Mathematics

26 reviews
Decorative laurel wreath
0.0
Overall
Top 28% of majors
Student Satisfaction
Career Prospects
Decorative laurel wreath

About this major

Mathematics is a rigorous discipline that focuses on the study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns. Students learn to develop analytical and problem-solving skills through courses in algebra, calculus, statistics, and more advanced mathematical theories.

STEMAnalyticalProblem-SolvingQuantitativeTheoretical

Student Experience

SatisfactionTop 33%
Career outlookTop 40%
69%
Recommendation
50%
Plan grad school

Academic Balance

Math intensity
91st percentile
Writing intensity
33rd percentile
WorkloadHard
52nd percentile
DifficultyHard
77th percentile
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Student Reviews

Tone
Sophomore Verified
PositiveCourses & teaching

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.

Theory-HeavyResearch-OrientedInterdisciplinaryLecture-DrivenFast-PacedMath-Intensive
Oct 2025
Senior Verified
PositiveCourses & teaching

- 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.

Hands-On LearningSupportive FacultySurprisingly ManageableWorth It
Jul 2025
Sophomore Verified
PositiveDifficulty & workload

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.

Apr 2026
Freshman Verified
PositiveCourses & teaching

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.

Apr 2026
Sophomore
CriticalCareers & next steps

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.

Theory-HeavyMath-IntensiveGood for Grad SchoolMentally DemandingTime-Consuming
Jul 2025
Senior Verified
CriticalCareers & next steps

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

Mar 2026
Senior Verified
PositiveCareers & next steps

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

Theory-HeavyMath-IntensiveTech-OrientedHigh Earning PotentialGood for Grad SchoolWorth It
Jul 2025
Sophomore Verified
PositiveCourses & teaching

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.

Apr 2026
Sophomore Verified
PositiveCourses & teaching

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

Apr 2026
Junior Verified
PositiveCareers & next steps

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

Apr 2026
Junior Verified
PositiveCourses & teaching

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.

Apr 2026
Senior
CriticalCareers & next steps

I really enjoyed learning mathematics and it is a very fun experience. However it should be known that this major is not industry targeted.

Sep 2025
Senior Verified
PositiveSupport & community

I love the people the most as part of my major, although I do appreciate how it teaches you to think!

Apr 2026
Freshman Verified
PositiveCareers & next steps

I enjoy how it applies to anything, and many careers opportunities are intertwined with mathematics

Apr 2026
Freshman Verified
MixedSupport & community

Most of the professors from mathematical department are really nice, though they have an average low score on rmp.

Oct 2025
Graduated
MixedEnjoyment & fit

Need to love math theory and application in more conceptual basis.

May 2026

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