Learn the Art and Science of Mathematics
As a mathematics major at the University of Michigan-Flint, you take courses in standard subjects like algebra and geometry. But you also have the opportunity to take innovative courses in subjects like coding theory, cryptography, data science, game theory, mathematical modeling, voting theory, and more.
Mathematics is both an art and a science. Studying mathematics helps you develop deep reasoning skills, quantitative literacy, and scientific fluency. This combination provides a strong background for a variety of careers in fields like business, government, industry, law, medicine, politics, and teaching, among others.
We offer two rigorous bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, all of which have honors versions:
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Mathematics: This program prepares you to take the first two examinations from The Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society before or shortly after graduation.
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics: This program is a great choice if you want to study mathematics in depth to prepare for graduate school or a career in mathematics or a related field. You choose a concentration in abstract mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics for data science, or mathematics for social interaction, allowing you to tailor the curriculum to your interests.
Why UM-Flint?
The most important reason to study mathematics at UM-Flint is the quality of our faculty. They’re scholars who are engaged in research, but they come to UM-Flint because they love teaching and helping students succeed. That commitment extends to taking the time to get to know you and work with you individually.
Every semester you have a mandatory advising session with faculty and the department’s professional academic advisor to discuss course content and selection, curriculum requirements, and your academic progress. You also get guidance about careers and graduate school.
Here are just a few other reasons you should study mathematics at UM-Flint:
- Many of our students get funded to participate in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites program. REU Sites supports intensive research by undergraduate students in any NSF-funded area of research during spring/summer semesters.
- In a paid or volunteer role, you can develop your research skills while working side-by-side with faculty on state-of-the-art research in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program or its summer counterpart, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, which offers full- and half-time positions.
- Our Math Tutoring Lab offers help with your classes and opportunities to further develop your mathematical knowledge and teaching skills as a paid tutor.
- The Student Union for Math (SUM) and the Actuarial Club provide opportunities to plan and attend social events with your fellow math students, attend math conferences, and partner with faculty for outreach programs such as math competitions hosted by UM-Flint.
- We annually take a group of four to six students to the Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society, a huge math conference with thousands of participants, where some present their original research. We also occasionally take students to smaller local conferences: the Michigan Undergraduate Mathematics Competition, sectional meetings of the American Mathematical Society, and meetings of the Mathematics Association of America.
I actually didn’t like math for a long time. But when I got to what would have been my final math course at UM-Flint, I was kind of disappointed, so I switched my major. I have been able to get to know my professors so well. They’ve been very open to helping me with course content and even exploring topics we aren’t covering in class.” After graduating from UM-Flint, Joseph is now a Project Engineer with Empire Dynamics Machinery.
Joseph Schmidt
Mathematics 2019
Mathematics Programs at UM-Flint
We offer two undergraduate degrees in mathematics, each of which has an honors version:
Two minors are available to students in any program at UM-Flint:
Finally, we offer a Mathematics Teacher’s Certificate program that leads to a BS degree. It’s designed for students who want to teach secondary school mathematics.
Scholarships for Mathematics Majors
UM-Flint provides two scholarships that are specifically for mathematics students:
- Ralph M. and Emmalyn E. Freeman Mathematics Scholarship
- Barbara Davis White Memorial Scholarship Fund
Our Office of Financial Aid also offers a variety of other scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. They’re all part of our effort to make your world-class University of Michigan-Flint education affordable.
Academic Advising for Mathematics Majors
To help you stay on track toward a degree, it’s essential for you to develop a strong relationship with UM-Flint’s academic advisors. They can clarify program requirements, help you select courses, discuss the benefits of different course concentrations, and more. The dedicated academic advisor for the Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics programs is Cydnee Robertson. You can contact her at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.
If you’re thinking about majoring in Mathematics or Actuarial Mathematics, it’s important for you to consult with the program’s academic advisor before registering for your first-semester classes.
Career Opportunities in Mathematics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in math occupations is projected to grow 28 percent between 2020 and 2030, more than five times faster than the average for all occupations. Two math occupations—data scientists and statisticians—will be among the top 10 fastest-growing occupations.
“For mathematical occupations, expected robust growth in data – in part related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the connectivity of consumer products and industrial machinery – and demand for data to be collected and analyzed are main factors behind strong projected employment growth,” the BLS says.
Math occupations had a median annual salary of $98,680 in May 2021, the BLS reports. That’s more than double the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
Your bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UM-Flint will open the door to a wide range of career options. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the BLS:
- Actuaries
- Job growth through 2030: 24 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 2,400
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $105,900
- Data Scientists
- Job growth through 2030: 36 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 13,500
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $100,910
- Financial Analysts
- Job growth through 2030: 9 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 32,000
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $95,570
- Mathematicians and Statisticians
- Job growth through 2030: 33 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 5,200
- Typical entry-level education required: Master’s degree
- Median annual salary: $96,280
- Operations Research Analysts
- Job growth through 2030: 25 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 10,200
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $82,360
More information about careers for mathematics majors is available from the American Mathematical Society and the American Statistical Association.
Get Started on Your Mathematics Career Today
If you want a degree that provides a strong academic foundation and skills that open the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s mathematics program today. If you have questions, you can contact the program’s dedicated academic advisor, Cydnee Robertson. You can contact her at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.