Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

Speak the language of science.

Professor at chalkboard gesticulating with hands and turning to class.

"There are so many professors in the math department that have gone above and beyond to help students out if they needed it on homework or preparing for a test. These professors are what makes the math department so special."

Isabella Colotta ('24)

B.A. in Mathematics

About this Program

The Department of Mathematics in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Mathematics. Math majors study numbers, solve problems, think critically, and become proficient in the underlying language that flows through all of the sciences. Majors have opportunities for undergraduate research, conference travel, and participation in local and national academic competitions. They can also participate in seminar talks that are tailored to their career and mathematical interests.

B.A. vs B.S. Degree

Students can choose between the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

  • The B.A. in Mathematics allows greater compatibility with other areas of study. It has a deeper and wider general education foundation and requires a minor field of study (or double major).  
  • The B.S. in Mathematics has an optional emphasis in statistics. The more specialized B.S. degree provides in-depth training in pure, discrete, or applied mathematics, statistics, mathematics and computer science, or finance and actuarial science.

The Value of a Mathematics Degree

Students who major in mathematics are analytical thinkers who can solve problems in creative ways. They gain a broad knowledge of both theoretical and applied mathematics, and gain facility in the use of technology that can transfer their knowledge easily to other areas of inquiry.

Related careers in mathematics include:

  • Education
  • Research
  • Information technology
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Actuaries
  • Accounting
  • Banking
  • Health
  • Statistical analysts
  • National intelligence
  • Law

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Program Type

    Major

    Minor

    Area of Study

    Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology

    Duration

    4 Years

    Degree

    B.A. in Mathematics

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Required Credit Hours

    120

    Degree Requirements

    See degree requirements for the major and minor in mathematics below. For more information, see the online catalog

    Students in the B.A. in Mathematics complete 30 credit hours of math courses.

    • Math 261: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry I 
    • Math 262: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
    • Math 263: Unified Calculus & Analytical Geometry III
    • Math 264: Unified Calculus & Analytical Geometry IV
    • Math 305: Foundations
    • Math 319: Introduction to Linear Algebra
    • Math 525: Modern Algebra I
    • Math 555: Advanced Calculus I
    • One computer programming course 
      • Csci 111: Computer Science I
      • Csci 251: Programming for Engineering and Sciences
      • Csci 256: Programming in Python
      • Csci 259: Programming in C++
    • Two math elective courses at the 300-level or above

    See all math courses in the online catalog.

    A minor in Math consists 15 credit hours and may be completed using one of two options. 

    Option 1

    • Math 261: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry I  or Math 271: Calculus of Decision Making I
    • Math 262: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
    • Math 263: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry III
    • Math 264: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry IV
    • One course at the 300 level or above

    Option 2

    • Math 261: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry I  or Math 271: Calculus of Decision Making I
    • Math 262: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
    • Math 263: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry III
    • Two courses at the 300 level or above

     

    Connect with a Mathematics Student

    Isabelle  Colotta

    Isabelle Colotta

    • Greek Life
    • Service and Community Engagement

    Why did you choose the math major?

    See Isabelle’s Answer

    What can I do with a math degree?

    • Fraud Team Manager, Barclays Bank
    • Assistant US Attorney, US Dept of Justice
    • CEO, Peoples Bank
    • Cybersecurity Analyst, FedEx
    • President, Bickerstaff Actuarial Consultants
    • Faculty, UM Medical Center
    • Analyst, National Security Agency
    • Head Scientist, Naval Surface Warfare
    • Math Teacher, Vicksburg High School
    • Senior Vice President, Bank of America
    • Faculty, Duke University
    • President, MS Delta Community College
    • Research Scientist, Veteran's Administration
    • Senior Actuary, Willis Towers Watson
    • Optometrist, Visions Optique and Eyecare
    • Executive Director, Math Assoc. of America

    Choosing your Minor or Double Major

    Bachelor of Arts students must choose a minor (or double major). Combine your study of math with many other subjects based on your interests and career goals.  

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?