Future Students

Academics

Theoretical Mathematics

College of Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Theoretical Mathematics
  Core and Option Courses
  Careers in Theoretical Mathematics
  Salaries
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Campus Organizations and Activities
  Related Fields of Study That May Interest You
  Contact Information

Theoretical Mathematics

Theoretical mathematics, an option within the mathematics major, focuses on the strong analytical skills essential for many jobs. This option is considered the traditional or core mathematics major at Washington State University. It is the recommended course of study for students who plan to pursue graduate school in any of the mathematical sciences, as well as fields such as economics in which a strong math background is a key asset.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in mathematics with a theoretical mathematics option
• Available at: Pullman

Core and Option Courses

In addition to the courses listed below, students must complete courses to meet University general education requirements and College of Sciences requirements, as well as a writing portfolio. Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

MATHEMATICS CORE COURSES
Cpt S 121—C Programming
     or two of the following:
     • Cpt S 153—BASIC Programming
     • 203—FORTRAN
     • 251—C Programming
Math 171 & 172—Calculus I & II
Math 220—Introductory Linear Algebra
Math 273—Calculus III
Math 300—Mathematical Computing
Math 315—Differential Equations
Math 360—Probability and Statistics
     or 443—Applied Probability
Math 420—Linear Algebra
Math 398—Mathematical Snapshots
Math 421—Algebraic Structures
Math 401 & 402—Introduction to Analysis I & II
Physics 201—Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing
Four Math electives (consult with advisor)

THEORETICAL MATHEMATICS OPTION COURSES
Math 302—Theory of Numbers
Math 453—Graph Theory
Math 375—Vector Analysis
     or 415—Intermediate Differential Equations
Math 303—Higher Geometry
Math 325—Elementary Combinatorics
Math 464—Operations Research and Game Theory

Careers in Theoretical Mathematics

Mathematics majors are in great demand. This program prepares for jobs requiring strong analytical skills, such as banking and computers. WSU graduates in math have obtained jobs in the areas of air traffic controller, attorney, computer analyst/programmer, software quality engineer, consulting actuary, engineer, physician, environmental consulting firm owner, purchasing agent, systems programmer and analyst, and technical aide support.

Salaries

Employment options for mathematicians are so broad that starting salaries vary widely. However, most new graduates with a bachelors’ degree are offered $30,000 to $35,000 per year. If you continue on to earn a doctorate, starting salaries increase by $11,000 to $16,000 per year.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

Students planning to major in mathematics at WSU should take four years of mathematics in high school through at least pre-calculus. Most mathematics majors begin with first or second semester calculus (Math 171 or 172).

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Endowed scholarships are available from the Department of Mathematics and the College of Sciences. A variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs, loans, grants, and scholarships are also available to assist qualified students with education costs.

Campus Organizations and Activities

• Math Club (a support group for math students that sponsors speakers, films, and other activities)
• Women in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (a group that offers support and enrichment programs)
• The Washington State University national math modeling team
• The national Putnam mathematics competition

Related Fields of Study That May Interest You

If you are interested in teaching mathematics in secondary school, consider the secondary mathematics teaching option.

Contact Information
Department of Mathematics
Washington State University
PO Box 643113
Pullman, WA 99164-3113
info@math.wsu.edu
509-335-3926
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Math lab facilities include 25 networked Linux computers with software for differential equations, linear algebra, and calculus, plus two PC labs containing 40 computers with math education software.
  • Students gain strong instruction in analysis/differential equations, computational math, discrete math, mathematical modeling, mathematics education, optimization, probability, and statistics.
  • Math majors assist faculty on research projects ranging from atmospheric science to genetics using the department's research-computing workstations.
  • The Owen Science and Engineering Library subscribes to more than 200 math journals, and there are 15,000 volumes in the math section of the library.
  • Our internship program places students at Boeing Corporation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and other national labs and businesses.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us