Mathematical Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BA)
Study Mathematical Sciences at the University of Montana
Earn your degree in math and open a door to unlimited possibilities. Mathematics is the ultimate problem-solving tool, and it’s used in virtually every profession — from real estate to finance, business to biology, computer science to rocket science. It’s a universal language that’s understood across nations and cultures, so you can apply it anywhere you go. Studying math also helps you build creative and analytical skills that are prized by employers.
As a math major at UM, you’ll explore mathematical sciences in all its many forms: from the pure and applied to statistics and data science. Many of our more applied courses introduce you to coding and develop your programming skills. You can also obtain a certificate in big data analytics by taking several specialized courses in the theory and practice of data science.
Our math program is small enough that you get to work closely with faculty, but large enough that we offer many opportunities for research and real-world learning. We also offer several areas for specialization: applied mathematics, combinatorics and optimization, mathematics education, pure mathematics, and statistics and data science.
estimated average salary of graduates with a bachelor’s in mathematics (Source: 2021 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers)
math majors to math faculty at UM
scholarships and awards offered each year to undergraduates in the math program
Other degree options for mathematical sciences at UM
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Applied Mathematics concentration
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Mathematics Education concentration
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Pure Mathematics concentration
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Statistics and Data Science concentration
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science (Combined Major)
Big Data Analytics Certificate
What can you do with a math degree?
Careers for math majors span diverse fields and industries. Our graduates include software developers, financial managers, schoolteachers, college professors, data scientists, and business executives. Many are hired by tech companies like ATG, FAST Enterprises, and Crayon for their problem-solving abilities and quantitative backgrounds. Others earn graduate degrees in mathematics, statistics or data science, or pursue studies in law, business, computer science, or physics.
Many of the fastest-growing jobs today are in math. For example, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that mathematician and statistician jobs will grow by 33% over the next decade, and jobs for actuaries will grow by 18%. Data scientist is another top career in the nation based on demand and growth, with jobs expected to increase by 28% through 2026.
Big data analytics certificate program
Prepare for high-demand careers in data science. Our innovative big data analytics certificate program includes faculty-guided consulting projects and opportunities to work in teams to solve real-world business problems — experiences that often lead to job opportunities upon graduation. Learn more about the big data analytics program.
Jobs for math majors
What can you do with a math degree? Jobs in math and careers involving mathematical sciences include:
- Actuary
- Data scientist
- Mathematician
- Statistician
- Research analyst
- High school math teacher
- Software Engineer
- Financial analyst
Math major salary
A degree in math can lead to a range of high-paying careers. For example, according to the BLS, a mathematician salary averages $93,290 per year, while an actuary makes $105,900. Other examples include:
- Statisticians: $95,570
- Financial analysts: $83,660
- Computer systems analysts: $93,730
Alumni Success Story
“Earning my math degree at UM helped me develop critical and logical thinking skills. The department provided many opportunities to engage with the community — from tutoring other students to participating in research. Additionally, the faculty is so supportive and engaging! The skills I developed and the opportunities the department provided me with helped me get into and thrive in law school!”
- Denise LaFontaine, 2020 graduate in mathematics, currently studying Law at UM
Experiential learning in the mathematical sciences degree
Opportunities for hands-on learning help make UM one of the best colleges for math majors. From internships to community engagement projects, to study abroad, there are many ways to get involved and gain real-world experience as an undergraduate.
Mathematics internships
The Career Planning Center within the College of Humanities and Sciences works to connect math students with relevant internships that provide career-related work experience and resume-building opportunities. Several math majors at UM have recently completed summer internships with FAST Enterprises, a company that specializes in software development and consulting.
Undergraduate research in the math degree
We offer exciting opportunities to engage in undergraduate research — working with faculty or on projects you design. For example, one of our current projects gives you the opportunity to explore topology, combinatorics, and algebra and answer some of the many questions in this highly active research field. Find information about our Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards program.
Community outreach and service learning
Many of our math majors are involved in organizing large outreach events for middle and high school students, like our annual Math Day, the regional Mathcounts competition, and the MCTM Math Contest. Majors in math education also work extensively in K-12 classrooms — both as volunteers and as part of required field experiences.
Study abroad for math majors
Studying abroad offers incredible opportunities to enrich your education, experience a different culture, and make new friends. We are here to guide your overseas adventure and help you find the right program for your needs. Explore study-abroad opportunities at the University of Montana.
Career development in the math major
When you earn your degree in math at the University of Montana, you’ll find many ways to get involved, build your professional network and connect with potential career opportunities.
Starting in our Undergraduate Math Seminar, you’ll get to know many of our instructors and their research areas. There are also presentations by companies interested in hiring math majors. From there, you’ll find many more opportunities for career development through internships, undergraduate research, and community engagement. We also encourage you to take courses in applied math, statistics, or data science to develop computational skills and gain experience working with sophisticated mathematical software — all excellent skills for your resume.
Our math majors are a tight-knit group, frequently meeting and interacting in our student lounge or in the Math Learning Center — a great place to get help as you start out, and later on to work as a tutor. Our mathematics department also features a specialized math computer lab, with workstations that have relevant mathematical and statistical software, and collaborative research space to discuss and work on undergraduate research projects.
Math scholarships
Each year the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UM awards about $20,000 to continuing undergraduate math majors. Besides several scholarships, this includes Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards for students interested in research, and Undergraduate Teaching Scholar Awards for students interested in teaching. Learn more about scholarships and awards for math majors.
Math degree requirements
Required courses for the bachelor’s in mathematics give you a solid grounding in calculus, linear algebra, and introduction to proof. You choose the advanced elective coursework together with an advisor, often guided by one of our optional concentrations which include applied mathematics, pure mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics and data science.