Mathematics
College of Science
Emphases: Statistics (optional)
Bennion
Center
Office of
Undergraduate Research
Courses
Getting Started
- Start with appropriate math & science courses (check with an advisor)
- Complete writing requirement in first year
- Take GEs to explore secondary interests (~1 Gen Ed. each semester)
Making Progress
Meet often with your advisor to:
- Discuss your goals & interests and create a graduation plan that works for you
- Stay on track with major coursework & choose GEs that help develop new skills
- Connect with resources that keep you moving toward graduation
- Consider minors/certificates to add to your degree
- Learn about academic/co-curricular opportunities to enhance your university experience
Finishing Up
- Focus on math electives that advance your academic goals
- Finish up GEs & degree requirements
- Review degree audit with an advisor & apply for graduation before final semester
Community
Getting Started
- Join the Math Community’s Discord or AWM mentoring program
- Check out the Math Center’s study spaces, computer lab, & student break room
- Live in Kahlert Village for 1st year COS majors
Making Progress
- Join our student chapters of the Association for Women in Mathematics or Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics
- Attend the Undergraduate Colloquium to get to know faculty & students in the department
- Apply to live in the Crocker Science House
- Attend the Get Involved Fair & connect with student groups on campus that align with your interests
Finishing Up
- Apply for a leadership position in your student group
- Volunteer in the community
- Get involved with the Alumni Association
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
- Take advantage of academic support resources in the Math Center
- Connect with tutors in other departments and through the Learning Center
Making Progress
- Participate in undergraduate research
- Organize study groups with your peers
- Join the Directed Reading Program
- Become a Learning Assistant
- Apply to work at the Math Center
- Find an internship experience - explore options in the College of Science or through the CPDC
- Explore graduate programs to take your knowledge to the next level
Finishing Up
- Participate in CPDC workshops or meet with a Career Coach to polish your resume & practice interviews
- Take advantage of Career Fairs
- Apply to graduate school
Transformation
Getting Started
- Attend office hours to get to know your professors
- Find a mentor in the AWM mentor program or connect with faculty & student leaders
Making Progress
- Meet with an advisor to learn about opportunities to build your resume and enhance your university experience
- Apply for scholarships in the dept. or college
- Take action - go on a Learning Abroad trip, reach out to professors to engage in research experiences, apply for internships, or get a job in the Math Center
- Attend a workshop in the Counseling Center to develop appropriate work-life balance
Finishing Up
- Share your research in appropriate venues, like the URS and/or URJ
- Discuss your future plans with a trusted faculty member or career coach
- Participate in graduation events
Impact
Getting Started
- Visit the Bennion Center to discover volunteer opportunities and community service projects
- Explore the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy
Making Progress
- Become a College of Science Student Ambassador or Orientation Leader
- Talk to your advisor about undergraduate research and/or outreach opportunities in the college or dept.
- Get involved with ASUU or consider a leadership position in a student group
- Explore the Bennion Center - apply to go on an Alternative Break trip, participate in a community service project, and/or become a Bennion Scholar
Finishing Up
- Attend a Hinckley Forum or Frontiers of Science event on campus
- Volunteer in the community with organizations that align with your personal or professional interests
Careers
Getting Started
- Meet with the Science Career Coach and/or take UGS 1950 to explore your career interests
- Create accounts & start to build your network through Handshake, LinkedIn, & ForeverUtah
Making Progress
- Talk to a Career Coach about resume/cover letters, interview & job search skills, and Career Fair prep
- Draft a resume & update it regularly
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields that interest you
- Talk to faculty & alumni to see if grad school is needed for your future career
- Attend the fall STEM Career Fair to learn about upcoming summer internships
- Update your networks on your progress & interests
Finishing Up
- Refine your resume/CV & cover letter
- Practice interviews & salary negotiation with a Career Coach
- Attend the STEM Career Fair
- Apply for jobs or grad school
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
If you have an interest and talent for math, consider the Mathematics major at the University of Utah. Mathematics involves the study of relationships between numbers, structures, and patterns. With its origins in algebra and geometry, mathematics offers the opportunity to expand in numerous directions including probability, statistics, numerical analysis, decision-making, cryptography, finance and more. As a Math major at the U, you will complete courses in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Foundations of Analysis, and Physics, and you can choose from a wide range of math electives including Statistics & Probability, Complex Variables, Modern Algebra, Mathematical Finance, Number Theory, Numerical Analysis and more. Our courses are taught by highly engaged professors who are leaders in their field and the Math Department provides opportunities for you to engage in research with faculty members. As a Mathematics major, you will learn to think critically and acquire valuable analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills that prepare you for advanced degrees in mathematics or a range of careers in fields like science, actuarial science, finance, medicine, and engineering.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the concepts of differential, integral, and multivariable calculus.
- Apply the concepts of Euclidean vector spaces and matrices and ordinary differential equations.
- Comprehend and construct logical, quantitatively, and grammatically correct mathematical proofs.
- Analyze and understand quantitative problems with arise in applications, with enhanced capabilities depending on choice of specialization. For example, specialized skill set areas include deterministic or probabilistic models in the Statistics Emphasis.
- Present and defend mathematical arguments, and work individually as well as interactively in group situations, using oral, written, and graphic forms.
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.