Major in Mathematics
Program Overview
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts
Department Name
Mathematics
Department Chair Name
Department Assistant Name
Mickey Fray
What is a mathematics degree?
A Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics is an undergraduate degree awarded after studying at the college level. Students who are interested in mathematics are motivated by finding, exploring and explaining phenomena about abstract objects, such as numbers (number theory and algebra), shape (geometry and topology), change (calculus and analysis) and chance (probability and statistics).
Why study mathematics at Furman?
Furman University is a private liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to developing identity and purpose, agency and integrity, intellectual curiosity, and civic and global engagement in its students. Furman students work closely with faculty, gaining the opportunity to find uncommon connections between academic disciplines and their passions. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
How will you learn?
As a mathematics student, you will have the opportunity to study on campus, within the community and abroad. While on campus, your studies will take you from the classroom to the Mathematics Resource Center, the Sanders Science Library and a host of other onsite resources. Your work will include foundational courses in calculus, linear algebra and the art of reading and writing mathematics. You will experience capstone courses in advanced algebra and analysis. Along the way, you can take elective courses in number theory, graph theory and combinatorics, probability theory and geometry. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive attention from our faculty throughout your journey. Beyond the classroom, our mathematics majors are encouraged to participate in high-impact experiences, such as summer research and internships. Your studies will also lead you from the campus to the community and beyond. For example, our department offers two study-away experiences: Math and the Mouse (Disney World, Orlando, Florida) and Breaking Codes and Winning Wars (Washington, D.C., and England).
Careers for mathematics majors
As a mathematics student, you will learn to think creatively and reason quantitatively; you will develop the communication and critical thinking skills that translate to an array of postgraduate opportunities. Many of our graduates obtain advanced degrees in mathematics and allied fields. Others find employment in data analysis, project management, health care and teaching.
Specific occupations include:
- Data scientist
- Project analyst
- Financial manager
- Statistician
- Software engineer
- Physical therapist
- Operations researcher
- High-energy nuclear physicist
Mathematics courses: What will you study?
Vectors and Matrices
Transition to Higher Mathematics
Real Analysis
What our students say
“The mathematics major at Furman provided me with a broad mathematical foundation that proved to be invaluable during my math graduate program, while still allowing me to customize the major to my interests. In my current job, I analyze real-world data in order to extract meaningful insights and patterns, a passion that was realized through experiences like summer research and my May Experience where I had opportunities to explore and pursue a variety of mathematical fields.” – Mary Lib Saine ’18
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. In addition, a widespread network of community and alumni mentors will help you along your educational path. Our mathematics faculty comprises decades of study and real-world expertise. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
FAQ
Studying mathematics involves critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration. These are vital skills for entering the job market or preparing yourself for graduate school. Mathematics graduates have gone on to thrive in fields such as computer science, business analysis, data analysis, actuarial science, consulting, biostatistics, chemistry, engineering, law and medicine. They have worked as practitioners across health care, the law, the sciences and consultancies.
Graduates with an undergraduate mathematics degree earn an average yearly salary of $57,720 a year or more, according Ziprecruiter ¬ although some annual salaries have been recorded as high as $123,500 or more.
Yes, it is possible to major in mathematics and another discipline. A recent survey of our students found that 61% of mathematics majors are double majors.
The mathematics B.A. and B.S. at Furman are typically four-year programs.