B.A. in Mathematics
Become proficient in the underlying language that flows through all of the sciences.
There are two paths to study mathematics at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the more flexible, broad training of the Bachelor of Arts in mathematics or the more specialized, in-depth Bachelor of Science in mathematics. The B.A. degree allows greater compatibility with other areas of study, and prepares students for careers such as education through a broad knowledge of different subfields of both theoretical and applied mathematics.
Key Benefits
Students who major in mathematics are analytical thinkers who can solve problems in creative ways. Students gain facility in the use of technology that can transfer their knowledge easily to other areas of inquiry. From the freshman-level courses with computer lab projects to advanced statistics laboratory, our courses have evolved with the advances in technology.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in mathematics include education, research, information technology, engineering, finance, actuaries, accounting, banking, health, statistical analysts, national intelligence, and law.
Experiences Offered
Students have many opportunities for undergraduate research, conference travel, and participation in local and national academic competitions. They may also participate in seminar talks tailored to their career and mathematical interests.
B.A. in Mathematics Faculty
The Department of Mathematics at the University of Mississippi includes faculty members whose areas of expertise include matroid theory, graph theory, functional analysis, statistics, analytic number theory, complex analysis, commutative algebra, probability theory, dynamical systems, sympletic topology, and mathematical physics.
Course Requirements
A major in mathematics for a B.A. degree consists of 30 hours of mathematics courses as indicated below, plus a computer programming class chosen from:
- Csci 111, 251, 256, or 259.
Core Courses (24 hours)
- Math 261-264: Calculus I-IV - 12 hours
- Math 305: Foundations - 3 hours
- Math 319: Linear Algebra - 3 hours
- Math 555: Advanced Calculus I - 3 hours
- Math 525: Modern Algebra I - 3 hours
Math electives:
- 300 level or above - 6 hours
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics program are the same as the general undergraduate admission requirements.
Jane "Alex" Martin
Alex (BA in international studies and mathematics, 2017) was a member of the Honors College and the Croft Institute for International Studies. She served as executive director of The Big Event, managing editor of the UM Undergraduate Research Journal, and Associated Student Body director of academic affairs. Alex wrote her senior thesis on measuring changes in women empowerment resulting from reforms in Morocco, and used sophisticated statistical techniques she learned in the math major to conduct the analysis. She actually won the Terasawa prize for best overall senior thesis at the Croft Institute. Since graduation, she has been a senior research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economics.
Why study mathematics at UM? "There are so many fantastic professors in the department who really took the time to help students understand the best way to solve a problem. The proof-writing intuition I learned in the math department continues to be incredibly helpful in my career. Mathematics is such a diverse field with a wide range of opportunities, and UM is a great place to learn mathematics."
Student Organizations
Join Pi Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society.