About

Have you always liked mathematics? Are you looking for a program that will help you develop an edge in the quantitative skills required in tomorrow's job market?

The BS in mathematics is a concentrated program that prepares you for a variety of career options in mathematics and related fields. The students choose one concentration area from: mathematics, sciences, statistics, and computer science to enhance their skills. Concentrating in the sciences is a favored option for the premeds in our program. Concentrations in mathematics or statistics are preferred by our students who go on to graduate school in mathematics or related fields like economics.

In high school, mathematics courses usually emphasize computational techniques-factoring polynomials, solving equations, and the like. At the university level, there is a much greater emphasis on ideas, and proof plays a greater role. Calculations still matter but it no longer suffices to "get the right answer" by applying a recipe in mechanical fashion. At heart, mathematics concerns the search for underlying patterns and the precise communication of meaning.

The science of mathematics differs from empirical sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Theories in these fields are supported by bodies of observation and remain true until invalidated or refined by new information. Mathematical theories are supported by deductive proof and remain true forever. For example, the geometry of the ancient Greeks is still valid and useful even though Euclid wrote his famous Elements more than two thousand years ago.

ECU Advantage

Our upper division courses contain fewer than 15 students per class, on an average, and our faculty provides individual attention to students. We have a wide selection of electives, allowing students to tailor their program and explore careers in many areas of mathematics, including the actuarial sciences. Many career paths are available to the mathematics major. Most of these require some knowledge of other areas as well as good communication and computer skills. Students can take advantage of the breadth of opportunities at ECU by pursing a degree in mathematics with a second major, minor, or significant course work in business, computer science, economics, or education.

What You Will Study

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