Mathematics, BA BA
Mathematics is the international language of science and technology. Much of the subject matter in engineering and the natural sciences, as well as some social sciences such as economics, is presented in mathematical terms. Mathematical and statistical techniques are vital in fields that usually are not considered mathematical, such as biology, psychology, and political science.
Some students come to mathematical sciences with the intention of teaching in high school or college or pursuing research in mathematics. Some are attracted to mathematics for its own sake, for the beauty, discipline, logic, and problem-solving challenges. Other students pursue mathematics in order to achieve deeper understanding in their own areas of study.
Many students assume that most math majors become teachers. While many do, there are many other opportunities for math majors. The United States National Security Agency is the largest employer of math majors in the country. Math majors will also be found at NASA; in engineering firms; at insurance and risk management firms; in robotics and computer science companies; at large and small corporations working in market research, data management and web management; at social media start ups and established firms like YouTube; and any place that needs to make decisions based on numerical facts.
At UWM, the Math major has been designed to be flexible so that students could complete their major requirements via courses that match their interests and goals. Many students should find it relatively easy to complete double majors in mathematics and another subject.
Most mathematics courses belong in one of the following four groups: applied mathematics, computational mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics.
- Applied Mathematics is a discipline using mathematical analysis to solve problems coming from outside the field of mathematics.
- Computational mathematics is closely related to applied mathematics. It emphasizes techniques of scientific computing and other computational analysis.
- Pure mathematics emphasizes the theory and structure underlying all areas of mathematics.
- Statistics is a field of mathematics that provides strategies and tools for using data to gain insight into real-world and experimental problems.
Students of the sciences, engineering, computer science, economics, and business often complete a significant number of mathematical sciences credits. These students are encouraged to take a mathematics major or minor, which adds an official recognition of important analytical skills valued by employers and graduate schools.
Students interested in teaching mathematics at the K-12 level should examine the School of Education programs.
Some students with an interest in computer science choose to enroll in the Applied Math and Computer Science program. This program is ideal for the student who might have considered double majoring in both math and computer science; it combines applied math courses with computer science classes for you into one program.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the Mathematics major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
Mathematics Major Requirements
Preparatory Curriculum
Students in all majors in the Department of Mathematical Sciences must complete MATH 231 (or MATH 213), MATH 232, and MATH 233 (or equivalent). MATH 221 and MATH 222 are equivalent to MATH 231, MATH 232, and MATH 233. Students majoring in mathematics must have an average GPA of at least 2.500 in these courses. All majors must take either MATH 234 or MATH 240, as well as a course in computer programming in a modern, high-level language (e.g., COMPSCI 151, COMPSCI 202, COMPSCI 240, COMPSCI 250, or COMPSCI 251). The department also recommends strongly one year of calculus-based physics.
Capstone Experience
Students in all majors and major options in the Department of Mathematical Sciences must complete a "Capstone Experience." The aim of the department's capstone experience is to encourage independent learning. Students complete a research paper in the context of this course, which satisfies the L&S research requirement. Mathematics majors may choose either MATH 599 or MATH 575. Students must obtain consent of a professor to enroll in MATH 599.
Requirements
The following courses are required for the Mathematics major:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 341 | Seminar: Introduction to the Language and Practice of Mathematics | 3 |
| Select 24 credits in upper-division math courses (those numbered 300 and above, and in curricular areas MATH or MTHSTAT or ACTSCI). Required among these 24 upper-division math credits are at least six credits in math courses numbered 500 and above, excluding MATH 591, MATH 599, MATH 699, ACTSCI 490, or ACTSCI 599. | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Additional Requirements
- Note that MATH 381 is not open for credit in the Mathematics major.
- Actuarial Science majors wishing to complete Math as a second major must take 9 cr of upper div Math/MthStat courses beyond the major requirements of Actuarial Science.
- Students completing an AMCS degree who wish to add Mathematics as a second major must take 9 cr of additional upper division Math/MthStat/ActSci courses beyond those used to fulifill the AMCS degree Math/MthStat/ActSci requirements.
- Students must complete at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM.
- The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including transfer work.
Recommendations
Mathematics courses fall naturally into the following groups (see below for individual courses):
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Pure Mathematics
For students planning to pursue graduate studies in mathematics, we recommend students take at least 36 cr upper division mathematics courses, with as many courses as possible from Pure Mathematics, Group 1. Many PhD programs require reading knowledge of French, German, or Russian.
For students planning to pursue graduate studies in statistics or economics, we recommend MATH 523, MATH 524, and as many as possible of MTHSTAT 361, MTHSTAT 362, and MTHSTAT 562-MTHSTAT 568.
For students seeking employment in statistics after the bachelor's degree, we recommend MTHSTAT 361, MTHSTAT 362, and as many as possible of MTHSTAT 562-MTHSTAT 568, as well as courses in computer programming (COMPSCI 250, COMPSCI 251, etc.).
For students seeking general non-academic employment after the bachelor’s degree, we recommend courses from the Probability and Statistics group (including MTHSTAT 362), the Applied Mathematics group (including both modeling and differential equations), the Computational Mathematics group, Linear Algebra (MATH 535), and courses in computer programming (COMPSCI 240, COMPSCI 250, COMPSCI 251, etc.).
For students intending to become high school mathematics teachers, we recommend courses in algebra (MATH 431, MATH 531), geometry (MATH 451), linear algebra (MATH 535), numerical methods (MATH 413), advanced calculus (MATH 523, MATH 524), the math education capstone (MATH 575), and probability and statistics (MTHSTAT 361 & MTHSTAT 362).
For students pursuing a major in mathematics as a liberal art, for general logical and critical thinking skills, we recommend the Pure Mathematics courses.
Mathematics Groups
Applied Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 305 | Introduction to Mathematical and Computational Modeling | 3 |
| MATH 320 | Introduction to Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 325 | Vector Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 322 | Introduction to Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 405 | Mathematical Models and Applications | 3 |
| MATH 431 | Modern Algebra with Applications | 3 |
| MATH 603 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics I | 3 |
| MATH 604 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics II | 3 |
Computational Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 313 | Linear Programming and Optimization | 3 |
| MATH 315 | Mathematical Programming and Optimization | 3 |
| MATH 413 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 415 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MATH 417 | Computational Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 610 | Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 617 | Optimization | 3 |
Probability and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 583 | Introduction to Probability Models | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 361 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 362 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 562 | Design of Experiments | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 563 | Regression Analysis | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 564 | Time Series Analysis | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 565 | Nonparametric Statistics | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 566 | Computational Statistics | 3 |
| MTHSTAT 568 | Multivariate Statistical Analysis | 3 |
Pure Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 523 | Advanced Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 524 | Advanced Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 531 | Modern Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 535 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 551 | Elementary Topology | 3 |
| MATH 623 | Introduction to Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 624 | Introduction to Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 635 | Modern Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH 636 | Modern Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH 451 | Axiomatic Geometry | 3 |
| MATH 511 | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| MATH 537 | Number Theory | 3 |
| MATH 553 | Differential Geometry | 3 |
Mathematics Advising
Students considering a major in the Department of Mathematical Sciences need to come to the department to declare their major and be assigned a faculty advisor. All courses selected for the major must be approved by the advisor, and students should check regularly with their advisors to plan their courses of study in a coherent and timely fashion.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.