Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Mathematics?

Do you like math? Do you find it interesting, and are you good at it? That's probably reason enough to study math, but if you're still unsure, there are other reasons to study math, as well.

Math is useful:

• A mathematically informed citizenry will make better economic and political decisions about risk, policy, and resource allocation

What can I do with my mathematics degree?

Mathematics opens the doors to many promising career paths. Five of the top ten best jobs ranked by CareerCast in 2021 were Mathematicians: Data Scientist was #1, Statistician #3, Mathematician #5, Operations Research Analyst #7, and Actuary #9. We offer concentrations in all of these fields! These jobs were ranked highly based on four factors:

• Environment
• Income
• Outlook
• Stress

These same mathematical careers were ranked among Forbes Magazine's 30 Fastest-Growing Jobs for the Next 10 Years!

A study by PayScale shows that the top 15 highest-earning college degrees have a common element: mathematics. Not only do many professions and majors (engineering, doctors, physics, nurses, computer science, actuarial science, etc.) require courses in mathematics, but the analytical and problem-solving skills students learn in mathematics can apply to all disciplines and careers.

What is a concentration?

A concentration is a structured course plan designed to focus on a particular area of study within Mathematics. Mathematics majors can choose the "No Concentration" option and build their own course plan for upper-level math courses, or take on a concentration listed below. With careful planning, you can even complete multiple concentrations at the same time!

Applied Mathematics

This concentration is recommended for students interested in inherently interdisciplinary subjects which apply to many problems that arise in the physical, biological, economic, social, and network sciences as well as in engineering. Applied Mathematics provides a set of qualitative and quantitative skills and knowledge for use in these fields.

Applied Mathematics has a profound impact on our daily lives. Whether it is weather forecasts, genetic or neural networks, search engines, climate research, evolution of species, stock market and finance, ground or air transportation, architecture, or movie recommendations, none of these would work the way they do without algorithms and tools from the mathematical sciences. The concentration in Applied Mathematics allows students to investigate the mathematics of problems arising in the physical, biological, economic, social, and network sciences as well as in engineering.

Applied Mathematics appeals to people with a variety of different interests, ranging from those with a desire to obtain a good quantitative background for use in some future career, to those who are interested in the basic techniques and approaches in themselves.

Computational Mathematics

This concentration is recommended for students interested in Computational Science, particularly those students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in Applied and Computational Mathematics at the graduate level.

A Concentration in Computational Mathematics may be useful in a wide range of areas including Science, Engineering, Government, Health Care, Business, and Information Technology. The specialization in Computational Mathematics is designed for students with a strong interest in Mathematics and in mathematical applications to areas of Science and Engineering.

By choosing elective courses carefully, students completing this specialization will be prepared for a career in a variety of Computing and/or Engineering areas. Students will also be prepared to continue on to a graduate program in Applied Mathematics.

Computational Mathematics involves the use of math and computers to solve problems and predict outcomes. The concentration in Computational Mathematics is intended for any student who is interested in applications to solving practical and physical problems in Engineering, Science, and Business.

This concentration is also recommended for students who wish to work in the research and development area of industry. The concentration is especially intended for students seeking a career as Quantitative Analysts, Computational Scientists, and Applied Mathematicians, and for those thinking of continuing the study of Applied and Computational Mathematics at the graduate level.

Data Science

Data Science is the art and science of transforming raw data into deliverable data products in order to help businesses or government agencies make more informed decisions. The Concentration in Data Science consists of eight major components:

• Data Visualization
• Scientific Methods
• Statistical Modeling
• Statistical Computing
• Real-world Data Applications
• Data Consulting
• Data Research
• Data Technology

The Concentration in Data Science prepares students for a job as a Data Scientist, as well as provides a strong background for many other careers.

Because Data Science is a rapidly expanding field, creating a high demand for Data Scientists, the Department of Mathematics is committed to developing partnerships with the local business community, not only to assist with their data analysis needs, but to demonstrate the value of our math majors.

Education

This concentration is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in Secondary Education. Teachers with a B.S. in Mathematics are in a great position to earn a master's degree to teach Honors classes or higher forms of math.

In some cases, it is possible to earn a B.S. or B.A. in Mathematics: Education and a B.S. in Secondary Education at the same time.

Operations Research

This concentration is recommended for students interested in a career as an Operations Research Analyst or in pursuing a graduate degree in Operations Research or a related field.

The broad real-world applicability of Operations Research makes it an attractive choice for Math majors. In Operations Research courses students get a solid background in mathematical modeling of decision-making problems, algorithms for solving different types of these problems, as well as experience using appropriate software tools.

Operations research is the application of advanced analytical methods to enable better decision-making. A plethora of problems may be solved using operations research; among these are (1) determining the route a delivery truck should take in order to make all deliveries while traveling the fewest number of miles; (2) determining the best location for a new facility such as a fire station; (3) scheduling airline flights and crew; and (4) determining the optimal distribution of bicycles in a bike sharing system. Operations research includes problem-solving methods such as deterministic and stochastic optimization, machine learning, and simulation

Pure Mathematics

This concentration is strongly recommended for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics but is also highly recommended for any student interested in getting the most out of their mathematics major. Pure mathematics provides the strongest foundation in mathematics available at UNO. Students will be challenged to develop habits of thought that are broadly applicable to all forms of troubleshooting and problem-solving.

Students pursuing a graduate degree are expected to have a strong foundation based in analysis, topology, and abstract algebra. This is what this concentration provides.

Pre-Actuarial Math

An actuary evaluates the financial impact of risk by evaluating the likelihood of future events, designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events, and decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur.

Actuaries work for insurance companies, government, and consulting firms, and in the actuarial profession, you can earn while you learn. Many students receive on-the-job training while enrolled in the examination process. Employers are generally supportive and may give students study time during working hours, pay exam fees, and award raises for each exam passed. However, most employers prefer to hire people who have started the series of examinations on their own and have already passed at least two or three.

Statistics

This concentration is recommended for students interested in the theoretical and practical aspects of statistics, particularly those students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in statistics or biostatistics.

Statistics, the study of data, is of growing importance. Students who have the skills to properly collect, analyze, interpret, and present data are in high demand around the country.

Statistics is used in many fields, including biology, sociology, psychology, medicine, economics, quality control, and sports. This diversity, along with the growing need for people with statistical knowledge makes it an attractive choice for mathematics students.