Guide To Majors
A Career Planning Tool
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Printer-friendly report for Mathematics
Related information:
| Description of Major | Department Contacts | Change of Major Process | Graduate Study | Career Resources |
| Skills Developed | Entry-level Opportunities | Getting Experience | VT CareerLink | Post-Graduation Report |
Mathematics: Description of Major
The study of mathematics develops an ability to describe applied problems quantitatively and to analyze these problems in a precise and logical manner.
In the junior and senior years, students choose mathematics courses relevant to their career goals and interests.
Students also take a core of applications courses in disciplines such as engineering, computer science, statistics, or education.
Graduates work as applied mathematicians in their areas of concentration. There are four degree options: applied computational (concentrations in engineering or physics), applied discrete (concentrations in computer science, statistics, or actuarial science), education (secondary teaching), and traditional mathematics.
Program Areas / Concentrations / Options:
Applied Computational Option (ACM)
The ACM is designed for students who are confident that they want to have an applied mathematics career in an area closely associated with physics or some form of engineering. Besides taking courses in the applied area, students will take courses in continuous mathematics such as ordinary and partial differential equations, real and complex analysis, control theory, etc. This type of mathematics is best suited to investigate the problems that arise in these applications.
Applied Discrete Option (ADM)
The ADM is designed for students who plan to have
an applied mathematics career in an area closely
associated with computer science, statistics, or
actuarial science. Besides taking courses in the
applied area, students will take courses in
discrete mathematics such as group theory, number
theory, graph theory, combinatorics, etc. This
type of mathematics is best suited to investigate
the problems that arise in these applications.
Mathematics Education Option (MAED)
The Education Option is designed for students who
want to teach high school or middle school
mathematics. There is a four-year program leading
to a BS in Mathematics, and a five-year program
that leads to both a BS in Mathematics and an MA
in Education.
Traditional Option
The Traditional Option, as its name implies,
yields a broad and flexible background in
mathematics. Students will usually be in the
Traditional Option until they are ready to focus
tightly on a particular applied area. Many decide
to maintain a broader perspective, and graduate in the Traditional Option. Each of the four options provides an excellent foundation for graduate study, either in mathematics or in an applications area. Handbooks for each of the options, as well as mathematics career information, are available upon request. Each of the four options provides an excellent foundation for graduate study, either in mathematics or in an applications area.