College of Science and Health
Mathematics

Students in the Mathematics program have the opportunities to:

Have flexibility in choosing a career, as jobs for math majors can be found in every job market.
Prepare to take the first two exams required toward fellowship in the Society of Actuaries with the actuarial science concentration.
Do student research as early as the end of their freshman year. As seniors, students complete capstone research projects with faculty members and gain real-world experience by presenting them publicly

Navigating Numbers and Risk:

 A mathematics degree program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in mathematical concepts and analytical skills, while also offering the opportunity to specialize in the field of actuarial science. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and consulting.

Core Mathematics Coursework

The core coursework for a mathematics degree program typically includes courses in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and discrete mathematics. These courses provide students with the essential mathematical tools and techniques needed to solve complex problems and analyze data.

Actuarial Science Concentration

The actuarial science concentration offers students the opportunity to delve deeper into the principles of actuarial science, including risk management, financial modeling, and insurance pricing. Students typically take courses in topics such as actuarial mathematics, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, and pension mathematics. Actuarial Science students are encouraged to minor in one of the following areas: Accounting, Business and Economics, Economics, Finance, International Business and Economics, Management and Organizational Behavior or Marketing.

Embrace a World of Creative and Professional Opportunities

Become an actuary: Actuaries are financial professionals who analyze and manage risk. They use their mathematical skills to develop insurance products and pricing models, assess the financial impact of natural disasters, and make investment decisions. Actuaries are in high demand and are well-paid, making it a rewarding career path for math graduates.

Pursue a career in data science: Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract meaningful information. They use their mathematical and statistical skills to develop predictive models, identify patterns and trends, and solve complex problems. Data science is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of job opportunities in industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and retail.

Become a statistician: Statisticians design and conduct surveys and experiments to collect data, and then analyze and interpret that data to draw conclusions about populations. They use their mathematical expertise to develop statistical models, calculate probabilities, and make inferences about real-world phenomena. Statisticians are employed in a variety of industries, including government, healthcare, research, and business.

Work as a mathematician: Mathematicians study the abstract concepts and structures of mathematics, such as numbers, shapes, and patterns. They use their mathematical skills to solve problems, develop new theories, and discover new patterns. Mathematicians typically work in universities, research institutions, or government agencies

What our Alumni have done with this degree

Our alumni have gone on to work at companies like Google LLC, Allstate Insurance Co., State Farm Insurance, Aon plc, US Foods, The Segal Group Inc. and Scientific Games Corp.; teach at area high schools and middle schools; and earn their Ph.D.s from Purdue University, The University of Iowa, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Arizona State University.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Mathematics program:

Calculus I and II: These courses introduce the fundamental concepts of calculus, including derivatives, integrals, and applications. Calculus is essential for understanding a wide range of mathematical concepts and is required for many advanced math courses.

Linear Algebra: This course covers the principles of linear algebra, including matrices, vectors, and systems of linear equations. Linear algebra is widely used in many areas of mathematics and science, including physics, engineering, and computer science.

Discrete Mathematics: This course explores the properties of discrete structures, such as sets, graphs, and logic. Discrete mathematics is important for understanding the foundations of computer science and cryptography.

Probability and Statistics: This course introduces the concepts of probability and statistical inference. Probability and statistics are used in many areas, including finance, insurance, and social science research.

Real Analysis: This course provides a rigorous introduction to the theory of real numbers, including sequences, series, and limits. Real analysis is a foundation for many areas of advanced mathematics, including differential equations and functional analysis.

In addition to these core courses, students pursuing a mathematics degree will typically take a variety of electives in their area of interest. These electives may include courses in differential equations, abstract algebra, topology, and numerical analysis.

• Lisle undergraduate courses and descriptions