Calculus I
An introduction to differential and integral calculus, focusing on limits, derivatives, and integrals of functions of one variable.
Difficulty
DemandingSimilar across class years
Students rate Mathematics 3.9/5 for difficulty across 26 ratings.
Average difficultyBased on 26 students across 8 schools.View review makeup
3.9/ 5
Share of students at each rating
Average difficulty out of 5, by class year
Overall average 3.9 of 5Based on 26 students across 8 schools.View review makeup
What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
69% would recommend it
Based on 26 reviews across 8 schools
What students say about the payoff
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Curriculum and careers
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.
Core course themes
Linear Algebra
Covers vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, and systems of linear equations.
Abstract Algebra
Explores algebraic structures such as groups, rings, and fields.
Statistics
Focuses on data analysis, probability theory, and statistical inference methods.
Real Analysis
Examines the rigorous theory of calculus, including sequences, series, and continuity.
Differential Equations
Studies the solutions and applications of ordinary differential equations.
Common roles
- Data Analyst
- Actuary
- Operations Research Analyst
- Mathematics Teacher
- Quantitative Analyst
Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.
Mathematics by school
Scores account for sample sizePreparing school differences…
University of California-Los Angeles9 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.6
- Enjoyment
- 4.2
- Recommend
- 68%
University of Southern California8 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.6
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 66%
Harvey Mudd College2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.9
- Enjoyment
- 4.4
- Recommend
- 74%
University of California-San Diego2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.8
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 74%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.7
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 74%
San Jose State University1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.7
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 63%
Stanford University1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.7
- Enjoyment
- 4.4
- Recommend
- 72%
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.6
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 63%
Community
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Student reviews
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.
Oct 2025
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.
Jul 2025
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
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
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.
Jul 2025
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
PositiveCareers & next steps
Great major with potential career in academia or finance/tech industry. Requires hard work and talents
Jul 2025
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
PositiveCourses & teaching
I enjoy it and find the professors pretty passionate about their work. It’s also pretty rigorous which is good.
Apr 2026
PositiveCareers & next steps
Overall great experience and I learned a lot! Math-CS is still a great pipeline for SWE jobs.
Apr 2026
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
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
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
PositiveCareers & next steps
I enjoy how it applies to anything, and many careers opportunities are intertwined with mathematics
Apr 2026
MixedSupport & community
Most of the professors from mathematical department are really nice, though they have an average low score on rmp.
Oct 2025
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