Mathematics

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Natural Sciences

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education

Video Transcription

Major Minute: Math at PLU Transcript

[video: Professor Ksenija Simic-Muller is sitting in a classroom with computers, desks, and a white board in the background.]

Professor Simic-Muller: Hi, I’m Professor Ksenija Simic-Muller. I teach at PLU’s mathematics department, and this is my Major Minute.

[video: A visual countdown from three flashes on the screen in yellow and black colors. A countdown clock appears on the left side of the screen counting down from 60 seconds]

(countdown beeping)
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Professor Simic-Muller: Our mathematics department offers diverse math and statistics courses that extend beyond what you encounter in your K-12 education. Math supports various academic fields including natural and social sciences, emphasizing quantitative reasoning. Mathematics has always been part of innovative changes from the invention of the computer to the internet to the recent growth in data analytics, social media algorithms, and AI. And we train the next generation of mathematicians and statisticians who can adapt to these innovations successfully and ethically. PLU’s small math classes foster faculty-student interaction, promoting cooperative learning to maximize each student’s potential. Other opportunities such as the mathematical contest and modeling and Datafest offer engaging team competitions for students. We offer theoretical and applied courses and degrees, including majors in mathematics, applied mathematics, and mathematics education, leading to diverse career paths in teaching, industry, or further education. Our graduates are math teachers, district leaders, financial analysts, engineers, data scientists, actuaries, consultants, lawyers, software engineers, statisticians, government contractors, and scientific researchers.

Voice (off-screen): Yay!

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Meet the Professors

About:

Math is more than numbers — it’s a powerful way to make sense of the world. At PLU, you’ll explore both classic mathematics and cutting-edge tools in math and statistics that shape everything from climate models, to financial systems, AI, search engines, and fair voting maps.

Today’s mathematics is deeply embedded in the systems and technologies that shape our lives, and data-driven thinking has become essential across nearly every field. As a math major, you’ll develop skills that open doors in science, engineering, data analysis, education, and beyond.

You’ll build a strong foundation in math tools like calculus and linear algebra, then apply them through courses in statistics, mathematical modeling, number theory, and more. Want to teach? We offer a standout math education major designed for future educators.

Your courses will push you to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively. Explore how math drives technology and decision-making today — and how it can be used to shape what comes next.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Mathematical Problem-Solving — Master how to approach complex, open-ended problems through logic, precision, and creativity. You’ll learn to apply mathematical reasoning to diverse areas like science, finance, computer modeling, engineering, and more.
Computational and Analytical Techniques — Develop fluency in calculus, statistics, and algebraic modeling while gaining hands-on experience with mathematical software, coding, and algorithmic tools used in industry and research.
Abstract and Logical Thinking — Learn to construct proofs, analyze mathematical structures, and connect concrete problems to abstract ideas — strengthening your ability to reason clearly and think strategically.
Quantitative Modeling and Data Analysis — Use mathematical models to interpret real-world systems — from population growth and energy use to financial forecasting and climate modeling.
Mathematical Communication — Build the ability to write clearly about mathematical concepts, present complex data visually, and explain technical ideas to both expert and non-expert audiences.
Collaboration and Independent Inquiry — Work independently and in teams to investigate challenging questions and apply mathematics in research, teaching, and professional settings.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

High School and Middle School Mathematics Teacher, school districts across Washington State
Data Consultant, Washington State Department of Health
Search Consultant Engineer, Lucidworks
Software Engineer, Nordstrom
Tax Analyst, Vacasa
Research Assistant, Colorado School Of Mines

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

Master of Science in Financial Technology & Analytics, Stevens Institute of Technology
Law School, University of Maryland-Baltimore
Master of Science in Mathematics, University of New Mexico
Master of Science in Applied Economics, Southern New Hampshire University
Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, Western Governors University
Master of Science in Applied Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines

It’s FREE to apply to PLU

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I have been able to do research and get hands-on experience with mathematics, and if you are curious about math at all, I think that reaching out to faculty and asking about what problems they're thinking about and working on is the best thing you can do to get the most out of your time at PLU. I was able to work with faculty on a wide variety of problems and projects, and I had so much fun tinkering away at them when I had the time.

— Matthew H.’25

In the future, I am very interested in pursuing a career in Data Science. I would love to work somewhere where I can contribute to positive change in the world. PLU has been great at preparing me for this by encouraging me to not only develop skills in my majors, but also become a well-rounded student.

— Meghan B. ’26

By encouraging us to take part in (and supporting us in preparing for) extracurricular challenges like COMAP's math modeling contests, DataFest, etc., faculty have helped expose me to a wide variety of challenges and growth opportunities. I've applied and been accepted into several math PhD programs after I graduate, and I just know that the experiences and opportunities that I've been fortunate to take advantage of here have set me up to succeed out in the wider scientific community.

— Matthew H. ’25

I love that PLU students welcome complex questions and rise to new challenges. When the issue or problem becomes more difficult, more nuanced, or more intricate, they seem to enjoy rising up to seek out solutions and consider new implications. In so doing, they are constantly challenging me to consider new ideas as well, and to question the old ways of doing things.

— Dr. N. Justice, Associate Professor of Mathematics

PLU students bring a genuine curiosity to each and every class. I love the questions they ask: they help me improve as a teacher, a mentor, and a mathematician. So the part I like best about teaching PLU students is the energy that they bring, which helps to keep me energized as well.

— Dr. Tom Edgar, Associate Professor of Mathematics

100

100% of 2024 Mathematics graduates reported employment or acceptance into graduate school within 6 months of graduating.

Research

Mathematics students can participate in PLU’s summer research program, which involves working with PLU professors (and getting paid for it!). Students also have the opportunity to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduate Programs nationwide.

Study Abroad

Mathematics students have spent semesters studying (and earning credit toward their degree) in Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago, Budapest and more.

Get Involved

Every year, teams of PLU students compete against 10,000 other teams in the international Mathematical Contest in Modeling. In 2023, the PLU team finished in the top 5!