Mathematics

The Math major at UCLA is challenging, fast-paced, and incredibly rewarding if you enjoy abstract thinking and problem solving. The curriculum is broad and rigorous, covering everything from real analysis and linear algebra to differential equations, abstract algebra, and probability theory. Many of the upper-division courses are proof-based, which pushes you to think deeply and communicate your reasoning clearly — it’s not about memorizing formulas, but about understanding why things work.

- Overall speaking, the curriculum design of Math major in UIUC is awesome. If you are strong in math basis, please consider proficiency exams; many elementary-levels are unnecessary for you.

- Honor courses are suggested (including but not limited to MATH 347/416/427); don’t need to worry about GPA reduction! These courses will give you a completely different world rather than regular courses.

- The graduation requirement is not that difficult, so please consider what you want to do in future. If you don’t have any special talents in math (i.e. have some real publications before Freshman year), never to think about doing pure math research after graduation. Try taking some courses in CS if you want to focus on CS research or Engineering jobs, or in Economics if you want to do some finance.

- Last, internship is really important! This will help you to know anything about your future career path.

Sometimes it feels so intimidating speaking to someone who seems so much more knowledgeable about the subject than you— whether it’s seeking advice on how to approach a problem, or to collaborate on solving some problem together. I felt really intimidated during my freshman year since I felt like I was just surrounded by my classmates who knew ten times as much as I did, but as you slowly start spreading your wings and start finding your niche in mathematics—topics that particularly interest you—it becomes a lot more comfortable reaching out to others and feeling less of this “impostor syndrome.” In my case, I was inspired this semester to reach out to my professor and engage in an Independent Study.

The mathematics major at Harvey Mudd is difficult (especially if you take any upper division math electives during your degree), but super rewarding to anyone who appreciates a rigorous study of multiple fields of Mathematics.

I love math, the program here when you reach the upper division classes is really good, the teachers do want you to learn they aren’t there just to test you and everyone is so passionate.

Study this only if you have natural talent and love working with abstract concepts. Not worth picking math to try and be "flexible" as all you learn is theory, nothing applicable in any industries. Having math on your resume will tank your GPA, and if you aren't absolutely certain you want to go into quant or ML/AI, it will tank your competitiveness in other roles as well.

This major is helpful if you want a career as an academic researcher, but another major such as data science or applied mathematics would be much more beneficial to break into another industry

Great major with potential career in academia or finance/tech industry. Requires hard work and talents

The math major at uva is challenging and rewarding, however it requires significant self study and is really easy to get behind in.

Most problems take a lot of time to complete but you start to create that problem solving intuition which feels very rewarding.

The Mathematics major at Mudd is very rigorous (especially if you take lots of upper division electives), but also super rewarding to anyone who appreciates an in-depth course curriculum.

Grinding through repetitive and seemingly boring practice but one day when you can find whip out calc 3 ball knowledge it’ll bring you immense joy.

I enjoy it and find the professors pretty passionate about their work. It’s also pretty rigorous which is good.

Overall great experience and I learned a lot! Math-CS is still a great pipeline for SWE jobs.

Mathematics and Computer Science at UCSD offers a unique experience where you can blend the two degrees, while offering a large amount of customization so you can tune your degree in either direction.