Mathematics, B.A. or B.S.

LR’s mathematics program strives for academic excellence by offering rigorous courses designed to challenge the qualified and motivated student and to liberate the mind through an emphasis on quantitative and abstract reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking and strong communication skills.

The undergraduate courses in mathematics are designed to convey the logical structure of mathematics and prepare you to apply mathematical models to various areas of problem-solving and analysis. 

Program Tracks

• Actuarial Science
  Course work focuses on math, statistics, computing, economics and business to prepare students for a career as an actuary.
• Theoretical
  Course work focuses on math with a focus on critical thinking in order to prepare students for graduate school and a career in mathematics.
• Teacher Education
  Course work focuses on math and education for aspiring teachers. This track also prepares you for a smooth transition into graduate school and the Master of Arts in teaching program. Through dual enrollment, you will be able to take 12 graduate-level credits that count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degree.

You can also minor in mathematics, actuarial science, mathematics and scientific computing, math for middle grades education and statistics.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Due to the generous endowment established by the estate of Donald and Helen Schort, LR’s mathematics students have access to learning resources and experiences rarely available to undergraduates.

Mathematics majors have a number of opportunities to gain firsthand experience outside the classroom. Faculty and students regularly travel to both regional and national professional conferences. Here you learn about mathematics, applications and career opportunities in the field, as well as interact with professionals and other students from other institutions.

Our campus math club, Ursa Mathematica, sponsors numerous math-themed events and activities throughout the school year. In addition, LR hosts several math-related events each year, including the North Carolina High State School Mathematics Contest, which students help to manage and organize.

Career Opportunities

A background in mathematics is extremely useful for a wide variety of career options. A major or minor in mathematics prepares you for positions in business, industry, government, education or for entry into graduate programs.

A recent study showed that the top 15 highest-earning college degrees all have a common element: significant competency in mathematics. Many professions require mathematical proficiency—particularly in the natural and medical sciences. But in practically all cases, the study of math assists students in building logical, analytical and problem-solving skills that apply to generally any profession.

Professional opportunities are substantial for mathematics majors: teaching at the K-12 or college levels; actuarial science, statistics and natural or social scientific research; engineering; operations management; cryptography and security operations; computing sciences; and business and finance.

In essence, wherever numerical literacy is necessary in the profession, opportunities will exist for the mathematician.