B.S. in Mathematics
Take courses in theoretical and applied mathematics while learning to solve problems in creative ways.
There are two paths to study mathematics at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the more broad training of the Bachelor of Arts in mathematics or the more specialized Bachelor of Science in mathematics. The B.S. degree allows students gain more depth in areas such as pure, applied, and discrete mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science.
Key Benefits
Gain facility in the use of technology that transfers easily to other areas of inquiry. From the freshman-level courses with computer lab projects to the advanced statistics laboratory, our courses have evolved with the advances in technology. The B.S. degree best prepares students for graduate school in mathematics or to undertake careers in mathematically oriented professions.
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, finance, actuarial science, banking, health care, statistical analysts, national intelligence, and law.
Experiences Offered
The Department of Mathematics provides 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.S. 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.S. degree consists of 42 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
A two-course in-depth sequence
- 555/556: Advanced Calculus I and II
- 525/526: Modern Algebra I and II
- 301/401: Discrete Math/Combinatorics
- 353/454: Elementary/Intermediate Differential Equations
- 375/475: Statistics
Electives:
300 level or above to reach the total of 42 credit hours of mathematics courses. The same mathematics course may satisfy more than one category, but students must still complete the total hours for the major.
An optional emphasis in statistics requires three courses:
- Math 375 – Introduction to Statistics I
- Math 380 – Statistical Computing and Data Analysis
- Math 475 – Introduction to Statistics II
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science in mathematics program are the same as the general undergraduate admission requirements.
Samuel Watson
Samuel (B.S. in Mathematics and Physics, B.A. in Classics, 2008; M.S. in Mathematics, 2009) was an honors student who received a Goldwater and Gates Cambridge Scholarship as well as UM awards in classics and mathematics. He wrote exams for the university's high school math contest and coached the Oxford Middle School Mathcounts team to a state championship. After studying mathematics at the University of Cambridge, he earned a Ph.D. in mathematics at MIT on a National Science Foundation fellowship. Now Director of Graduate Studies in the Data Science Initiative at Brown University, he researches fractal curves and surfaces which emerge from the study of geometric arrangements of microscopic randomness, and trains students in data science.
Why study mathematics at UM?
"Mathematical ideas have recently been leveraged to profound effect in the social sciences, physical sciences, business, finance, and other fields. Honing your mathematical problem solving skills in college puts you at the forefront of these developments. The UM math department in particular provides a welcoming and supportive learning environment. You will have invaluable opportunities for mentorship from professors who care about you as an individual."
Student Organizations
Join Pi Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honor society.