All About Being A Math Major

"Like music, mathematics is the creative exploration of possibilities within rigidly prescribed
rules and parameters"
-David M. Bressoud, Dewitt Wallace Professor of Mathematics, Macalester College

Most of us are comfortable using everyday math when we go shopping, for example. But higher
level math, such as calculus may seem mysterious , a completely unfamiliar language . As a math
major, you will study this language and learn how to use it to describe the world. You will
explore calculus, modern algebra, and other high level math in the purest light.
If you love to solve math problems just to know the answer and enjoy using abstract concepts to
discover whether something is true or false, this could be the major for you. It helps to be
someone who welcomes puzzles and other intellectual challenges and enjoys finding patterns in
the world.
Graduates of the top mathematics programs have strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
Classes in algebra, geometry, the history of mathematics, differential equations, statistics,
calculus, number theory and real analysis require students to solve problems through
identification, analysis and application of mathematic principles.
While specific classes within the major may vary among programs, they all teach students to
think creatively and develop solutions.
Majoring in mathematics has it pros and cons just like any other major:

Pros:
1

Degree Type
This major often leads to the
bachelor's degree.

You meet a lot of passionate people. Very few people

major in mathematics with ulterior motives such as
increasing a chance of getting a high paying job. (I am

Helpful High School Courses

not saying math majors don't find high paying jobs.)

AP Calculus BC

People major in math because they love to think about

Trigonometry

mathematics. Not all majors are like this. And it is

Discrete Math

inspiring to be surrounded by people who are

Computer Science

passionate about the subject.

AP Statistics

You meet a lot of people who are smarter than

you. Maybe this is because I was not all that great at
math, but I was constantly blown away by my

Typical Major Courses

classmates' brilliance. And interacting with smarter

Combinatorics

people makes you smarter, more modest, and more

Differential equations

inspired.

Discrete mathematics
Elementary Statistics

Cons:

There is little variety in your assignments. Basically

Linear Algebra

you will do problem sets, take a midterm and a final.

Modeling

There is no lab or project or writing cool web

Modern Algebra

applications. It can get pretty dull. There is a possibility

in doing honors research, but it is very difficult to come

Modern Geometry

up with something original.

Multi-Variable calculus
Real Analysis

You might not get as many job opportunities in

Single-Variable calculus

technology as EECS majors. Very few mathematics

Topology

departments require majors to take classes outside of

mathematics, so you won't learn about programming or
computers from your major. if you have taught yourself
requisite technical skills or taken enough EECS classes
on your own, this should not be a problem.

It takes a lot of patience and hard work. You won't

be good at math by just studying once in a week. You
2

need to be able to study the concepts and be able to understand how each equation
works. There will be errors but if you practice them over and over again you will get
better. It is recommended that you do internships, or volunteer, as a tutor so one can
be able to have the experience to work with different problems from algebra to
calculus.
Questions and Comments from the audience!!!
Majoring in mathematics sounds interesting and sounds like it is hard work. I feel
like one has to be very passionate and patient when working with problems and
trying to solve them. Also I feel like the person has to not only like the subject but
be good at it and being able to feel comfortable with it. There are many people who
think math is should be their major but they aren't really good at it . How can they
get better? How can one be good at math and be able to understand those concepts?
Also what is the difference majoring in general mathematics? mathematics
secondary teaching ? mathematics applied sciences? and mathematics statistics?
Which one has more job opportunities ? I believe that math is a broad major and it is
good that it is like that because one has many more opportunities and chances to get
a variety of jobs. This math blog has made me realized that I don't want to major in
mathematics secondary teaching but mathematics applied sciences. It has shown me
that there other job areas that involve math and there is more than just teaching it.
Also it has made me wonder what is it like for female math major? How many
females take this course and how many make it? Why don't I know many famous
mathematician females? As a female and first generation college student these are
my concerns that involve my major .