About the major
Mathematics undergraduates at UT Austin receive a broad training that incorporates principle ideas from the most significant research areas in the mathematical sciences. Mathematics is one of the fastest-growing majors, with applications for a variety of careers and areas of future study.
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics allows each student to choose among options and concentrated areas, based on their own academic and career goals. Distinct pathways can help prepare students to either enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies in the future.
Options for Mathematics Majors
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Actuarial Science was designed to support students wishing to enter the actuarial profession. This is Mathematics, option 1.
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Mathematics emphasizes innovative quantitative skills and offers students an opportunity to assemble a slate of courses that, when coupled with strong academic records, will better prepare them for positions in high-tech, finance, health, government agencies, national laboratories or graduate study. This is Mathematics, Option 7.
Students may also opt for mathematics honors (Option 6), to specialize in teaching (Option 5), or for a B.A. or B.S.A. degree.
Learn more about our undergraduate offerings
Pathways for Mathematics Majors
Math majors have options in designing their course of study, as well as the ability to pursue pathways. Pathways are courses grouped to teach students about a particular area of mathematics and build skills in that area. They are not listed on the degree itself (i.e., students graduate with a degree in Mathematics.)
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Pure Mathematics is suitable for students who intend to go to graduate school and continue their studies in pure mathematics.
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Applied Mathematics offers students an opportunity to assemble a slate of courses that, when coupled with strong academic records, will better prepare them for positions in high-tech, finance, health, government agencies, national laboratories or graduate study where innovative quantitative skills are required. This program focuses on algorithms, computation, modeling, numerical analysis, PDEs and theoretical statistics.
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Statistics and Probability is most suitable for math majors intending to go to graduate school to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. in statistics, finance, economics, etc. Math majors who want to get a job in the field right away may have to take additional coding classes and some, if not most, classes from the Data Science Pathway.
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Data Science is revolutionizing every industry, every area of science and everyday life, and its foundation lies in mathematics. This pathway is suitable for mathematics majors who plan to enter the job market directly after completing their Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree.
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Scientific Computation involves the study and advancement of computational methods and data analysis technique and integrates concepts and principles from mathematics with computer science and the various branches of science, engineering and medicine. This pathway is suitable for students who intend to pursue employment in a company using technical computing and those who seek to enroll in graduate school to continue their studies in scientific computing and numerical analysis.
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Actuarial Science: Most students wishing to enter the actuarial profession choose this pathway.
Courses Mathematics Majors Take
Get a sense for some of the courses that many of our majors take below. A more complete list for each catalog may be found when you search for your degree option by the year of entry or catalog.
Entry-Level Requirements
Natural Sciences students declare a degree and a major after receiving passing grades in key courses. For mathematics, these are typically:
- Differential and Integral Calculus (M 408C) / Sequence, Series, and Multivariable Calculus (M 408D) or Differential Calculus for Science (M 408N) and Integral Calculus for Science (M 408S)
Examples of Courses
Students take additional courses in math and other disciplines, such as:
- Elements of Computers/Programming
- Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics
- Inquiry-based Mathematics
Actuarial Science Course Examples
- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Accounting
- Business Finance
- Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
- Discrete Mathematics or Introduction to Number Theory
- Probability and Applied Statistics or Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Mathematics General Course Examples
- Discrete Mathematics or Introduction to Number Theory
- Multivariable Calculus or Advanced Calculus for Applications; Differential Equations with Linear Algebra; Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory; Probability
- Algebraic Structures, Real Analysis and/or Topology