Solve problems and find limitless real-world applications. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is the perfect major for detail-oriented people who gravitate toward numbers, puzzles, technology, and patterns.

PLNU’s mathematics program covers theoretical and applied mathematics to give you a deep understanding of mathematics’ uses in a variety of circumstances. This program will help you develop analytical skills that will be invaluable in many different career paths. The Mathematics B.S. is the ideal path for those interested in going to graduate school or getting a teaching credential.

PLNU offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. The B.S. is the core mathematics degree and offers a more robust academic experience, providing you with the foundation you need to excel in graduate school or any number of careers that need mathematical experts. You’ll develop both technical and professional skills to develop a promising career in academia, cryptography, education, information security, finance, and more.

The Department of Mathematical, Information, and Computer Sciences (MICS) is committed to working with you to help you discover who you are called to be. As a mathematics major at PLNU, you will be immersed in a curriculum that not only allows you to gain the broad knowledge of your discipline, but also to learn in a collaborative and supportive environment where you can develop the characteristics needed to make a positive impact on your community. 

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For information about the courses required for the Mathematics, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

A Mathematics B.S. will provide you with the foundation you need to excel in an advanced degree program or any number of careers that need experts in mathematics. These careers include actuarial science, bioinformatics, computer programming, data analysis, data mining, economics, financial planning, education, medicine, and more. With this degree, you’ll be equipped with the skills to succeed as an educator, programmer, or any other form of serving as a mathematician.

At PLNU, our mathematics program focuses on growing three-valued assets:

• Analytical abilities

• Mathematical modeling 

• Computation skills

If you’re someone who is drawn toward analyzing numbers and finding patterns, there are a variety of analyst positions available in financial sectors, insurance, quality assurance, data science, logistics, government or community improvement sectors. 

If you’re someone who likes creating models (like graphs, diagrams, and other representations of numerical information) for real-world applications, you can find plenty of opportunities in research, healthcare and other scientific sectors, and project management or strategy within a business setting. Modeling also often includes analysis of information, but it also helps discover solutions to real problems and creates learning aids for wider audiences to understand the information. 

Computation skills are perfect for mathematician opportunities, software development, finance and accounting, and education, among a variety of other professional sectors. If you have a knack for computational thinking, you might also consider continuing your education to expand your expertise and future work opportunities.

Job outlook for mathematics careers

Employment in careers related to a degree in mathematics is projected to increase. For software developers and analysts, (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree), employment is projected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

What can you do with a mathematics degree?

PLNU mathematics alumni have found success in the workforce performing key responsibilities like mathematical model building at SPAWAR, quality assurance at Qualcomm, project management at Leidos, and data analysis at the CIA, just to name a few. Other alumni have gone on to medical school, graduate programs in mathematics and statistics, and teaching.

Some positions perfectly suited for graduates of PLNU’s Mathematics B.S.:

Information Security Analyst

2022 Median annual salary: $112,000

Information security analysts  are responsible for planning, testing security systems to protect an organization’s sensitive data. These analysts will need a good grasp of maintaining robust security systems that are not vulnerable to hacking.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Up-to-date knowledge of IT Security hardware, software, and solutions

• Up-to-date understanding of the source code programming languages

• Practical experience using computer operating systems, including an ability to develop team- or company-wide policies on how to use technology safely

• An analytical mind with the ability to create or alter source code as needed

Actuary

2022 Median annual salary: $111,990

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of potential events of risk and uncertainty. Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Actuaries need a bachelor’s degree and must take a series of exams to become certified professionals. An actuary plays an essential role in the insurance industry.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Compilation of statistical data and other information for further analysis

• Expertise in estimating the probability and likely economic cost of unexpected events such as an accident or a natural disaster

• Ingenuity to design, test, and administer insurance policies, investments, and other business strategies

• Creativity and analysis to make charts, tables, and reports

• Ease of navigation with database software

Mathematician

2022 Median annual salary: $99,960

Mathematician is a broad title for someone who analyzes data and applies computational techniques to solve problems. The top employers of mathematicians are the federal government and scientific research and development companies. Mathematicians and statisticians may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other specialists.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields

• Design surveys, experiments, or opinion polls to collect data 

• Develop mathematical or statistical models 

• Interpret data and communicate analyses

• Use statistical software to analyze data and create visualizations to aid decision making in business

Operations Research Analyst

2022 Median annual salary: $85,720

Operations research analysts gather and interpret information to identify problems in an organization, in areas like business, logistics, or healthcare. They need to be able to find and interpret relevant information in order to improve an organization's efficiency and productivity. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Analyze and interpret the most relevant data to promote overall growth and address individual problems
• Develop and test mathematical models or support software
• Stay up-to-date about an organization’s industry, market trends and competition to develop well-informed, innovative solutions. 
• Create reports, memos, or presentations to present their findings to management, coworkers or clients, offering solutions

Software Developer and Software Quality Assurance Analyst

2022 Median annual salary: $124,200

Software developers design and create computer applications or programs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report the defects.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Programming and coding knowledge

• Understanding of how to create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software

• Creativity and ingenuity for model and diagram making

• An understanding of designing and developing software

With a Mathematics B.S. from PLNU, you’ll be prepared in your future pursuits whether it be graduate school, a certification program, or exploring and researching the intricacies of the mathematics world. Not only will you be a more articulate, formulaic, and critically thinking individual, but you’ll also gain a robust understanding of how these skills can be utilized for understanding the manifestations of numbers and patterns in the world around you.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.