Mathematical Sciences (B.S./B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • The B.S. has a biology concentration, which is great for students interested in attending medical school.
  • We offer both a B.A. and a B.S. degree in mathematical sciences.
  • Our department has about 231 undergraduate and 125 graduate students and 84 full-time faculty members.
  • In 2011, the median annual income for the profession was $94,178.
ABOUT.

Even though the term “mathematician” may conjure visions of windowless rooms filled with number crunchers, the reality is quite different. Demand is high for the analytical and critical skills that you will develop as a mathematical sciences major. In 2011, mathematics was named the second best job by CareerCast.com, based on environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands and stress. Mathematical sciences graduates have careers in a wide range of industries, specialties and work environments in business, engineering, government (e.g., National Security Agency), industry, science and many other professions. At Clemson, an undergraduate study in traditional mathematics, applied mathematics, computational math or actuarial science/financial mathematics, as well as statistics and operations research will quickly prepare you for these career opportunities.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

From developing your iPhone® to quantifying global warming rates and climate change, mathematics is an unseen part of our everyday lives. Even though it might not be readily visible to the general public, mathematical scientists have been responsible for some of the most striking changes in science and technology today. At Clemson, you can experience the power of mathematics as a science in search of pattern, form and structure, operating around numbers, algorithms, ideas and models. It’s definitely a great major for those who want to help shape the future of our lives.

There are options for either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in mathematical sciences. The Bachelor of Arts option requires a few more liberal arts classes and includes a minor. The Bachelor of Arts does not require lab science course work. Typically secondary education math majors follow this degree program.

In the Bachelor of Science program, options are available for a biology concentration — perfect for being pre-med — or one of several emphasis areas. The biology concentration requires that more biology courses fulfill the science requirements than the standard B.S. option. The B.S. emphasis areas are abstract mathematics, actuarial science/financial mathematics, applied and computational mathematics, computer science, operations research/management science, statistics and applied statistics. 

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Plan: In our dual-degree program, up to 12 hours of classwork can be used for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematical sciences. This is a great choice if you want to get a graduate degree since it saves a year over the usual sequencing of the two degrees separately.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.
CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

36%

Employed

43%

Grad School

14%

Seeking Employment

7%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Medical University of South Carolina — Research Statistician
  • Naval Surface Warfare Center — Scientist
  • Integration Point — Global Software Analyst

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Brown University — Ph.D.
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill — Ph.D.
  • University of Virginia — Ph.D.

Common Career Areas**

  • Banking/Insurance/Finance
    • Credit Lending 
    • Risk Management 
    • Investment Banking
    • Financial Analysis 
    • Actuarial Science 
    • Securities Research
  • Research and Development
    • Budget Analysis
      • Industry
        • Software Engineering 
        • Software Development 
        • Systems Analysis 
        • Information Systems 
        • Market Research
        • Operations Research Analysis 
        • Quality Control
      • Cryptanalysis/Cryptography
        • Forensic Analysis
          • Science
            • Epidemiology/Medicine
            • Genomics
            • Mathematical Biophysics 
            • Biostatistics
            • Climatology
            • Computational Biology
          • Education
            • Government
              • Military Intelligence
            *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
            **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
            FIND OUT MORE.

            Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

            Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
            864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu