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Mathematics
Majors, Minors & Areas of Study
Mathematics
It’s the major of possibilities.
Mathematics at the University of Mary Washington can open up almost any future you see for yourself. Mathematicians build bridges, monitor air traffic, analyze drug safety, encrypt data, program computers and more. Ground yourself in calculus, linear and abstract algebra, and real analysis, then explore what speaks most to you as you build skills to solve real-world problems.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in mathematics who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in mathematics.
Areas of Study
You’ll choose from courses in algebra, analysis, topology (modern geometry), discrete mathematics (mathematics of computer science), number theory, statistics, dynamical systems, stochastic partial differential equations (mathematical models), scientific computation (numerical analysis and simulation), and financial mathematics.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities are plentiful for a mathematician trained in numerical techniques, modeling, applied analysis, and statistics. Mathematicians work in physics, chemistry, space technology, economics, business management, statistical analysis, operations research, medical research, and environmental science. Because of a strong need for secondary math educators, prospects are excellent for a dedicated and well-trained mathematician interested in teaching.
Internships
The Fredericksburg and Washington, D.C., metropolitan areas offer many internship opportunities for undergraduate math majors. UMW students and mathematics graduates have found internships and full-time jobs with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in nearby Dahlgren, Virginia; Geico in Stafford County, Virginia; NASA; the U.S. Census Bureau; and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Honors
- Requirements
- Scholarships
As a mathematics major, you may graduate with honors. Requirements include a grade-point average of 3.5 in the major (3.0 overall) and two 400-level mathematics courses. Under the supervision of an advisor, you’ll complete either a directed study or undergraduate research project. You’ll write a thesis and present it to the mathematics department.
Major Requirements
The mathematics major requires 36 credits, of which 15 must come from specified courses in calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, abstract algebra, and real analysis. Additional credits must be earned from 300- and 400-level classes. Mathematics electives or certain computer science, physics, and philosophy courses also may count toward the major.
Minor Requirements
Students from any discipline may minor in mathematics. The mathematics minor requires 18 mathematics credits. At least 12 credits must be earned from mathematics courses at the 300 level or above. Students can also minor in applied mathematics or actuarial science.
Applied Mathematics Minor Requirements
Please review the course catalog for the applied mathematics minor requirements.
Several scholarships and honor societies are open to mathematics majors.
Economics
Majors, Minors & Areas of Study
Economics
Micro- or macro-, but constantly changing. Learn why.
How do humans react to abundance and scarcity? How do policy decisions and current events bear on people’s most personal decisions? Major in economics at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll think creatively to grasp how financial, social and government structures intersect with group and individual behavior. Go beyond micro and macro theory to build quantitative, analytical, research and communication skills for a problem-solving future.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in economics who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics.
Areas of Study
Study micro-, macro-, industrial, environmental, health, urban and regional economics. You can take courses in the economics of social issues; government and business; money and banking; public finance; philanthropy; the history of economics; investment analysis; poverty, affluence, and equality; and more.
Career Opportunities
With a thorough understanding of the principles of economics, you could follow UMW alums who now have such positions as president of BetaTau Enterprises, analyst for the Bureau of the Census, CEO of Animators at Law, claims investigator for Geico Insurance, accountant and trader for Sempra Energy Trading Corp., economics teacher in the Peace Corps, investment broker at A.G. Edwards & Sons, and researcher with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Internships
UMW students have benefited from internships with SunTrust Mortgage, Edward Jones Investments, the Washington Capitals, CNN’s Crossfire, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Environmental Protection Agency, Prudential Securities, the First Nations Development Institute, Paine Webber, the Virginia Credit Union, and more.
To receive departmental honors in economics you’ll need at least a 3.5 GPA in the major. You’ll complete an individual study and write and defend an honors thesis during your senior year. UMW also has a chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international economics honor society.
Major Requirements
The economics major requires 39 credits, including eight core courses and five electives.
Minor Requirements
An economics minor requires 21 credits, including four core courses and three electives.
Numerous scholarships and awards are available for economics majors. Among them are the James Harvey Dodd Award for a junior economics major based on financial need and academic achievement. The Adam Smith Award is given to a graduating senior based on potential for graduate study. The Fred E. Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a rising junior or senior who is double-majoring in economics and business administration. The Richard George Allgaier Scholarship is awarded to economics and accounting majors. Learn more about economics scholarship opportunities.
Computer Science
Majors, Minors & Areas of Study
Computer Science
Ready to change the world?
Software developers and analysts find innovative solutions to complex problems in science, medicine, art, music, mathematics and more. Major in computer science at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll explore what’s possible in a program that melds theory, application, technique and design. Conduct meaningful research, serve an internship, pursue a minor in data science, create something wholly original – it’s all open to you here.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in computer science who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science.
Areas of Study
The bachelor’s program in computer science offers an array of courses, including object-oriented design, databases, computer ethics, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, game programming, data mining, software engineering, and more.
Career Opportunities
U.S. News & World Report ranks jobs in computing among the best in the country. A bachelor’s degree in computer science will prepare you for a career as a software developer, database administrator, computer hardware engineer, database administrator, systems analyst, network architect, Web developer, security analyst, computer programmer, and more.
Internships
Internships allow qualified students to earn academic credit, gain real-world experience, and boost their resumes by working at technical firms, government offices, or software development agencies. Companies that have sponsored recent student internships include Microsoft, IBM, NASA, RSA, Federal Reserve Bank, US Department of Health & Human Services, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, MITRE, and Northrop Grumman.
To earn honors in computer science, students who meet GPA and course prerequisites can undertake individual study under the direction of a department member.
Major Requirements
UMW’s major in computer science requires 46 credits, including multiple core courses in computer science, as well as electives in areas such as cybersecurity, machine learning and game programming.
Minor Requirements
The minor builds strong programming and problem-solving skills, and is particularly useful when combined with a major in any of the sciences, mathematics, business, economics, linguistics, or geography.
Computer science majors can apply for several scholarships and awards.