What Are the Math Major Requirements?

While a large part of the population is terrified of math, there is a minority who love diving into the wonderful world of numbers.

Students who enjoy math may benefit from the rigorous training provided in a degree in mathematics.

Learn more about math major requirements, different branches of math, their application, and careers for math graduates.

Math Requirements for Math Majors

For many college students, math is a subject to be avoided at all costs.

While many majors require students to take an algebra or statistics class, few students venture far beyond these introductory topics.

Math majors will still take general education classes and other non-math classes but their core major classes are likely to be focused on math.

Math is an extremely expansive subject that has many different branching fields within it.

Most students who choose to go into math will specialize in a specific area of mathematics.

Different Branches of Math

Learn more about the different areas of math that math majors can study.

Many of these branches of math may be included in math major requirements.

Discrete Math

Discrete math is the part of math that deals with discrete or countable objects.

Discrete math is often contrasted with calculus and branches of math that investigate continuous things.

Discrete math has strong applications in computer science and is a practical class for any math major to take.

Students in a discrete math class will usually learn about proofs, set operations, sequences, and recursion.

Geometry

Geometry is an entire branch of math, so math majors may take classes in more specific areas of geometry.

Geometry deals with shapes and the structure of objects.

While most students have learned Euclidean geometry in high school, there are other more advanced geometrical systems that students can explore in a math major.

Topology

Topology is a fascinating area of math that explores shapes and surfaces as they are transformed in specific ways.

Topology is sometimes known as 'stretchy donut math' because it explores how features such as holes remain invariant throughout transformations.

Number Theory

Numbers are the building blocks of any mathematical system and number theory will allow students to grasp deep principles of math.

Students will learn about different axioms and definitions as they explore the core interactions and operations performed in numeric systems.

Calculus

Calculus is a well-known branch of math that most math majors will study at some point in their degree.

A calculus class will usually teach students about basic principles of calculus such as derivatives and integrals.

More advanced calculus classes will explore partial differential equations and stochastic differential equations.

Probability Theory

There's a good chance that you'll take a class on probability during a math degree. Probability deals with uncertainty and possibility.

Probability has many practical applications and allows students to think strategically about real-world decisions.

Combinatorics

Combinatorics is an area of math that focuses on counting and arranging things.

Combinatorics is used in computer science, statistical physics, and even evolutionary biology.

Foundations (Logic and Set Theory)

It is easy to forget that math is a language.

Logic and set theory are the grammar of mathematical language and they enable students to write elegant proofs.

A course in logic has many applications that will reach far beyond math.

Logical thinking can also help students become better writers and speakers.

Set theory is a fascinating topic that is sometimes considered to be the foundation of math.

Students can learn about the set notation and explore fascinating paradoxes arising in the field.

Philosophy of Math

The philosophy of math involves looking at the foundations of what we know about mathematics.

This involves thinking about what numbers are if they exist in the real world and if so, what this means on a theoretical level.

This branch of philosophy looks at the assumptions behind mathematics and how we interpret math through language and thought.

Is a Math Degree Worth It?

Earning a math degree is a great choice, as careers in the math industry are expected to grow at a much faster rate than the national average.

Approximately 33,500 new jobs in math-related fields open every year.

Different math major requirements can prepare you for a career in a specific role or more generally for math-related careers.

What Can You Do With a Math Degree?

There are many careers that math majors can pursue. Some of these opportunities include:

• Teaching
• Finance
• Banking
• Engineering
• Business Consulting
• Actuarial Science
• Data Science
• Insurance Underwriting
• Operations Research Analysis

Find a Math Degree Today

A degree in math can prepare you for an exciting career with a high-paying salary.

Math major requirements may vary depending on the program's specific focus.

Contact Learn.org to find a degree that fits your career goals and start earning this exciting qualification today.