Mathematics, BS
Do you want to acquire the tools needed to solve complex problems and make an impact across industries? The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics provides a critical foundation for identifying patterns, designing technologies, and developing solutions. Discover how mathematics can equip you with these skills and more that are invaluable in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Program Overview
The Mathematics BS program teaches problem-solving and numerical analysis, preparing students for careers in finance, sciences, education, and government.
As a mathematics major, you will learn about topics like algebra, analysis, probability and statistics, and computational methods. Plus, our program emphasizes both research and professional development, meaning you can tailor your path to fit your career aspirations.
With six concentrations to choose from, an Honors pathway, and relevant minor options, you will gain knowledge that’s both deep and wide, setting you apart in the job market and giving you an interdisciplinary edge others would only dream of.
Concentrations
Our concentrations reflect some of the most relevant career choices for mathematics majors after graduation. Whether you are interested in finance, computer programming, education, or even the applications of math and biology, our flexible concentrations prepare you to hone your knowledge and make insightful contributions to your communities and beyond.
In addition to the flexibility of not having a concentration, our current concentrations include:
- Mathematics, BS (general, no concentration)
- Actuarial Sciences Concentration
- Applied Math Concentration
- Math Biology Concentration
- Math Education Concentration
- Theoretical Math Concentration
Honors
Our mathematics Honors program stands out for being one of the top in the nation. In this program, you would join a community of mathematically talented and motivated students, as you take intellectually stimulating courses and work with an expert faculty on your thesis. Students interested in Honors must maintain a mathematics GPA of 3.4 or above.
Our program offers Honors options for both the general Bachelor of Science in Math and the mathematics minor.
Minors
If you’re interested in supplementing your primary field of study with knowledge of mathematics, our minor options would be a great fit. Students in physics, computer science, chemistry, or even biology, will gain an extra layer of knowledge that will propel them forward in the future.
Our program currently offers three minors:
- Honors – Mathematics Minor
- Mathematics Minor
- Actuarial Sciences Undergraduate Certificate
Why Study Mathematics?
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at UT is uniquely designed to give students versatility, experiential learning opportunities, and skills they can use beyond the math degree. Our program prepares students not just for their first career, but for all the ones beyond it.
What Sets Us Apart
Join a Program That’s Versatile
Our program offers a math degree that’s versatile. With options in actuarial science, applied math, math biology, math education, and theoretical math, you will learn mathematical foundations you can apply in finance, biology, computer science, and even data science. This strong foundation will prepare you to communicate complex ideas with precision.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
In the Department of Mathematics, you will engage with passionate faculty eager to serve as mentors and help you grow. With options to participate in undergraduate research through Knox Math Lab, you will have the opportunity to experience the adventure of math research firsthand.
Skills That Pivot
With a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, you aren’t just learning analytical, problem-solving, and complex reasoning skills; you are learning skills you can apply to any field, no matter where your career leads you.
What Can You Do with a BS in Mathematics After Graduation?
Studying mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville means becoming a part of a dedicated community of students and educators. Faculty are committed to providing students with a rigorous and extensive foundation for a wide variety of professions, as well as equipping them with leadership skills, providing collaboration opportunities, and engaging in high-impact research. Our program will prepare you for careers in social sciences, engineering, business, physical and biological sciences, and more, giving you the ability to become a part of important dialogue in a continuously growing conversation.
Our graduates go on to pursue careers in areas such as data and analytics, working as data scientists, statisticians, or quantitative analysts. In technology, many mathematics graduates become software engineers, algorithm developers, network administrators, or programmers, working with computer service companies, entertainment companies, software publishers, and more. In business, you could work in accounting or finance, sales and marketing, or operations, drawing on your skills in math as well as leadership and collaboration. You could also go into engineering, as a computational scientist or systems engineer, or research, expanding global knowledge of important topics and sciences as an educational researcher, operations research scientist, or theoretical researcher.
Whichever path you decide to take, this program will set you up with skills you can use and experience you need to be successful, competitive, and confident post graduation.
Featured Courses
MATH 231 Differential Equations I
This course emphasizes solution techniques including first-order equations and applications, theory of linear equations, equations with constant coefficients, Laplace transforms, and series of solutions.
Math 295 Introduction to Mathematical Science
This course explores opportunities and careers for math students. You will interact directly with math alumni who work in a variety of careers.
MATH 411 Mathematical Modeling
In this course, students will learn the construction and analysis of mathematical models used in science and industry. Projects are emphasized.
Math 341 Introduction to Analysis
Building on Math 300, this course further develops your proof skills in the context of analysis. Sometimes referred to as ‘Advanced Calculus’, Math 341 focuses on the theory behind calculus: limits, convergence, continuity, differentiation and integration. However, the main point of the course is not simply to justify calculus, but rather to learn new ways of thinking and important ideas that are needed in order to go further in many fields of mathematics.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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