Mathematics major

Mathematics: courses, careers, and where to study

Mathematics develops formal proof, abstraction, and quantitative analysis, feeding into research, finance, computing, actuarial science, and graduate programs across STEM.

A Mathematics major covers calculus, linear algebra, abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, topology, differential equations, and an applied or pure track. Most BS programs require a senior research thesis. BS programs often allow specialization in Applied Math, Pure Math, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or Mathematical Computing.

Math graduates work in actuarial science (one of the highest-paid bachelor's pathways), finance, software engineering, data science, operations research, cryptography, and academia. Math pairs naturally with Computer Science, Economics, or Physics for double majors.

Academic classification (CIP)

In the federal Classification of Instructional Programs, Mathematics maps to CIP 27.0101, Mathematics, General, within the MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS family. The official definition:

A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.

Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020. View on nces.ed.gov

What you'll study

  • Calculus I–III, multivariable calculus
  • Linear algebra
  • Abstract algebra
  • Real and complex analysis
  • Probability and statistics
  • Differential equations
  • Topology or numerical analysis (track-dependent)
  • Senior thesis

Typical careers

Typical salary range: $62,000–$110,000 early-career (BLS, 2024 mathematicians median $121,680)Ranges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.

Related occupations

Occupations the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk associates with Mathematics. Linked titles open a CampusPin career page with BLS pay and outlook data; others are listed for reference.

Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Crosswalk: CIP 2020 to SOC 2018. A program of study does not guarantee any specific occupation.

Before you commit to a Mathematics major

CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific Mathematics program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.

Ask the Mathematics department

  • Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
  • What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
  • What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
  • Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?

Ask current students & check the curriculum

  • How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
  • What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
  • Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
  • How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Accreditation & licensure: Most Mathematics programs are covered by their institution's regional accreditation; specialized programmatic accreditation is less common in this field. Confirm any field-specific accreditation or licensure that matters for your goals.
Degree level & graduate study: Many Mathematicscareers are open with a bachelor's degree, but some, such as research, advanced-practice, or licensure-track roles, require a master's or doctorate. Check the typical entry-level education on each linked career page above before assuming a bachelor's is enough.

Find a Mathematics program

CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Mathematics programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.

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Related majors

How this guide is sourced

This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.