What you'll learn as a mathematics major at UW-Platteville
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. Studying mathematics develops your analytical skills, enhances your problem-solving abilities, and gives you tools to use in disciplines that rely on quantitative and statistical reasoning. In your classes, you’ll work in small groups and benefit from one-on-one time with faculty, maximizing your learning opportunities.
Mathematics is essential in many fields of study:
- Natural science
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Finance
- Social sciences
Careers in mathematics
Mathematicians generally excel at addressing complex problems, using critical-thinking skills and data-driven analysis to arrive at solutions. People who study mathematics tend to choose the field because they enjoy and have an aptitude for working with numbers. Mathematics professionals often work with computers and technology, in business finance or financial operations roles for private companies or government employers, in sales or management roles, or as teachers.
Graduates of our program have gone on to pursue jobs at major employers such as State Farm Insurance, Hughes Aircraft, EPIC, Bell Laboratories, IBM, Texas Instruments, and Employers Insurance.
If you intend to pursue an advanced degree at another institution after your undergraduate studies, rest assured that our program can provide the strong foundation you need to achieve your goals. If you choose to go into teaching in middle/high schools, we offer a range of courses for teacher preparation, as well.
The mathematics department offers many options for majors and minors that give you the skills to work in areas including:
- Actuarial science
- Accounting and finance
- Computer science
- Operations research
- Biomathematics
- Cryptography
- Teaching (primary, secondary, and post-secondary)
- Statistics
- Financial or market analysis
- Financial planning
- Research
- Software engineering
- Sales
Law and medicine are other careers that require excellent mathematical skills.
As you can see, a mathematics education can prepare you for a variety of careers. While some positions may require advanced degrees, a four-year degree with a major or minor in mathematics can open the door to many rewarding roles. In fact, the median wage for mathematics-related careers trends higher than the median wage for all other fields.
Discover by doing
Mathematics at UW-Platteville includes experiential learning opportunities.
Whether you choose to major or minor in mathematics, you can take advantage of hands-on, student-centered learning opportunities designed to improve your mathematics knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Mathematics program highlights
- Department of Mathematics faculty represent specializations in statistics, pure mathematics, and applied mathematics.
- Calculus and higher courses are taught by Ph.D. faculty members.
- Advanced students may earn money and gain experience as a math tutor.
- Graduates are prepared for rewarding and high-paying careers.
- If you are pursuing a mathematics degree in middle and secondary education, there is a promise of financial relief backed by UW-Platteville through a program that will help you repay your loans once you've graduated. Learn more about LRAP.
One of our students says it all:
The math department at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has given me countless opportunities to grow as a student as well as a person. I really appreciate all the help and guidance the math professors have given me during my time at UW-Platteville.
Camille Felton, President of the Math Club and math honor society, Pi Mu Epsilon
High school math teacher, algebra I, advanced algebra II/trigonometry, and AP calculus | Milwaukee County, WI
[At UW-Platteville], I learned about equity, diversity, and inclusion—what it looks like in our community and, therefore, my classroom. I learned how to have meaningful conversations about these topics that I, otherwise, wouldn’t have known how to have. I saw how I could be an advocate for all my students and ensure that every student has access to a meaningful and quality education.
Math teacher, 8th grade, pre-algebra and algebra; Team leader for 8th grade academic team | CT
As a student returning to the classroom (and math) after many years, I was intimidated, and I doubted my math abilities. The professors at UW-Platteville helped me believe in my abilities to tackle even the ‘tough’ math. To this day, when I doubt myself, I draw strength from their faith in me and my ability to teach math.
High school teacher, Integrated Math II Core and Integrated Math II Honors | Berwyn, IL
The most rewarding aspect of my time at UW-Platteville was the connections I made with my professors and peers in class. Because of the smaller class sizes, I was able to build connections and relationships with people that became my lifelong friends, and I created a great professional network for my career.
