Discover Mathematics
Supportive Faculty and Small Classes
While we excel in scholarship and research, teaching undergraduate mathematics is the task we value most. Our class sizes are small, enabling us to tailor courses to student need:
- Lower division courses have 15-40 students.
- Upper division courses have fewer students, typically around 10.
Career Paths
Mathematician and Statistician were recently ranked #3 and #4, respectively, in Career Cast's "Best Jobs of 2015." Mathematics also plays an important role in many growing fields including actuarial science (the #1 job of 2015), data analytics, finance and technology. Even if your primary major is in another area, you may want to consider doing a second major in math to enhance your marketability and earning potential. Recent graduates of our math program have been successful in obtaining a diverse range of positions in industry such as
- Business Analyst for PG&E
- Crime Analyst for Modesto County
- Data Analyst for Rocket EMS
- Digital Media Intern for the San Diego Chargers
- Financial Analyst for Allstate
- Logistic Management Specialist for the Navy
- Software Engineer for Lawrence Livermore Laboratories
Graduates pursuing teaching have also been successful in obtained positions throughout California. Graduates choosing to further their education in math have been accepted into a wide range of graduate programs including
- MS in Data Analytics at UC Berkeley
- PhD in Statistics at the University of Arizona
- PhD in Mathematics at the University of Southern California
- PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of Minnesota
- PhD in Mathematics at the University of Kentucky
Wide Range of Degree Options
A variety of degree options are available through the Mathematics Department to meet a range of career and academic goals. Students who are majoring in math can choose from four degrees: a BA or BS in math, a BS in applied mathematics or a BS in actuarial science.
Students who choose to double major or minor in mathematics or who choose to study mathematics as part of their liberal arts education learn the major methods, applicability and spirit of the mathematical sciences. Our department helps students to develop the quantitative skills necessary for success in any career.
We have a major program that will suit your needs:
- The BA in mathematics requires 10 math courses; this gives students room to take coursework for another interest such as preparation for law or medical school.
- If you are planning for graduate study in mathematics or economics or a career in mathematics, our BS in mathematics is a good choice.
- If you are looking for a second major or are interested in graduate study in engineering, the BS in applied mathematics might be right for you.
- We offer curriculum designed to prepare future high school math teachers for the CSET exams.
Get Involved in Research
Math majors at Pacific have the opportunity to do research with faculty. Pacific students have been accepted at some of the most prestigious summer undergraduate research programs in the country.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Math students get involved in the Pacific Math Club, undergraduate research, the Pacific Problem Solving Group, or the Pacific Putnam Team.
Each spring, the math department hosts the High School Math Competition, which invites local high school mathletes to campus for an exciting day of competitive math activities.