Mathematics

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Natural Sciences

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education

A mathematics student writing equations onto a chalkboard in green chalk.

Meet the Professors

About

As a PLU mathematics student, you’ll learn classical and modern mathematical tools and ways of thinking that you need to begin to understand recent developments in and applications of mathematics and statistics. Contemporary mathematics has played an integral role in the development of computer technologies, search algorithms, financial investing strategies, physical models of nature, fair redistricting voting models, and more, while working with data has become central to our society.

Whether your goal is to learn mathematics and statistics for an application – modeling problems in science, engineering, economics or finance; in preparation for a career in elementary or secondary education; or for further study in a graduate program, your studies will challenge, inspire and inform you about mathematics’ and statistics’ beauty and power, as well as their theory and applications.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

High School Math Teacher, school districts across Washington State
Search Consultant Engineer, Lucidworks
Data Consultant, Washington State Department of Health Office of People Services
System Design Engineer, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Stewardship Associate, Forterra
Implementation Specialist, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training Fund
Lead Payroll Specialist, Pacific Lutheran University
Associate Software Engineer, Southwest Airlines
Tax Analyst, Vacasa

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

Master of Science in Biostatistics, University of Michigan
Master of Arts in Mathematics, University of Montana
Master of Science in Data Science, Northwestern University
Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University
Ph.D. in Economics, University of California - Irvine
Masters of Science in Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health
MS in Engineering Physics/Applied Physics, University of Oregon Graduate School
MEd, Western Governors University

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I chose to study mathematics at PLU because I wanted a rigorous program that would help me prepare to be a high school math teacher. This fall I will be beginning my career as a math teacher in a local district and because of what I have learned at PLU I can confidently say that I am putting my best foot forward. Life as a math major is busy, but I am also a computer science minor because at PLU it is easy to study multiple different areas of STEM, which can help set you stand out to future employers.

— Coral H. ‘20

Did you know?

Mathematics students can participate in PLU’s Natural Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (NSSURP), which involves working with PLU professors on research projects (and getting paid for it!). Students also have the opportunity to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduate Programs nationwide.

Did you know?

Every year a team of PLU students compete against 10,000 other teams in the international Mathematical Contest in Modeling. In 2023, the PLU team finished in the top 5!

Did you know?

Want to study away? Mathematics students have spent semesters studying (and earning credit toward their degree) in Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago, Budapest and more.

Did you know?

The estimated average salary of a PLU mathematics graduate is $79,250.