Mathematics

Learn the art and science of mathematics. Develop deep reasoning skills, quantitative literacy, and scientific fluency that provide a strong background for careers in business, government, industry, law, medicine, and more.

As a mathematics major, you’ll take courses in standard subjects like algebra and geometry, plus innovative courses in coding theory, cryptography, data science, game theory, mathematical modeling, and voting theory. We offer two rigorous bachelor’s degrees, both with honors versions:

  • Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Mathematics: 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: choose a concentration in abstract mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics for data science, or mathematics for social interaction

Why earn this degree here?

Funded Research Opportunities

Many students get funded through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites program, supporting intensive research during spring and summer semesters.

Math Tutoring Lab

Get help with your classes and develop your mathematical knowledge and teaching skills as a paid tutor in the Math Tutoring Lab.

Undergraduate Research

Develop your research skills alongside faculty through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program or its summer counterpart, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

Joseph Schmidt, UM-Flint Mathematics graduate

“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.”

Joseph Schmidt

Mathematics, 2019
Project Engineer, Empire Dynamics Machinery

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Curriculum Overview

We offer two undergraduate degrees in mathematics: the Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Mathematics and the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Two minors are available to students in any program: the Mathematics Minor and the Mathematics Teacher’s Certificate Minor. We also offer a Mathematics Teacher’s Certificate Program leading to a BS degree, designed for students who want to teach secondary school mathematics.

Career Outlook

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, with a median annual salary of $98,680 — more than double the median for all occupations. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Actuaries

24%

Job growth through 2030

2,400

Job openings annually through 2030

$105,900

Median annual salary

Data Scientists

36%

Job growth through 2030

13,500

Job openings annually through 2030

$100,910

Median annual salary

Mathematicians and Statisticians

33%

Job growth through 2030

5,200

Job openings annually through 2030

$96,280

Median annual salary

Other strong options include financial analysts ($95,570 median salary) and operations research analysts ($82,360 median salary). More information about careers for mathematics majors is available from the American Mathematical Society and the American Statistical Association.

Scholarships for Mathematics Majors

  • Freeman, Ralph M., and Emmalyn E. Mathematics Scholarship
  • White, Barbara Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Admission Requirements

Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics majors follow UM-Flint’s standard first-year or transfer admission requirements — there are no additional program-specific requirements to declare this major.

To help you stay on track toward a degree, it’s essential to develop a strong relationship with your academic advisor, who can clarify program requirements, help you select courses, and discuss the benefits of different concentrations. If you’re thinking about majoring in Mathematics or Actuarial Mathematics, consult with the program’s advisor before registering for your first-semester classes.