Major in Mathematics

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A major in mathematics will prepare you for a variety of professional careers or graduate school by helping you develop strong analytical and quantitative skills.

The program offers two concentrations—mathematics and applied mathematics—giving you the option of pursuing a wide range of career and graduate-study paths.

What It’s Like to Major in Mathematics at Ball State

Top-Notch, Flexible Programs

Our programs are designed to give you the flexibility to focus on topics and specialties that interest you most. To sample the high-level work that Ball State students are producing, explore our undergraduate research journal, Mathematics Exchange.

Small Class Sizes

In the mathematical sciences, all of the courses that our majors take have small class sizes. This allows faculty members to get to know students and be available for questions, mentoring, and the one-on-one attention that you need to excel.

Scholarship Options and Financial Aid

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a wealth of scholarship options, and financial aid is available to help you manage your education costs. Ball State boasts some of the most competitive tuition rates in the Midwest.

Undergraduate Math Concentrations

Applied Mathematics

The Applied Mathematics concentration combines advanced mathematical theory with practical problem-solving skills you can apply to real-world challenges. You’ll explore areas such as mathematical modeling, statistics, probability, differential equations, and numerical analysis while having opportunities to connect mathematics with fields such as computer science, business, finance, economics, and physics.

Mathematics

The Mathematics concentration gives you the opportunity to explore mathematics in depth while building skills in logical reasoning, problem-solving, analysis, and quantitative thinking. You’ll study topics such as calculus, probability, differential equations, algebra, and real analysis, with opportunities to explore areas such as geometry, mathematical modeling, statistics, coding, and operations research.

Middle School Math Teaching

The Middle School concentration is designed to prepare prospective teachers to teach mathematics in grades 5-9. In addition to a carefully-selected sequence of mathematics and teacher education courses, prospective teachers in this concentration take a variety of mathematics education courses at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels to support a deep understanding of foundational content as well as future content explorations for middle-grades learners.

Secondary Mathematics Teaching

The Secondary School concentration is designed to prepare prospective teachers to teach mathematics in grades 5-12. In addition to a carefully-selected sequence of mathematics and teacher education courses, prospective teachers in this concentration take a variety of mathematics education courses at the middle and secondary levels.

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Activities and Opportunities

Student Testimonials

Hear from some of our current and former students about their experiences in the program.

Alumnus Keeps Astronauts Safe

Adam Mullins applies analytical skills he gained as a math major and computer minor to calculating risks for NASA’s $150 billion International Space Station.

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UIndy is home for 2018 BSU Grad, Casey Noll

Casey is an instructor of mathematics at the University of Indianapolis and doing what they love. Casey's passion for teaching began as an assistant in the Department's Emporium and Casey is grateful to Dr. Dan Rutherford for his impact on their decision to teach.

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2025 grad, Sam Sterrett, offers encouragement

Sam Sterrett graduated with a major in Mathematical Sciences, a concentration in Applied Mathematics, and a minor in Astrophysics. He now enjoys a career as an electrical construction estimator with ERMCO. His encouragement to others is "don't be afraid to challenge yourself!"

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Career in Department of Homeland Security

Alumnus Chris Jackson works as an operations research systems analyst in Air and Marine Operations, which is a law enforcement agency in the Department of Homeland Security.

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From Student to Professor: Ellen Weld

Ellen Weld graduated from Ball State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree. She then completed her doctorate at Purdue University. Ellen has recently joined the ranks of academia and is using her expertise to train the next generation of scholars and pursue research in her field.

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Students Optimize Cummins' Engines

Undergraduate math students partnered with Cummins Inc. to improve their engine performance by building a mathematical model to identify the moment of engine inefficiency within the ignition.

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A Fellow of the American Mathematical Society

Dr. Christopher Leininger has gone from Ball State undergrad to tenured Professor of Mathematics at Rice University, and recently was named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society

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Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)

Our Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) in Mathematics or Statistics allows you to begin your graduate studies at Ball State while still an undergraduate student saving time and money as you pursue an advanced education in your field of interest.

AMP PROGRAM INFORMATION

Department Scholarships

In addition to the dozens of scholarship options and financial aid offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Department of Mathematical Sciences awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about our Math Programs, please contact us. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.

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Mathematical Sciences Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

What It’s Like to Major in Mathematics at Ball State

Keep Exploring

Student Testimonials

Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)

Department Scholarships

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