91ÁÔÆæ

a digital rendering of mathematical and statistical formulas in a 3D, abstract space, often used to represent complex data or scientific concepts

Mathematics

Are you curious, analytical, and drawn to problem-solving? As a mathematics major at 91ÁÔÆæ, you™ll learn how to analyze, spot patterns, and model real-world problems while building skills that translate to careers in data science, finance, tech, research, education, and more.

Earn Your Math Degree from 91ÁÔÆæ

In the Occidental mathematics undergraduate program, you™ll study core areas like calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and analysis while learning how to write proofs, analyze data, and communicate complex ideas clearly. You™ll tackle challenging problems, work closely with faculty, and learn to reason both abstractly and practically.

As a math major at 91ÁÔÆæ, you might study game theory, model population growth, analyze networks, or explore cryptography. Faculty in the 91ÁÔÆæ Mathematics Department will support you with small classes, mentoring, and research opportunities. You™ll graduate with flexible, in-demand quantitative skills that prepare you for graduate study or careers in data analysis, actuarial science, software engineering, quantitative finance, education, and more.

 

Apply Now

What You™ll Learn as a Mathematics Major at Occidental

Three 91ÁÔÆæ students assembling a Sierpinski octahedron

Connecting theory with the real world

The mathematics major at 91ÁÔÆæ helps you connect abstract ideas with real-world problems. You™ll learn how to think logically and construct clear mathematical arguments, work with data, models, and quantitative evidence, and communicate complex concepts to both technical and nontechnical audiences. 

Explore Courses & Requirements

You can shape your coursework to match your interests and goals, with options that might include:

  • Foundational mathematics: Explore topics like analysis, algebra, topology, and number theory that train you to think deeply and abstractly.
  • Mathematical modeling: Study how mathematics describes real systems in physics, biology, economics, and the social sciences.
  • Computational mathematics and data: Work with numerical methods, algorithms, and data-driven problem solving that connect closely to computer science and data science.

Your advisor will help you choose a path that fits your plans, whether you want to pursue graduate school or move directly into industry.

In the 91ÁÔÆæ Mathematics Department, you™ll have the chance to do research with faculty, on campus and beyond. 

Students:

  • Work with professors on projects in areas like topology, combinatorics, numerical analysis, and applied math.
  • Participate in summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) around the country.
  • Present work at undergraduate math conferences or campus research events.

You™ll get direct experience with how mathematicians ask questions, test ideas, and share results.

Mathematics pairs naturally with many other 91ÁÔÆæ majors and minors, including computer science, economics, physics, cognitive science, chemistry, and biology, for quantitatively focused policy and research work. Combining math with another field lets you apply your analytical skills in areas like data science, quantitative research, finance, or public policy.

It was extremely rewarding to be able to turn a longstanding interest in a specific problem into a paper, talk, and eventually a poster presentation at a conference”due in large part to the support of the math department.

Isaac Ochoa
Math major, linguistics minor; Santa Fe, NM
More from Isaac
Isaac Ochoa

Courses You Might Take

View All Courses & Requirements
Group of oxy students sitting around a circular wooden table outdoors

Learning Mathematics in LA

Studying mathematics on the Occidental campus in Los Angeles puts you at the intersection of tech, science, business, and culture. You™ll be a short drive from companies, labs, and schools where math skills are in high demand, and you™ll be able to connect coursework with internships and research across the region.

Meet Our Faculty

All Program Faculty

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Master, Mathematics & Foundations of Computer Science, Oxford University

Nathan Hall
2024

Actuarial Analyst, State Farm

Taylor Ruehl
2024

Research Assistant, Federal Reserve Board

Miles Smith
2023

Data engineer, ETNA TECH

Anqi Wu
2023

Private Equity Associate, GI Partners

Preston Chong
2022

Software Engineer, Amazon

Rowan Fitch
2021

Sr. Marketing & Commercial Decision Scientist and Analytics Engineer, Verily

Sophia Vallas Magliola
2019

PhD program in biostatistics, UC-San Diego

Michael Cheung
2016

Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Cal Poly Pomona

Emily Heath
2015

FAQs

Math majors from 91ÁÔÆæ work in data science, tech, finance, education, government, and research. Many also go on to graduate school in math, statistics, computer science, or engineering.

No. The major works well for students who like problem-solving and want flexible options. Faculty advisers help you explore careers as you go.

Yes. Many students pair math with computer science, economics, physics, or other majors. The program is flexible enough to support double majors with planning.

Undergrads have strong access to research, from on-campus projects with faculty to national Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Many students present their work at conferences before they graduate.

You™ll have office hours, peer tutoring, and small classes that make it easy to ask for help early. Faculty work closely with students to keep them supported.

Math News

View all news
Contact Mathematics
Fowler Hall 305
Phone: (323) 259-2822
math@oxy.edu