Undergraduate Mathematics

Mathematics

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When you major in mathematics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you’ll study areas of pure and applied mathematics and develop problem-solving abilities, versatility and adaptability. Match your math major to your interests by selecting one of seven options. Take courses that range from core requirements of calculus and linear algebra to coding theory and mathematical finance.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120
  • Minors Available

    Mathematics

  • Areas of Focus

    Cryptography, Discrete Math and Education, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Finance, Physical Phenomena, Statistics and Data Science, Standard

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you with a diverse blend of academic disciplines.

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Flexibility & Choice

Customize your degree with course choices. Add a minor or second major.

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Hands-On Experience

Build knowledge, skills and experience in and out of the classroom.

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Limitless Career Paths

Connect your major, interests and goals to any field.

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Program Features

Focus and Range 

Dive deep into your mathematics major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally.  

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching 

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school. 

Tailor the Major to Your Interests 

Select one of seven different options that allow you to either keep your course selections broad, or tailor them to connect to a related discipline or career field. It’s also easy to overlap your option with a minor or even a second major. 

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Notable Courses

Elementary Analysis (MATH 325)

Mathematical reasoning, construction of proofs and careful mathematical writing in the context of continuous mathematics and calculus.

Group Theory (MATH 417)

Cyclic, dihedral and permutation groups, subgroups, co-sets, normality and quotient groups and fundamental isomorphism theorems.

Principles of Operations Research (MATH 428)

Techniques and applications of operations research. Includes linear programming, queueing theory, decision analysis, network analysis and simulation.

Number Theory (MATH 445)

Fundamentals of number theory, including congruences, primality tests and factoring methods. Diophantine equations, quadratic reciprocity, continued fractions and elliptic curves.

Stochastic Processes (MATH 489)

Markov chains, continuous-time Markov processes, the Poisson process, Brownian motion and introduction to stochastic calculus.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Actuarial intern, Lincoln Financial Group
  • Intern, U.S. Embassy
  • Intern, Bureau of Sociological Research
  • Intern-group actuarial, Ameritas Life Insurance Corp
  • Associate logistics professional intern, ConAgra Foods

Careers

  • Database analyst, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Underwriter, Omaha National
  • Formulation engineer, Syngenta
  • Associate application developer, Union Pacific
  • High school math teacher, Gering High School

Graduate Schools

  • Master’s degree, Business Analytics, George Washington University
  • Master’s degree, Statistics & Data Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Master’s degree, Professional Accountancy, University of California-San Diego
  • Ph. D., Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland
  • Ph. D., Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
  • Mathematics majors regularly engage in research or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
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Career Preparedness

  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
  • MATH 435: Math in the City. Partner with local organizations on a real-world project to analyze data around current societal issues.
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Community

  • Join the Math Club to connect with faculty, fellow students, guest speakers and alumni.
  • Help others as a learning assistant in the Math Resource Center.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Mathematics major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
Phone
Phone
Email
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