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"A mathematician, like a painter or a poet, is a maker of patterns." G.H. Hardy

Mathematics involves the study of quantity, structure, space and change.

The Mathematics Program at CMU immerses students in the mathematical language and introduces students to a variety of mathematical fields. Graduates are prepared to use and create complex mathematics, problem solve logically, conjecture truths and verify truth through rigorous proof.

CMU mathematics faculty have a diverse set of mathematical backgrounds, teach a variety of classes and enjoy leading students in mathematical projects of their own (such as their senior capstone project). Students take classes in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Number Theory, Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis, and get to interact with professors who know their name and genuinely care about their success.

When pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree, students develop powerful problem-solving, logical and critical thinking skills. By completing the required coursework, students gain an understanding of the nature of proof, a broad general understanding of mathematics and a deep understanding of at least one area of mathematics. Math majors also develop independent learning skills, and oral and written mathematical communication skills.

Academic Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

A minor in mathematics is a natural enhancement to many majors outside the field where an understanding of math is needed.

Academic Requirements for Minor in Mathematics

The Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in mathematics provides students with a reasonable exposure to foundational college-level mathematics.

Academic Requirements for Associate of Science in Mathematics, Liberal Arts

“There is no branch of mathematics, however abstract, which may not some day be applied to phenomena of the real world.” Nikolai Lobachevsky

Math is useful whenever there are patterns, relationships and structure that we would like to understand, describe and make use of. This is the case in a myriad of contexts, both academic and industrial, and accordingly mathematicians can find employment in a wide range of fields. Depending on their courses and experience, mathematicians can work for universities, government agencies such as the National Security Agency, or companies and laboratories doing technical analyses, including being a data scientist, computational biologist or financial analyst.

College to Career

See how alumnus Joshua Garland is taking mathematics into the fields of paleoclimate science, cardiac electrophysiology, dominance hierarchies and collective animal behavior.

More about this graduate