The Mathematics major offers a foundation for students interested in acquiring and developing intellectual tools for understanding and solving the complex mathematical problems arising in the modern world. The program offers courses in all major areas of pure and applied mathematics. A friendly environment facilitates in-depth learning and stimulating introduction to research.
Career opportunities for Mathematics majors are numerous and varied. Employers value Mathematics majors for their high critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. Visit the careers web site of the Mathematical Association of America for more information.
Career opportunities in Arts & Sciences
Math majors choose one of two programs that lead to the B.A. or B.S. degree: Option A, mathematics or Option B, mathematical sciences. The mathematics option consists of courses offered solely by the department of mathematics and is intended for those who wish to follow a traditional mathematics career path. The mathematical sciences option consists of courses offered by the departments of computer science, mathematics and statistics, and is intended for those who opt for a career that requires the application of mathematics.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Mathematics majors will take a variety of calculus courses to fulfill their pre-major requirements. The specific courses vary depending on the different Mathematics major options that the department provides to its students. Both options will require two calculus classes and an introduction to computer programming course.
Total Hours - 11
Core Requirements
The core requirements for students pursuing a Mathematics major will vary depending on which math option the student chooses. The courses will include MA 214/215 - Calculus I and II, and a variety of other course work such computer programming and other upper division math courses.
Other Course Work Required for the Major
Mathematics majors will be required to complete additional math courses within the department at the 300+ level. For a complete list of class offerings one should reference the University of Kentucky Bulletin or the 2015-2016 Mathematics major sheet.
Course Work from outside the Department
Students will need to choose varying hours of course work outside of Mathematics at the 300+ level. Courses are generally chosen from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Logic, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, and Engineering.
Mathematicians conduct research to develop and understand mathematical principles. They also analyze data and apply mathematical techniques to help solve real-world problems.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$103,720
per year in 2021
Number of Jobs
3,500
in 2021
10 Year Job Outlook
700
new jobs (average)
Mathematicians work in the federal government and in private science and engineering research companies. They may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other professionals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$98,860
per year in 2021
Number of Jobs
132,500
in 2021
10 Year Job Outlook
12,800
new jobs (average)
Many database administrators work in firms that provide computer design services or in industries that have large databases, such educational institutions and insurance companies. Almost all database administrators work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
View Major Advising Page
College of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
