Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

Our students become adept in mathematical theory and practice, are well-prepared to tackle the most pressing problems of our day, and enjoy careers in tech companies, education, finance, insurance and health care.

Mathematics plays a vital role in our understanding of the world. Our students gain thorough knowledge of mathematical theory and practice, as well as advanced problem-solving skills that can help our complex society solve the challenges of today. From calculus and vector analysis to the structure of mathematical proofs and definitions, our students explore multiple aspects of mathematical foundations.

  • Learn to move from abstract to concrete thinking with ease
  • Recognize patterns and connections between mathematics and other subjects
  • Organize, construct and articulate logical arguments

One of the top 50 mathematics programs

(U.S. News & World Report, 2019)

Learn from award-winning faculty, including Fulbright, Alfred P. Sloan, National Science Foundation and Humboldt fellows

Gain creative research experience with computers, 3D printers and laser cutters in our Experimental Mathematics Lab

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by applying your knowledge of mathematics in a variety of careers. Companies engaged in industrial and scientific research need students who specialize in mathematics.

 
$70,600

Median salary of CU Boulder mathematics students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Work for tech companies and in software development, K–12 education, finance, insurance or health care as a financial analyst, actuary, data scientist, software engineer or educational instructor

 

Job growth for mathematicians is projected to be 33% between 2018 and 2028, among the fastest in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Academic Plan & Requirements

Students must complete the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the six mathematics core courses and the five additional courses for one of the five tracks:

  • Comprehensive track: For students seeking a general background in mathematics or intending to pursue graduate work in mathematics
  • Applicable track: For students seeking a background in applied and applicable mathematics
  • Secondary education track: For students interested in teaching high school mathematics
  • Computational track: For students with an interest in the intersection of mathematics and computer science
  • Statistics track: For students seeking a background in statistics and data science

Additional degree options for mathematic students include: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BA) and master's (MA) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BA/MA program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years. We offer two options: a BA and an MA in mathematics, or a BA in mathematics and an MS in applied mathematics. 
  • The Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Program: This undergraduate certificate program, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leeds School of Business, is designed to provide a foundation for analytical problem solving. The program appeals to accomplished students who enjoy solving analytic problems as applied in their career of choice

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The mathematics major has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Matt Stone

('93)
Co-creator of the animated TV series South Park and co-writer of the Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon.

Morris Hoffman

('74)
A judge on the Denver District Court and judge-in-residence at the Gruter Institute for Law and Behavioral Research.

Robert C. Gunning

('52)
A professor of mathematics at Princeton University, where he has served as a department chair (1976–79) and dean of the faculty (1989–95).

Donald Spencer

('34)
Professor of mathematics at MIT, Stanford and Princeton universities. Spencer Peak, a 13,087-foot mountain three miles southwest of Silverton, Colorado, was named in his honor in 2016.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover