About this Degree
Studying mathematics develops analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem solving environment. Professional and graduate schools (business, law, and medicine) think it’s a great major because these are skills and experience they value. Jobs in business and industry abound: Whether you're interested in developing models and interpreting their results, or are interested in developing efficient algorithms to expedite known processes, mathematics and computer science are the tools of choice.
What you will learn
The Mathematics major at the University of Georgia is demanding yet versatile. The skills emphasized by this major include problem solving and analysis, mathematical modeling, and abstract conceptual thinking. The importance of these skills is recognized in the variety of career opportunities available to the mathematics major. The mathematics major is sometimes used as a stepping stone to professional schools such as law, business, or medicine; it can lead to applied careers in actuarial sciences, computer modeling and applications, and optimization and control theory; it can lead to academic positions, from high school teacher to college professor. Mathematics classes are generally small, offering students a great amount of personal attention. An active Math Club offers students opportunities to interact with each other, graduate students, and faculty.
Interesting Facts about this Degree or Program
- In The Jobs Rated Almanac (1999 edition), Les Krantz ranks 250 jobs according to six criteria: income, stress, physical demands, potential growth, job security and work environment. Mathematician ranks 5th out of 250.
- Professional graduate schools (business, law, medicine) think it's a great major because they realize that studying mathematics develops analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem solving environment; these are skills and experience which rank high on their list of assets.
Other Information about Degree or Program
The Double Dawgs B.S./Masters' programs are joint degree programs expected to take 5 years. Each has stricter requirements than the usual math major, moving students directly into graduate level course work during their 3rd and 4th years of study, and adding (usually) a 5th year of graduate-level course work.
B.S. in Mathematics with an Area of Emphasis in Applied Mathematics
There are several opportunities for research within the department of Mathematics. These experiences also provide opportunities for students to give presentations of their projects at symposia and professional meetings. All of these satisfy the university Experiential Learning requirement.
Scholarship and Award Information
The Charles M. Strahan Award
This award to outstanding junior mathematics majors was endowed by an anonymous former student of Dr. Charles M. Strahan, Professor of Civil Engineering and Mathematics from 1883 to 1945.
The Hollingsworth Award
Named in honor of Prof. John Hollingsworth, longtime colleague (1967-2000), department head (1992-1995), and--for most of us--the model of commitment to undergraduate teaching: this fund endows a scholarship for undergraduate mathematics majors.
Kossack Calculus Prize
Honors Carl F. Kossack, a retired member of the university's Mathematics and Statistics Departments. The grant supporting the prize was provided by one of Kossack's former calculus students in appreciation of Kossack's dedication to superior teaching. An exam is given every spring to determine this prize. Students are either nominated by a faculty member or may register themselves.
Additional information about these awards and scholarships can be found here.
Student Organizations
Employment Information
| American General | PowerPlan Inc. |
| Aon, General Motors | SouthCap Brokerage Group LLC |
| Kimberly-Clark | Verizon Wireless |
| Leadership Prep Middle Academy | Wilkes County Board of Education |
| McKinsey & Company |
| Accountant | Investment Banker Risk Analyst |
| Actuary | Math Teacher |
| Aerospace Engineer | Public Health Statistician |
| Cryptographer | Operations Research Analyst |
| Financial Auditor | Securities Broker |
| Econometrician | Underwriter |