Majoring in Mathematics?

Question

I'm an undergrad about to transfer to a 6000 student sized institution. I've been going through the motions of what to major in and what I like the most. Recently, I took a college algebra class, and I was amazed. I had so much fun sitting down to do polynomials! I've been talking to professors and teachers and they said I probably should give mathematics a shot. During the class I recently took, I made perfect marks through the whole thing. I loved doing my HW (weird right?).

How hard is it to major in mathematics if you have a keen interest in it? I haven't began any of the real curriculum, Trig next semester, just wondering what the opinions are.

I would eventually like to be where I was in college algebra, but teaching it at the CC level.

Answer 1

I am a Mathematics major (4 yrs). Most people do find it difficult, but if you enjoy doing it, you should be okay. For most, everything is peachy until it comes to proof-writing; you'll need to think in broad new ways.

Make sure you do your homework- every problem (no exceptions), and make certain all solutions are correct to your professor's satisfaction. And be extra-ready when the time comes to take any courses in analysis.

Answer 2

as a current mathematics major at an institution of about 5000 sutdents, I agree with what much of the other people have said. I love mathematics- always have since elementary school. Some of the classes require a bit of work- especially if you have to take a proof-style class. Those are some of the harder style classes, but as long as the professor is good, you won't have any problems. A plus (at the institution I am at), the classes are sometimes on the smaller side; I rarely have had trouble with classes filling up before having the chance to register. Much of the upper level classes are really great- many times, they are only taught by 1 professor- ex. differential equations is taught only by 1 professor- only 1 section per semester, but the same professor teaches it- but that is what he is specialized in- I believe he did his doctorate in that style of mathematics.

It isn't too bad majoring in mathematics especially if you have a keen interest in it.

Answer 3

My opinion in majoring in mathematics is somewhat mixed. For the record I have a B.S in math.
First thing you should know is that you can very easily hit a "wall" in math where it just comes down to that "this is too difficult for me to do". Most of the time it comes in proof writing in modern Algebra where sometiems just getting started takes hours. I really enjoyed math, but have found that It really hasn't gotten me much for my effort. Just having a bachelors degree in mathematics just isn't all that hot in the workforce. If you want to really do anything with it you have to go to grad school or get a teaching degree.
What I would suggest if you like math is to be an engineer. Yes you will do tons of math and you will have DEFINATE career oppertunitys after you graduate from college. All in all it is just a much more practical major.
I've had people tell me that buisnesses and companys will hire you for a job even if you have a degree in math, but the honest to god truth is that this is rare. Companys want Engineers not mathematicians and they let you know it. I've been rejected a few times from jobs that I had experience doing ( As I did have quite a bit of physics in college as well) for the simple fact that my degree was not an engineering degree. I know it sounds silly but it is the truth.
Really, If you are just gonna get a bachelors degree a math degree is about the same as any other degree (but alot more difficult) in the workforce. If it turns out that you are just mediocre student your grad school oppertunitys are limited too. I'd think long and hard about majoring in math before you decide to do it.

Answer 4

I have a degree in math and have taught it at several levels. Just wanted to add to what folks have been saying: the courses you have mentioned don't really describe what it means to major in math. I'd recommend completing your calculus series along with things like linear algebra and diff eqn's before deciding that you'd like to go further into math... those courses are sort of the gateway to further undergraduate study in the field.

As far as teaching at a CC, I am not sure what state you are in, but in California, that would mean you would have to eventually get at least a Master's degree in math to be eligible for those jobs. Just mentioning it now so you know what to expect.

I totally recommend staying on the path of majoring in math because even if you change your mind after calculus you will have a lot more choices of other majors to pursue with those classes under your belt (physics, computer science, chemistry, engineering, etc) since many of those majors require calc (and other things) anyway.

Good luck, and congrats on finding your love of math (it isn't weird to love it!).

Answer 5

You do not have to limit yourself to just the education world with a bachelor in Math, my best friend is a Math major and she's working now as an actuary for an insurance company, there are also more opportunities out there too that I'm just not aware of, your counselor will let you know more about your option. As for myself, I used to be an engineer major so I met the requirement to receive my minor in Math after I switch my major to Finance. I took most of my Algebra, Geometry, & Trig back in highschool so I started my first year of college with Calculus I and Calculus II, then Calculus III and Engineering Math my second year. If you like Algebra, then you'll love Calc I & III, because they are more formula related. If you like Geometry, you'll love Calc II since it's more graphical & visual related. If you have an interest, you'll do just fine, Calc I & III are pretty simple, if you can remember formulas, know how to solve a certain kind of equation a certain way, integrate, differentiate, etc, you'll aces them with no problem. Calc II is more like ok, you got the x, y coordinates already, now there's a z coordinate, then you have a shape of some form like a donut floating out there that rotate around the z coordinate, try to imagine the path of the rotating donut around the x coordinate, now imagine that path is all solid, find the volumn of that solid, then find the volumn again if that donut lets see had a bite in it. It actually said that girls tend to not do as good as guys in Calc II even if they can kick *** in Calc I & III just because somehow they can't visualize that stuff as well, cause it'll get more complicated. Neway, didn't want to scare you, just letting you know what to expect in the near future… Good luck with everything...

Answer 6

as a math major way back in the day (graduated in 1972) the math continued to get more challenging for every class that I took. I took a total of 90 hours of math and am teaching in a high school. I have taught college algebra on occasion and loved doing it. I wish you the best of luck!!

Answer 7

Majoring in math is a lot harder than doing algebra or trig or basic calculus, at least here at Penn State.

Calculus continues to get more difficult and abtract. Differential equations is pretty hard to grasp, though not impossible. Analysis is wicked crazy.

So, don't expect math to be easy. If you like it, go for it. I'm majoring in math (I'm a junior), and I have several friends who I have met outside of class majoring in math. Sometimes it's fun, but lots of times it's really hard. Physics (beyond intro stuff) is easier.

Answer 8

I my adventure, various those with Masters levels in Math won't be able to discover paintings and finally end up being some style of engineer. quite now, what jobs are obtainable that are basically Math? A instructor of Math is all i will think of of.. My suggestion? substantial interior the computing gadget technology for the occupation, and minor in Math for the exciting of it. And computing gadget technology does not require the intense point math. Calc a million&2, Linear Algebra and Differiential eqations.. (it relatively is intense adequate for me....) computing gadget technology is a huge open container besides, many utility Engineers use math on a on a regular basis foundation..

Answer 9

Generally speaking, if you have an aptitude for mathematics you will probably not find it hard. Personally, I love algebra, find calculus and trig ok, and hate geometry

Answer 10

thats not really the math of math major; algebra and trig. calculus and differential equations is where its at

but if you have interest youll probably do fine