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Undergraduate Admission

Mathematical Sciences

Help us push the boundaries of our collective mathematical knowledge even further.

Student smiling as professor Po-Shen Lo smiles and points to the whiteboard full of math equations.
"One of my favorite things about being a math major is all of the amazing faculty I have gotten to know! All of my professors have been so friendly, accommodating and incredibly knowledgeable."
Anna '23

Mellon College of Science

Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics provides much of the language and quantitative underpinnings of the natural and social sciences — mathematical scientists built the foundation for modern computational and computer science and developed many of the most-used tools in business management. Whether you are drawn to the abstract beauty of theoretical math or the problem-solving elegance of applied math, our Mathematical Sciences program has a place for you. Here, thinkers and challengers are exploring and defining mathematics. Our faculty are advancing the leading edge of science, conducting research in an array of fields. The collaborative nature of CMU means we work across disciplines to support real-world applications. 

Mathematical Sciences Majors and Minors

Choose the path that fits you best. Browse all current Mathematical Sciences curriculums and courses.(opens in new window)

Mathematical Sciences

Bachelor of Science
Minor

Mathematical Sciences offers wide latitude to tailor your courses to your interests. Within the major, you can choose a concentration that aligns with your goals:

  • The Mathematical Sciences concentration is the least structured of our programs, in recognition of the variety of interests that can be productively coupled with the study of mathematical sciences. It can be an appropriate choice for students planning for graduate studies or those seeking to design their curriculum to take a second major from another department in the University.
  • The Operations Research and Statistics concentration prepares students to enter operations research. Mathematicians with a background in operations research are especially valuable in such diverse activities as project planning, production scheduling, market forecasting and finance. 
  • The Statistics concentration prepares students for areas ranging from experimental design and data analysis in the sciences, medicine, and engineering, to modeling and forecasting in business and government, to actuarial applications in the financial and insurance industries. 
  • The Discrete Mathematics and Logic Concentration provides a background in discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, and theoretical computer science. This concentration prepares the student to do research in these and related fields, or to apply their ideas elsewhere.
  • The Computational and Applied Mathematics Concentration provides the background needed to support the computational and mathematical analysis needs of a variety of businesses and industries and is well suited to students with an interest in the physical sciences and engineering.

The minor will allow you to take courses across mathematical disciplines and includes space for electives.

Computational Finance

Bachelor of Science

The Mellon College of Science, the Heinz College of Public Policy and Management and the Tepper School of Business jointly offer this degree uniquely designed to prepare you for the quantitative needs of the finance industry. You will develop a deep knowledge of mathematics, probability, statistics, and the applications of these disciplines to finance. Graduates work in finance or other industries where applied mathematics training is appropriate, or pursue advanced degrees in economics, finance or the mathematical sciences.

Mathematical Sciences and Economics

Bachelor of Science

This flexible program allows you to develop depth in both fields of study, providing courses that complement and develop depth of understanding of economic theory, applied economics, and applied mathematics. Students pursuing this degree will be well prepared to begin their research careers in academia, government, and industry. 

Discrete Mathematics and Logic

Minor

This minor develops the fundamentals of discrete mathematics and logic necessary to understand the mathematical foundations of many computer-related disciplines.

Contact

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Wean Hall 6113
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
 
 

Mathematical Sciences Website

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Class of 2022, Six Months After Graduation

98%

Employed or in Grad School

$131,125

Average Salary

Recent Employers

Amazon

Citi

Capital One

Bank of America

High School Course Requirements

4 years English
4 years Mathematics*
1 year Chemistry
1 year Physics
1 year Biology
2 years Foreign Language
3 electives
 

*Four years of mathematics should include at least algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary functions (pre-calculus) and preferably calculus. Advanced mathematics courses are encouraged, especially a course in calculus.

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You’re not just one thing. You’re a scientist. An artist. A technologist. A maker. A writer. Carnegie Mellon has been mixing it up for decades, and whatever you want to pursue, we’ve got the right mix for you.