The department of mathematics at PUC prides itself on not only helping students develop problem-solving skills based on mathematical reasoning but also promoting communication and teamwork. Students are well prepared for graduate studies in mathematics and related areas, such as statistics and physics, which can lead to mathematics-related careers in medicine, government, and business. This focus will allow for research as well as teaching in higher education. Graduate study opportunities can lead to specialties in actuarial science, operations research, and applied statistics. 

As one of the smaller departments on campus, students find themselves nurtured by caring professors frequently on a one-on-one basis. Not only is this beneficial for learning complex equations and concepts, but it also often results in academic success; students graduating from the department of mathematics at PUC scored at the 99th percentile of all college and university psychology departments administering the MFT exam in 2018.  

Programs offered:

• B.S. in Mathematics
• B.S. in Biomathematics

A Faculty’s Perspective

“Math teaches me to be clear with myself about starting assumptions and reasoning structures; it helps me to understand that some topics can best be understood from new and different points of view; and it helps to give me a perspective on just how much I don’t know about God’s wonderful creation and the ways that we attempt to make sense of it through our reasoning. I feel fortunate to work in a learning community that is always willing and eager to engage in conversation on virtually any topic and just as willing to accept the Holy Spirit’s influence on those conversations.” –  Dr. Steve Waters, professor of mathematics

Fast Facts 

1. Mathematicians are of high value throughout government and industry to help teams make sense of data, design new products, create forecasts, and work on anything involving pattern recognition and analysis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for mathematicians and statisticians in 2018 was approximately $88,190 per year. Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow rapidly, at about 33 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
2. The math program at PUC has a very favorable student-to-teacher ratio in the upper division. These advanced courses usually have from 3-5 students. This makes it very convenient for students and professors to work closely together; the professor knows the students very well and there are abundant opportunities for individual help and student teamwork.
3. Students graduating from the department of mathematics at PUC scored at the 99th percentile of all college and university psychology departments administering the MFT exam in 2018. 
4. Math students are frequently hired as tutors and readers to work for the department at PUC. This provides great work experience as well as solidifying the knowledge gained in coursework.

 What You Can Do With This Major

You might be surprised by all the different career paths open to someone with a degree in mathematics. 

• Actuary science
• Astronomy
• Climate study
• Economist
• Engineering
• Genetic research
• Insurance and investment
• International banking
• Market researcher
• Medicine/dentistry
• National security
• Robotics
• Sports consultant
• Statistician 
• Teaching

Learn more about the department of mathematics at puc.edu/academics. Our team of admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about PUC’s math programs, or the other majors the college offers. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now and start learning about all the options available to you!