programmers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Elementary School Teachers
- Energy Auditors
- Financial Analysts
- High School Teachers
- Meteorologists
- Science Technicians
- Statistical Clerks
- University and College Teachers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet. In addition, many schools require you to take a placement test, which determines the level of math courses you can begin taking.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Calculus
- Computer Science and Programming
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate major or significant course work in math, including calculus, linear algebra, and statistics
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Abstract Algebra
- Calculus
- Computer Science
- Differential Equations
- Discrete Mathematics
- Geometry
- History of Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Multivariate Calculus
- Physics
- Probability
- Real Analysis
- Statistics
- Vector Analysis
In addition, depending on your interests, you can take courses in other areas such as:
- Actuarial Science
- Business
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Many schools combine math and statistics into a single program.
A bachelor's degree in math is considered a good background for future study in business, law, and medicine. Others go on to graduate school in math, computer science, engineering, or in related programs such as physics and astronomy.
Schools
East Side Area
Big Bend Community College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Central Washington University
- Computational Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Secondary Teaching
- Middle-Level Mathematics Teaching
Walla Walla Community College
- Associate in Math Education
Walla Walla University
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Preparation for Graduate Study Option
- Mathematics--Preparation for Secondary Teaching
Washington State University - Pullman
- Mathematics
- Mathematics with Education Emphasis
- Mathematics--Applied Option
- Mathematics--Computational Finance
- Mathematics--Secondary Mathematics Teaching
- Mathematics--Theoretical Mathematics Option
- Middle Level Math Teaching Endorsement
Wenatchee Valley College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Whitman College
- Economics--Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Physics
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Associate in Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree
Central Washington University - Des Moines
- Education--Middle Level Math & Science
Everett Community College
- Mathematics (Transfer)
North Seattle College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Northwest University
- Mathematics
- Secondary Education--Mathematics
Seattle Pacific University
- Integrated Studies--Mathematics Concentration
- Mathematics
Seattle University
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Humanities for Teaching
- Mathematics--Pure Mathematics
South Seattle College
- Mathematics (Transfer)
University of Washington - Bothell
- Mathematics
University of Washington - Seattle
- Mathematics
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Elementary Teaching (K-8)
Gonzaga University
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Computer Science
Spokane Community College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Spokane Falls Community College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Whitworth University
- Endorsement--Mathematics
- Endorsement--Middle-Level Math (4-9)
- Mathematical Economics
- Mathematics--General
Statewide and Distance Learning
WGU Washington
- MA in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)
- Mathematics--Teaching (5-9 or 5-12)
Tacoma Area
Pacific Lutheran University
- Financial Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Endorsement (Grades 5-12)
- Mid-Level Mathematics Endorsement (Grades 5-9)
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Pierce College Puyallup
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Tacoma Community College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
University of Puget Sound
- Mathematics
- Teaching--Mathematics
University of Washington - Tacoma
- Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences--Mathematics
Tri-Cities Area
Columbia Basin College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Washington State University - Tri-Cities
- Middle Level Mathematics Endorsement
- Science--General Mathematics
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Mathematics--General (Transfer)
Washington State University - Vancouver
- Mathematics
West Side Area
Centralia College
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Evergreen State College, The
- Mathematics
Lower Columbia College
- Math Education
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Peninsula College
- Associate in Math Education
Saint Martin's University
- Mathematics
- Secondary Education, 4-9--Middle-Level Math
- Secondary Education, 5-12--Mathematics
Skagit Valley College
- Mathematics Pre-Major
Western Washington University
- Biology/Mathematics
- Chemistry/Mathematics--Secondary
- Economics/Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Mathematics--Elementary Education
- Mathematics--Secondary Education
- Physics/Mathematics--Secondary
Yakima Area
Heritage University
- Interdisciplinary Studies in Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education-- (5-12 Teaching Endorsement)
Yakima Valley College
- Mathematics Pre-Major