Mathematics Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Mathematics major studies numbers, structures, patterns and logical reasoning. Mathematics majors study calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, abstract algebra, analysis and statistics.

A Mathematics major includes coursework in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability and statistics, and abstract algebra and more. You build skills such as logical reasoning, problem solving, quantitative analysis, and programming. Typical degrees: bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability and statistics, abstract algebra, and real analysis. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Mathematics is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 60 colleges reported certificate awards, 225 colleges reported associate awards, 1,118 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 362 colleges reported master’s awards, and 176 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to mathematics include mathematician, statistician, actuary, operations research analyst, data scientist, financial analyst, and high school teacher. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include mathematician (typical training: 2–6 years after a bachelor’s), statistician (typical training: 2 years after a bachelor’s), actuary (typical training: Several years of exams while working), operations research analyst (typical training: Entry-level with a quantitative degree), data scientist (typical training: 4–6 years), and financial analyst (typical training: 4 years).

Mathematics majors build skills such as logical reasoning, problem solving, quantitative analysis, programming, and proof writing.

Good pairings include Computer Science (opens software and data science careers), Economics (applies math to markets and policy), and Education (prepares you to teach math).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as mathematician, statistician, and actuary, and enjoy subjects like calculus and linear algebra. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

1,352 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (174), New York (92), Pennsylvania (89), Texas (83), and Massachusetts (47), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

1,129 of the colleges that offer mathematics also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Mathematics studies numbers, structures, patterns and logical reasoning. Biology studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Mathematics leads to careers such as mathematician and statistician, while Biology leads to careers such as biological technician and microbiologist.

Mathematics studies numbers, structures, patterns and logical reasoning. Chemistry studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react. Mathematics leads to careers such as mathematician and statistician, while Chemistry leads to careers such as chemist and chemical technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to mathematics, such as Mathematician Training.