Students in mathematics have a wide variety of interests. They generally have strong logical, analytical, and computational skills.
Admission into the Major
Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students may declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.
Special Opportunities
Mathematics majors can complete a second major in computer science, electrical engineering, economics, or finance, among others. On-campus employment as a math tutor in the Mathematics Technology Learning Center or as a grader in the Department of Mathematics is available to qualified undergraduate mathematics majors. Research experiences are possible for advanced undergraduate students (http://undergraduateresearch.ua.edu/). The University of Alabama also has a chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor society. The Department of Mathematics participates in the Accelerated Masters Program, allowing highly motivated students to pursue closely integrated undergraduate and graduate programs that may lead to the simultaneous completion of requirements for both master’s and bachelor’s degrees. Students usually apply for admission prior to the junior or senior year. For more information about the Accelerated Masters Program, visit graduate.ua.edu or consult the University of Alabama Graduate Catalog.
Major in Mathematics Requirements
Students earning the bachelor of science (BS) degree with a major in mathematics must complete all University, College and Departmental degree requirements. These include the general education requirements, the following major requirements, all requirements for an approved minor and other sufficient credits to total a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.
| Code and Title | Hours |
| MATH 125 or | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 145 | Honors Calculus I |
| MATH 126 or | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 146 | Honors Calculus II |
| MATH 227 or | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 247 | Honors Calculus III |
| MATH 237 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 238 | Appld Diff Equations I | 3 |
| Algebra: Secondary Teachers
and Geometry: Secondary Teachers | |
| Numerical Linear Algebra
and Numerical Analysis I | |
| Linear Optimization Theory
and Non-Linear Optimization Theory | |
| Appl Diff Equations II
and Boundary Value Problems | |
| Theory Of Probability
and Math Stats W/Applictn I | |
| Prin Modern Algebra I
and Prin Modern Algebra II | |
| Real Analysis I
and Intro to Real Analysis II | |
| 12 |
| 36 |
| |
| 2-6 |
| CS I for Majors | |
| Honors CS I for Majors | |
| Computer Science Principles | |
| Intro to Python Programming | |
| Algorithm Devl Implementation | |
| Econ Forecasting & Analysis
and Financial Analysis & Modeling | |
| RRS Freshman 1 | |
| Business Programming I | |
| Stat Prog & Comp with R | |
| Total Hours | 38-42 |
Grade Point Average
A 2.0 grade point average in the major is required for completion of the degree. Please see the Grades and Grade Points section of this catalog for an explanation on grade point average calculations.
Upper-level Residency
A minimum of 12 hours of 300- or 400-level courses in the major must be earned on this campus.
Required Minor
The mathematics major requires the completion of a minor or a second major.
Additional Major Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, College, major and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an adviser in the major department for academic planning and to be approved for registration each semester. College advisers are also available for additional assistance with minor, College and University requirements.
Optional Major 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 student 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.
Applied Mathematics Concentration
| Code and Title | Hours |
| MATH 355 | Theory Of Probability | 3 |
| MATH 485 | Intro Complex Variables | 3 |
| 6 |
| Appl Diff Equations II
and Boundary Value Problems | |
| Numerical Linear Algebra
and Numerical Analysis I | |
| Linear Optimization Theory
and Non-Linear Optimization Theory | |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Pure Mathematics Concentration
| Code and Title | Hours |
| MATH 470 | Prin Modern Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH 486 | Real Analysis I | 3 |
| 3 |
| Intro Differential Geom | |
| Intro General Topology | |
| 3 |
| Advanced Linear Algebra | |
| Prin Modern Algebra II | |
| Intro to Real Analysis II | |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Mathematics Education Concentration
This concentration is open to all students and should be followed by those planning to enter the teaching profession in the future. Please note that this concentration does not lead to teacher certification. Students interested in earning teacher certification must be admitted through the College of Education. For more information, visit here.
| Code and Title | Hours |
| MATH 355 | Theory Of Probability | 3 |
| MATH 403 or | Algebra: Secondary Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 503 | Algebra: Secondary Teachers |
| MATH 405 or | Geometry: Secondary Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 505 | Geometry: Secondary Teachers |
| MATH 409 or | Data Analysis: Sec Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 509 | Data Analysis: Sec Teachers |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Mathematical Statistics and Optimization Concentration
| Code and Title | Hours |
| Linear Optimization Theory | |
| Non-Linear Optimization Theory | |
| Math Stats W/Applictn I | |
| Math Stats W/Applictn II | |
| Stochastic Processes I | |
| Applied Regression Analysis | |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Any complex system can be modeled and analyzed using mathematics, which means that mathematics is a fundamental tool in essentially all careers. The ability to understand such systems has never been more important given the explosion in the availability of data in recent years, and the crucial need to make informed decisions from such data. A degree in mathematics provides an excellent opportunity to develop these skills. Moreover, careers in mathematics consistently rank highly in terms of satisfaction, income, and job prospects in national surveys.
Types of Jobs Accepted
A strong foundation in mathematics allows students to excel in many different industries including:
- Finance
- Education
- Actuarial science
- Statistics, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
- Mathematical biology and chemistry
- Petrology and geological science
- Operations research and management sciences
- Cybersecurity and cryptography
- Medicine
- Law, and many more.
A common denominator in all of these fields is the need for quantitative reasoning, creativity, and critical thinking.
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Graduates with a Major in Mathematics have started their careers in a number of different types of jobs and industries.
Those wanting to go into the business world work for companies in finance, actuarial science, computer programming, data analysis, engineering, banking, insurance, economics, and many other fields. These students often participate in an internship during their time at The University of Alabama and pair their major in mathematics with a second major in a different field.
Students desiring to work in the field of education have become teachers at all levels of education and many have gone on to earn their doctorates in mathematics at some of the best graduate schools in the United States.
There have also been many students who have applied their major in mathematics to work in various government agencies. Some students have gone on to work for intelligence agencies, such as the National Security Agency, while others work as data analysts for many other agencies.
Several other students have used a major in mathematics as an entry into Medical or Law school.
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
