Liberal arts
For those who only know that they enjoy mathematics and do well at it, and don't have any idea of what kind of a career it will prepare them for, it is reassuring that there are a large number of career opportunities in fields often not associated with mathematics. Mathematics provides a strong liberal arts background. Employers in business and industry have found mathematics majors bright and flexible, and hire them for positions that make use of their sophisticated reasoning abilities and broad problem solving skills, as well as their implicit understanding of important mathematical concepts. Mathematics majors find careers in banking and financial services, management, consulting, government, health services, research organizations, public policy, utilities, transportation and communications.
A degree in mathematics combined with some complementary course work and strong communications skills is considered excellent preparation for graduate study in a wide variety of areas such as Economics, MBA programs, Law and Medicine, Architecture and Public Health programs. No other undergraduate major gives you the flexibility and opportunity of a degree in mathematics.
Students often major in mathematics in preparation for work or further study in the Social and Natural sciences. Persons trained in analytical and logical thinking, with knowledge of the language used to formulate and solve problems, are highly competitive for employment or graduate schools in such varied fields as psychology, genetics, physics, forestry, sociology, operations research and meteorology. A mathematics major is strong preparation for graduate study in most engineering disciplines. Furthermore, there are a growing number of opportunities in interdisciplinary fields, such as mathematical economics, biostatistics, biomathematics, environmental engineering and scientific visualization. The Mathematics major provides more graduate education opportunities than any other undergraduate degree.
Liberal Arts Mathematics at UWEC - Students take the core sequence in Calculus (Math 114, 215, 216, 315) Linear and Abstract Algebra (Math 324, 425), at least six other advanced courses, and a Capstone Experience. This is the broadest and most flexible area of emphasis, preparing students for graduate school or employment in a variety of careers. Students seeking employment with a Baccalaureate degree are encouraged to pursue a minor in one of the disciplines where mathematics plays a substantial role. Examples include Economics, Finance, Physics, or Psychology.
