BS in Mathematics | Clarkson University

Unlock the Possibilities of Mathematics

Mathematics is a powerful tool — and one with more uses than you may imagine. It's found where you'd expect, in disciplines like engineering and computer science. But, it can also help epidemiologists understand the spread of disease or give medical researchers clues about how tumors grow. Clarkson's math majors are using their skills to work on problems in improving hospital operations, in social justice, in supply chain management, in building submarines and in, well, just about everything!

Why Study Mathematics at Clarkson?

Please don't be confused: the number one reason to study math is ... because you love it. You know you do. Why? Because it challenges you to be a creative problem solver and a critical thinker. And guess what? Those skills are exceptionally valued out in the real world.

Here at Clarkson, you'll find yourself embedded with other folks working on real-world problems. We help you to find your passion and team your critical thinking skills with their hands-on experience to accomplish the incredible.

What You'll Learn

Our program emphasizes applied mathematics. All your classes will be taught exclusively by faculty.

Available courses include:

3-D Space and Projective Geometry
Abstract Algebra
Automata Theory and Formal Languages
Calculus I, II and III
Computer Algorithms
Cryptography
Differential Equations
Discrete Mathematics and Proof
Intro to STEM Math
Mathematical Modeling
Mathematical Statistics
Number Theory and Its Applications

Curriculum

The mathematics program consists of 44 credit hours in mathematics and statistics and 15 credit hours in science. 41 credit hours are in free electives, which is enough to complete a minor or second major if you so choose.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Clarkson Common Experience

The following courses are required for all students, irrespective of their program of study. These courses are offered during the fall semester, with FY100 First-Year Seminar being required of only first-year students. Both FY100 and UNIV190 are typically taken during the fall semester of the first year at Clarkson.
FY100 First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
UNIV190 The Clarkson Seminar (3 credits)

Mathematics Core Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses:

Mathematics/Statistics

MA131 Calculus I
MA132 Calculus II
MA200 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling & Software
MA211 Discrete Mathematics and Proof
MA231 Calculus III
MA232 Elementary Differential Equations
MA321 Advanced Calculus
MA339 Applied Linear Algebra
MA451 Introduction to Mathematical Research (2 credits)
or MA453 Mathematical Instruction (2 credits)
STAT383 Probability & Statistics

Professional Experience

Students are required to complete the following Professional Experience:
MA499 Professional Experience (0 credits)

Mathematics Core Electives

Mathematics Option & Statistics Option

The mathematics major has two options. The mathematics option is designed for students with a general interest in mathematics and is excellent preparation for graduate school. The statistics option replaces some mathematics courses in the junior and senior years with statistics courses and is designed to prepare students for careers as statisticians or actuaries.

Mathematics Option

Students must complete two of the following courses:

MA311 Abstract Algebra
MA313 Abstract Linear Algebra
MA314 Number Theory & Its Applications
MA322 Advanced Calculus II

Statistics Option

Students must complete the following four courses:

STAT381 Probability
STAT382 Mathematical Statistics
STAT384 Applied Statistics
STAT488 Statistics Projects (1-3 credits)

Science Courses for Mathematics

Students must complete the following four courses:

CS141 Introduction to Computer Science I (4 credits)
PH131 Physics I (4 credits)
PH132 Physics II (4 credits)
Elective Biology (BY), Chemistry (CM), or Physics (PH) elective (3 credits)

Knowledge Area/University Course Electives

Students will have at least 19 credit hours available to use toward Knowledge Area and/or University Course electives to satisfy the Clarkson Common Experience requirements.

Free Electives*

Students will have approximately 41 credit hours available to use toward courses of their choice.

*Up to 12 credit hours of advanced (300- or 400-level) coursework in Aerospace Studies or Military Science may count toward graduation requirements. Aerospace Studies or Military Science credits at the 100 and 200 levels do not count toward the required 120 hours. Other restrictions may apply; check with the department for details.

Co-ops and Internships

The skills and knowledge you build in the math program mean you'll be in demand, even while you're still a student. In the past, our math students have interned at national research laboratories, research facilities around the world and in a wide range of industries.

Undergraduate Research

Our 18 full-time faculty are actively involved in research — many in interdisciplinary settings such as Clarkson's Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Institute for STEM Education, our Mathematical Biology Team Science (MBioTS) Research Experience for Undergraduates or the Center for Complex Systems Science. You can work with them as early as your freshman year. Your projects may even qualify for academic credit.

Clubs and Organizations

Clarkson offers more than 200 student-run clubs and organizations. Many focus on engineering, computer programming and other areas where you can put your math skills to work. Or, you can just relax with a club sport or other activity.

See all clubs and organizations.

Mathematics Minor

The Minor in Mathematics is open to all students except those majoring in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Data Science, or Mathematical Economics. To complete the minor the student must achieve at least a 2.0 grade-point average in seven three-credit courses from the following list:

MA131 Calculus I
MA132 Calculus II
MA200 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling and Software
MA211 Discrete Mathematics and Proof
MA230 3-D Space and Projective Geometry
MA231 Calculus III
DS241 Introduction to Data Science
MA232 Elementary Differential Equations
MA239 Elementary Linear Algebra
MA277 Elementary Numerical Methods
Any 3-credit MA or STAT course at the 300-level or above.

Any CS course which is double-listed as an MA course at the 300-level or above also counts toward the minor; check with the Mathematics Department for details.

At least one-fourth of the credit hours required must be completed at Clarkson, unless an exception is approved by the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Relevant Minors

Economics

Even the smallest decisions necessary to build a successful business hinge on larger economic factors. Labor, materials, finance — you have to understand each to know which levers to pull. An economics minor gives you insight into business, as well as the forces that shape society around the world. Learn more about the economics minor.

Physics

Combining your math skills with a foundation in physics can help you understand the world around you. Employers in fields as diverse as engineering, computer science and finance value physics and math — and they'll value you, also. Many physics majors will choose to double major in mathematics. Please look at our handbooks to see a sample program for that double major. Learn more about the physics minor.

Mark Santa Clara Munro ‘27

Mark is a Mathematics major who just finished his first year on campus. “It has been a great first year! I love the friends I met here and there are plenty of clubs you can get involved with to meet new people with your same interests. In terms of learning, there are plenty of resources and all of the professors I have had have been really helpful and have made my first year here much easier.”⁠

A member of the Varsity basketball team, an Ignite Presidential Fellow, and a member of the Honors Program.

Learn More About Mark

Career Possibilities

Math is a "Swiss Army Knife." In recent years, graduates of Clarkson's math program have gone to work as problem solvers in industry and government as mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries.

You won't have to look hard: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for mathematicians and statisticians is expected to grow 31 percent by 2031.

But in industry or academia, your job title probably won't be "statistician" or "mathematician." Industry simply needs people with good quantitative and problem-solving skills. And, the easiest way for a company to acquire that capacity is to hire a math major, regardless of whether they are hiring them into their supply chain branch, quality control or data analytics.

Some common jobs might include:

Actuary
Analyst
Cryptographer
Customer Technical Rep
Data scientist
Math teacher or professor
Quantitative analyst (finance)
Software engineer
Systems Engineer

Get Your Feet Wet

When biologists needed to determine how quickly an invasive plant was likely to spread in a river near campus, they turned to mathematics — and Kyle Monette '22 — for the answer.

See Why Math Is So Versatile

Recent Employers and Graduate Programs

Clarkson students are in demand by private industry, though many choose to go on to graduate programs. In recent years, our students have pursued the next step with: