Math Degrees
Undergraduate Math Major
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics introduces students to abstract and analytical problem-solving skills, with emphasis on drawing conclusions from mathematical models, tools, and techniques. Students acquire a breadth of mathematical knowledge and learn to apply it across science, engineering, and statistics. For a more focused course of study, students have the option of selecting the Actuarial Science Concentration.
The Department of Mathematics strives to train students in the subject’s broader usage. For this reason, course formats at the College of Sciences blend core mathematics, science, and humanities classes, before students fulfill all advanced-level requirements for their major. Undergraduate math majors must get through a total of 120 credit hours to earn their degree. For students pursuing the BS in Mathematics without a concentration, the credits are divided amongst:
- General education: 39 credit hours
- Other sciences: 44 credit hours
- Advanced mathematics: 37 credit hours
For students selecting the Actuarial Science Concentration, the coursework structure places more emphasis on applied actuarial concepts:
- General education: 39 credit hours
- Other sciences: 41 credit hours
- Advanced mathematics: 28 credit hours
- Concentration: 12 credit hours
Learn more about the BS in Mathematics, including broad subject areas, goals, and requirements, or request additional information.
Undergraduate Data Analytics Certificate
UNO’s undergraduate Data Analytics Certificate is an 18 credit–hour program covering the fundamentals of data science. This program can be completed concurrently with an undergraduate Math major - with significant overlap of requirements - and is also available to non-math majors who complete the necessary coursework. Completion of this certificate program provides crucial career-focused skills to enter the rapidly developing field of data science, such as analysis of variance, regression analysis, data analytics, and statistical learning - equipping students with a solid foundation for further work in this field after graduation.
Learn more about the UNO Math Department's offerings and expertise in Data Science, or consult the requirements for the Undergraduate Data Analytics Certificate.
Undergraduate Math Minor
For students planning to pursue a scientific, medical, or technology-driven career or graduate degree, a minor in mathematics supplements the skills learned through your major with greater emphasis on problem solving, abstract concepts, and thinking creatively and connects math across overarching business, technology, and science spectrums. To add a minor, students must complete 18 credits of advanced mathematics (2000 level or higher) courses, with nine (9) credit hours allotted toward 3000-level or higher classes.
Find out more about earning an undergraduate minor in mathematics.
Master of Science in Mathematics
UNO gears the Master of Science (MS) in Mathematics toward students aiming to eventually earn a doctoral degree in the field or to work in a math-centric role in business, government, academia, or industry. Coursework bridges traditional pure mathematics with modern applications, such as actuarial science, statistics, and information science, and builds upon linear algebra, abstract algebra, and advanced calculus concepts.
Graduate students may select from a non-thesis track, in which they must complete 36 total semester hours, or a thesis track, which requires 30 semester hours of coursework plus six (6) hours devoted toward a research-based thesis project. All students must complete at least 18 credit hours of 6000-level or higher math classes. Additionally, students may use nine (9) non-math hours toward their degree, as long as the coursework is math-oriented or involves mathematical application.
Throughout both programs, graduate math majors
- gain an advanced understanding of concepts related to their thesis or specialty field;
- learn to apply presented theory and methodology to solve related practical problems; and
- learn to present their research in technical, visual, and verbal formats.
Learn more about the MS in Mathematics degree, including requirements, course structure, and subject areas, browse our list of recently offered graduate courses, or request additional information.
Accelerated Master's Program (4+1)
The Accelerated Master’s Degree offers the opportunity for outstanding students to begin earning credit toward a MS in mathematics while still pursuing undergraduate studies. The main feature of the program is that, while completing their undergraduate study, students may earn up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit that counts as a dual credit for both the baccalaureate and master's degree. This allows for the possibility for earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in 5 years.
Learn more about the Accelerated Master's Program.
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Science
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering and Applied Science is a joint effort across multiple departments within the College of Sciences and the Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering. Students pursuing this specialized degree program focus in-depth on one scientific or engineering field and also acquire a comprehensive understanding of related interdisciplinary topics. Coursework assists students with developing the crucial research, analytical, and design skills needed to secure a high-level engineering or scientific position in academia, government, industry, or research.
Find out more about how this degree program works, including requirements and exams, or request additional information.
Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
As more data becomes available, businesses need analysts to sift through, process, and make sense of all the structured and unstructured information out there. Inaugurated in Fall 2019, UNO’s graduate certificate in Data Analytics is a career-oriented, 12 credit–hour program that equips students with the cutting-edge specialized skills needed to examine large, unmanageable quantities of data, present their findings, and make sound business decisions.
For advancing your career, learn more about this program’s structure and requirements, or request additional information.
Department of Mathematics Courses
What can you learn in Mathematics? Across undergraduate and graduate courses, the Department of Mathematics can expose you to many subfields and applied areas, such as the following:
Actuarial Science
Actuaries continue to be in demand, with positions offering higher-than-average salaries and job security across multiple industries: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2021 mean pay for actuaries was $125,300 per year. The Department of Mathematics’ courses in actuarial probability and financial mathematics expose students to this role’s key skills and responsibilities and further prepare them to pass the two exams regulated by the Society of Actuaries. Learn more about the field and courses offered.
Applied Mathematics
Applied mathematics courses show students how advanced math concepts are utilized to solve real-world problems across business, technology, and other industries. Coursework touches on the development and analysis of numerical algorithms, modeling, and partial differential equations. Read more about course content and applications.
Pure Mathematics
Despite its reputation as complex and impenetrable, a deep study of pure mathematics subjects will illustrate just how universal these concepts are. Courses in abstract algebra, advanced linear algebra and calculus build upon familiar ideas while teaching students logical reasoning and how to prove and argue their mathematical insights. Learn more about the topics covered.
Statistics and Data Science
Industries from science to business and finance to government have a need for statisticians. Preparing students to enter this career path, classes in statistics and probability theory show students how to compile, analyze, and summarize all types of data. Learn more about this subject area.
What Can You Do With a Math Degree?
According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with a math degree are expected to rise over the next ten years. Specifically, demand for actuaries, operations research analysts, and statisticians is predicted to grow 28% from 2020 to 2030—significantly faster than other occupations.
Beyond these specific roles, advanced mathematics knowledge is versatile and broadly applicable. Whether for additional education or entering the workforce, students find their skills give them an edge in:
- Medical fields
- Law school
- Finance
- Technology
- Engineering
- Data science
- Computer science
- Economics
- Research
- Education
For the full scope of all courses offered through the Department of Mathematics, read through the current course catalog.
Let a Math Degree from UNO Translate Your Love of Numbers into a Rewarding Career!
Turn abstract concepts into concrete results with a math degree from UNO. For more information, email Assistant Department Chair Lisa Crespo, or contact the Department of Mathematics at 504-280-6331.