Mathematics & Statistics

Mathematics & Statistics

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Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Mathematical occupations are projected to grow rapidly due to businesses’ reliance on big data, leading to strong job security for graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary around $104,520 for math-related roles.

02

Math majors learn logical reasoning, quantitative analysis and how to construct sound arguments—skills valued across industries. Employers specifically prize graduates for their ability to navigate complex data and deliver evidence-based solutions.

03

Mathematics applies everywhere—from finance and cybersecurity to medicine and artificial intelligence. Mathematics opens doors across healthcare, business, entertainment and more. Mathematics is the language of the universe.

04

Math graduates often benefit from competitive salaries because organizations rely on their data-driven decision-making skills. STEM roles that use math skills also tend to pay well above the overall median wage.

05

Business, law, engineering and medical programs value math majors for their analytical ability, deep thinking and problem-solving skills.

Core
Skills

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Advanced Problem-Solving
  • Logical Reasoning and Abstract Thinking
  • Communication of Complex Ideas
  • Independence, Persistence and Adaptability

Sample
Jobs

  • Mathematician
  • Actuary
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Cryptographer
  • Software Developer

Successful Career Outcomes

Mississippi State graduates boast a 95% successful career outcome within six months of graduation, including entering the workforce, military or continuing education programs such as graduate school.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Finance and Insurance
  • Technology Systems
  • Government
  • Research and Engineering Services
  • Academia, Education, and Teaching

Brag
Points

  • Our department consists of numerous award-winning faculty members; among these are four John Grisham Master Teachers, the highest teaching award given at Mississippi State.
  • Many of our faculty members are regularly invited to present their research findings at conferences and have prestigious grants to fund their research from the National Science Foundation, the Simons Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
  • Students participate in competitions and conferences. Our students have won the LA/MS MAA team mathematics competition.

Mathematics & Statistics

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Learning the language of higher mathematics

Typical courses include:

Calculus I & II and Statistics, and general education courses

Students often shift from “memorizing formulas” to understanding why math works. 

2nd Year

Moving from computation to reasoning

Typical courses include:

Calculus III & IV, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Foundations of Mathematics

Proofs are introduced, and students stop asking “What formula do I use?” and start asking “How do I prove this is true?”

3rd Year

Depth and abstraction

Typical courses include:

Modern Algebra, Numerical Analysis

Students begin to become comfortable with concepts that cannot be visualized, construct arguments and read dense mathematical writing.

4th Year

Becoming a mathematician

Typical courses include:

Advanced Calculus I & II, Senior Seminar in Mathematics, Advanced Electives

Students stop seeing math as a subject and start understanding it as a way of thinking.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Work through multi-step problems until solutions become intuitive.

Use graphing technology, mathematical software or coding tools.

Collaborate in study groups to tackle difficult assignments.

Begin training your brain through repetition, much like an athlete trains their muscle memory.

2nd Year

Write formal proofs (not just answers).

Present solutions at the board.

Debug flawed logic, whether that is your own or others' logic

Begin creating mathematics, not just consuming it.

Discover the beauty in mathematical structures. 

3rd Year

Start applying what you know through research.

Apply to Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).

4th Year

Conduct undergraduate research

Complete a capstone course

Present mathematical work publicly

Experience your first taste of intellectual ownership by solving problems no one assigned.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Find connection in math by working through difficult problems with others.

Form study groups before major exams.

Sit with the same classmates in calculus to form collaborations.

Visit tutor centers. 

Join the MSU Math Club!

2nd Year

Engage in regular group homework sessions and departmental talks.

Join student chapters of professional organizations (like the Mathematical Association of America).

Get to know your faculty.

Form friendships with fellow students.

3rd Year

Learn in smaller courses as your subject matter advances. You can:

Debate ideas on a board

Prepare for exams together

Collaborating on projects

Your professors shift from distant instructors to mentors.

The department begins feeling like a small academic family.

4th Year

Present research

Attend conferences

Mentor younger majors

Work closely with faculty

Network for graduate school or careers

Explore the World

1st Year

Encounter ideas through coursework that explain the world! These topics may include:

cryptography that protects global communication, 

statistics behind public health,

algorithms powering technology,

models predicting climate patterns and

understanding artificial intelligence (AI).

2nd Year

Begin spotting math outside the classroom:

economics and market behavior, sports analytics, voting systems, social networks or artificial intelligence.

 

3rd Year

Explore courses or projects tied to finance, engineering, data science, biology or physics. Begin considering research programs or study abroad. Use math as a passport into other fields!

4th Year

Step into the broader mathematical community. Present research, attend conferences and/or apply for graduate school. 

Begin shifting from student to an emerging professional.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Visit the math department office hours to start building faculty relationships.

Talk to your professors, asking them: “What do math majors typically do after graduation?”

Attend a career fair.

Start thinking about possible careers.

2nd Year

Apply for internships.

Look for research opportunities with faculty.

Tutor math, as employers love evidence that you can communicate complex ideas.

Join a professional organization.

 

3rd Year

Pick an area of study that interests you most right now.

Intern, it can often convert directly into job offers.

4th Year

Apply early to graduate school and for other opportunities

Ask faculty for letters of recommendation.

Highlight your projects, research, and technical skills.

Student
Testimonial

"I chose Math because I enjoyed the classes and the discovery within them. What I didn’t realize was that my major was teaching me how to think critically and how to logically and systematically approach problems in all aspects of life. I used the proof mindset in my job every day as a doctor, as I am always asking 'why' and 'how.'" - Jamie Aron, Class of 2016

"The mathematics department at Mississippi State fostered both intellectual rigor and genuine mentorship. The analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills I developed through the program prepared me for graduate study and positioned me to pursue a career in actuarial science." - Daniel Bond, Class of 2022

"Math has always been a challenge I enjoy because it pushes me to use both logic and creativity.  As a proud Mississippian, I always wanted to attend the state’s leading research university. Studying math at MSU was the perfect way to pursue my passion while staying connected to my roots." - Luke Youngblood, Class of 2023

"I decided to major in math at MSU because I knew that I loved the math and sciences subject areas, and being a math major allowed me to interact with so many of the wonderful faculty in the math department. Some of my favorite courses were the calculus and numerical analysis courses, and being a math major as an undergrad at MSU eventually allowed me to pursue the same topic in graduate school!" - Ashley Griffie, Class of 2023

Learn More

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