As a mathematics major, students will gain an increased understanding and appreciation for math as a universal language. Students can expect to use and build on skills such as thinking critically, formulating and solving problems, and communicating solutions. Students will increase their ability to prove theorems, understand complex structure, and apply mathematics in real-world settings. The program provides opportunities to develop highly marketable skills in data analysis, programming, mathematical modeling, logical reasoning, and technical communication.

As students progress through the major, the content and focus of the courses gradually shift as students’ skills grow. Early courses focus on more computational areas of mathematics, such as calculus, and build students’ appreciation of definitions and proofs and ability to use mathematical language precisely. Later courses are typically less computational and emphasize understanding mathematical concepts, proving theorems, developing mathematical tools, and applying mathematics in applications. JMU offers upper-level courses in a wide variety of areas of mathematics, including analysis, algebra, mathematical computing, differential equations, geometry, topology, and statistics. Some of these courses are required of all math majors, and others are options students choose as they plan their major program with their advisor. Students who are able to think independently and creatively, who want to know why things work instead of simply memorizing, and who are willing to work hard and persevere when building understanding takes time tend to be most successful in the mathematics major.

While a mathematics major can provide a strong pathway to careers and graduate study in statistics and/or data science, students interested in these areas should also consider JMU’s BS in Statistics, which offers the option of selecting a concentration in data science.

• MTH courses typically must be taken in specific orders to satisfy prerequisite requirements. As you plan your MTH courses based on the transfer guide, work backwards from the highest numbered courses to determine a path of courses that will take you from your initial course placement to the higher numbered courses. Be sure to consult an advisor at your community college for information about the semesters in which specific courses are offered.
• For students interested in taking applied statistics courses, note that MTH 245 satisfies the prerequisite for many 300-level statistics electives.
• If you are considering double majoring or adding a minor, plan to complete preliminary courses for those programs, if possible, before transfer.
• Create a schedule for all required courses that are shown on the VCCS to JMU transfer guide for this major. Pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered. Complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.
• Connect with an advisor at your community college and a JMU transfer advisor within your first year. College Connect available in your account of www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
• Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year via College Connect

Many JMU math majors also complete a second major and/or a minor. These second majors and minors reflect a wide variety of interests. Recent choices of double majors include chemistry, computer science, economics, history, intelligence analysis, media arts and design, physics, psychology, quantitative finance, and secondary education. Popular choices of minors include many of these same areas as well as data analytics and logic and reasoning.

Math majors at JMU are encouraged to engage in a wide variety of math-related experiences outside the classroom, including undergraduate research, student organization activities, mathematical competitions, colloquium talks, and community outreach.

JMU Mathematics and Statistics is an undergraduate-oriented department, so our primary focus will be on you, the undergraduate student. Our classes, student research projects, and professional opportunities are all designed to prepare you for your chosen career path. Major classes are typically small (around 30 students or less) and are taught by full-time faculty who are known for teaching excellence and innovation. The department offers a close-knit community environment where faculty know students by name and engage with them directly, both inside and outside the classroom. The department offers exciting undergraduate research opportunities during the summer and academic year, and the annual Shenandoah Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (SUMS) conference brings student researchers from around the region to JMU each year to present their work. Many math majors are actively involved in the department’s student organizations and community outreach activities.

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University