College of Science

Mathematics

  1. What sets Purdue's program apart?

  2. What can I do with a Mathematics degree from Purdue?

  3. How should I prepare for the Mathematics program in high school?

  4. What courses will I take as a Mathematics student?

1. What sets Purdue's program apart? (top)

The undergraduate program in Department of Mathematics at Purdue University is set up in such a way that it provides a great deal of personal attention for its students. Math majors never see a large lecture hall math class; most math classes are 40 students or less, and many upper-level classes have fewer than 25. Math Honors classes typically have 10 or fewer students per class. In addition, the math curriculum has enough flexibility to allow students to get a double major or a minor without too much difficulty, or simply take extra classes in their areas of interest outside of mathematics. There are seven different specialization options available:

2. What can I do with a Math degree from Purdue? (top)

Many math graduates choose to continue their education in professional schools such as law schools, business schools, or medical schools. Others choose to teach. Some graduates choose to go on to graduate school in mathematics, engineering, computational finance, and other areas. Job options include positions such as database managers, programming, actuarial work, software engineering, military work, insurance, banking, and finance. Average starting salaries are between $35,000-$45,000.

Read more about recent graduates from the Careers site.

3. How should I prepare for the Math program in high school? (top)

Take as much statistics, algebra, and calculus as your school offers, as well as a wide variety of science courses. Continue taking your foreign language and writing courses. Computer science courses are also recommended.

4. What courses will I take as a Math student? (top)

In your first two years, you will take three semesters of calculus and Linear Algebra. You will also take laboratory sciences, English composition, general education electives, and four semesters of foreign language. Later in the curriculum, you will also be required to take:

Typical Freshman Year Coursework

Semester one:

MA 161M, Calculus I and Analytical Geometry, 5 credit hours

ENGL 106, English Composition, 4 credit hours

Lab Science, 3-4 credit hours

Foreign Language, 3-4 credit hours

Total: 15 to 17 credit hours

Semester two:

MA 162M, Calculus II and Analytical Geometry, 5 credit hours

Foreign Language, 3-4 credit hours

Lab Science, 3-4 credit hours

General Education course, 3 credit hours

Total: 14 to 16 credit hours

* Students must earn a minimum of 124 credit hours to graduate, which is an average of 15.5 credit hours / per semester.

 

Science at Purdue

By phone: 765.494.1771 or 800.804.8061
By web: www.science.purdue.edu
Department of Mathematics: www.math.purdue.edu
By email: advising@science.purdue.edu (for advisors)
ScienceQuestion@purdue.edu (for current students)