Major Programs
The Department of Mathematics offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mathematics and in Data Science. Learn more about the degrees requirements in the UA Undergraduate Catalog: Mathematics and Data Science.
Learn when math courses are typically offered on the course offerings page.
Mathematics Major
Optional Concentrations
Students who wish to enhance their knowledge in a particular area of study within the mathematical sciences may elect to organize their coursework around the four concentrations listed below. Though not required, these concentrations allow the students to develop an area of specialization within the major and would be part of their required upper division sequence and/or electives listed in the major.
Pure Mathematics
The concentration in Pure Mathematics focuses on studying the underlying structure of mathematics. The concept of proof is an essential component of this concentration. This concentration is of particular interest to students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in mathematics or theoretical physics, and those students focusing on areas such as cryptography in computer science.
Applied Mathematics
The Applied Mathematics concentration is composed of several courses to give students a background in the applications of mathematics. All students completing this concentration must take Theory of Probability and Introduction to Complex Variables to gain an understanding of these tools that are used in many different fields. Additionally, students need to complete a sequence in one of the areas of applied mathematics that focus on either modeling through differential equations, modeling through optimization techniques, or the study of numerical techniques. This concentration pairs well with majors in Engineering and Sciences and studies much of the mathematics needed for further studies in those fields.
Mathematical Statistics and Optimization
Our information based economy involves problems that require the ability to analyze large amounts of data. This concentration teaches students the mathematical techniques necessary for large scale data analysis from probabilistic, statistical, and/or optimization perspectives. This concentration would be beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers in actuarial science, business analytics, statistics, and other fields that involve data analysis.
Mathematics Education
This concentration is designed to prepare students to have the content knowledge needed to teach mathematics at the secondary level. This concentration does not lead to teacher certification. Students interested in earning teacher certification must be admitted through the College of Education and should either complete the Secondary Education-Mathematics Major, or the Mathematics Education Minor and the Alternative Certification Masters program in conjunctions with these courses.
Data Science Major
The Data Science major is an interdisciplinary Bachelor’s of Science program that provides a comprehensive course of study in the mathematical theory and algorithms used to explore, understand, and analyze large sets of data. The program aims to equip students with the experience and knowledge needed to understand and implement current machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, as well as to provide a foundation for being able to learn novel techniques as they arise. This program is a joint offering of the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science.
Double Majors
Many mathematics majors choose to complete second majors in computer science, electrical engineering, economics, and finance, among other fields.
Minor Programs
We offer four minor programs: two generalized minors designed for students pursuing non-education degrees, one specifically for College of Education students, and one for students interested in actuarial science.
General Minors
The Department of Mathematics offers two general minors, both of which require 21 semester hours of math courses:
Math Education Minor
A minor in mathematics education is available to education students pursuing the mathematics major (mathematics education track). Read detailed requirements in the UA Undergraduate Catalog.
Actuarial Science
The Department of Mathematics has partnered with Culverhouse College of Business to provide students majoring in mathematics an opportunity to augment their strong quantitative and analytical skills with context driven applications and industry knowledge through an Actuarial Science minor.
For additional information, please visit the Actuarial Sciences minor page in the UA Undergraduate Catalog. Questions should be directed to Kenny Wunder, Ph.D., at kwunder@culverhouse.ua.edu.