Mathematics empowers you with the analytical, logical and problem-solving skills necessary to understand the practical aspects of everyday life and the philosophical depth of scientific thinking.
Encompassing several of the original liberal arts, mathematics is valued for its intellectual beauty and its timeless exploration of all things spatial, quantitative and patterned through the lens of rigorous abstraction. As a vibrant modern science, it offers unparalleled analytical power for describing, detailing and deriving insight into a range of physical, biological, technological, economic and societal aspects of our world.
Whether or not you know what you want to do after college, a mathematics major may suit your interests and needs. The major or minor can also provide an excellent technical and theoretical complement to a degree in other fields. Oxy’s mathematics major is broad enough to satisfy diverse interests and strong enough to give you a solid analytical background for further study in many scientific disciplines. Take your learning abroad through Budapest Semesters in Mathematics or the Math in Moscow program. Pursue research on campus alongside a faculty mentor or apply to spend the summer at a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates at one of numerous host institutions around the country.
For a wide array of jobs, employers need people with the quantitative and analytical skills a degree in mathematics provides. The department can recommend specific coursework for graduate study in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, engineering or computer science; a career in actuarial science, operations research, government or business; certification for secondary teaching; as well as other career paths you may not have thought possible with a degree in mathematics.
