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Study Mathematics

Discover patterns and universal truths. Apply logic and problem-solving to real-world problems with a mathematics degree.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts

Major, Minor

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

Students sitting in a classroom, engaged and smiling, with laptops and notebooks. Colorful sticky notes are on the walls in t

Our Mathematics Major & Minor

Study mathematical concepts and gain problem-solving skills in an engaging and inclusive environment. Discuss differential equations, statistics, algebra, and even number theory. As a math major, you will build vital knowledge that can be applied to a variety of roles and industries.

Why choose Math at Willamette?

  • Undergraduate research opportunities. Work alongside faculty mentors to pursue research in areas such as applied mathematics, statistics, or mathematical modeling. 
  • Engaging department events. Join weekly gatherings for root beer floats, participate in the Jim Albaugh Colloquium lecture series, and celebrate Pi Day. We also offer student groups like Math Club.
  • Connections with experts. Through our mathematics colloquium series, we invite speakers to talk with our students about new mathematical ideas and applications. Students can also learn about career paths and opportunities and prepare for them through our Math Tutor Lab.

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Alumni Stories

From a Nobel Prize winner to a former CEO of Boeing, our alumni are making an impact. They have pursued careers as teachers, financial analysts, project managers, scholars, entrepreneurs, and engineers. Learn more about how our alumni are solving real world problems in leadership roles.

  • Matt Eblen ’00

    Forecasting changes to the workforce through data science
    Matt Eblen ’00, a senior mathematical statistician at the CDC, developed a predictive model using survival analysis to estimate employee tenure, aiding in workforce planning, leveraging skills honed at Willamette where he appreciated the collaborative environment and diverse educational experience.

    A photo of Matt Elben standing outside.
  • Tommy Kawamura's headshot on a dark blue background.

    Tommy Kawamura ’14

    Tommy Kawamura’s Journey from Willamette to the Astros
    Tommy Kawamura ’14 merges his love for baseball with his knack for statistical analysis, going from a math and economics major at Willamette to baseball analytics with the Houston Astros. Kawamura leverages his unique expertise to excel in the world of Major League Baseball.

Curriculum

While math students learn fundamental concepts, they also learn how to apply those concepts to real-world problems. Our math courses build critical thinking skills and include a wide range of topics in both discrete and continuous mathematics. Become fluent in the language of numbers and prepare for a range of careers.

  • MATH 456 Abstract Algebra I

    Immerse yourself in the foundational concepts of number systems, elementary number theory, groups, rings, fields, and polynomials. Explore advanced topics such as linear algebra, Sylow theory, and Galois theory to expand your math knowledge.

  • MATH 462 Number Theory

    Cover fascinating topics like divisibility, congruence, and the mystery of diophantine equations. Dive into the world of prime numbers, quadratic reciprocity, and analytic number theory, uncovering mathematical secrets that have captivated scholars for centuries.

Program Requirements

Our Mathematics Major requires 40 semester hours. This is comprised of 20 semester hours in core mathematics courses, followed by an additional 20 semester hours in mathematics.

Students pursuing a Mathematics minor will need to complete 24 semester hours. 20 of these semester hours are Mathematics courses where 16 semester hours are numbered at the 200-level or above. The final four semester hours must come from a Computer Science course numbered CS 125, CS 141, CS 151, CS 154, or anything at the 200-level or higher.

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Admissions Information

Our Mathematics program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University offers generous merit scholarships and financial aid to Mathematics majors, with no separate application required. All admitted undergraduates are automatically considered for scholarships starting at $26,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $10,000 annually for first-year students. This program includes mentorship, field trips, tutoring, and more, helping students succeed in their STEM careers.

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FAQs

Willamette University

Mathematics