Solve real-world problems with the language of science.
Mathematics is the language of science. The Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics in the College of Letters & Science offer students the opportunity to learn the internal workings of this language, its central concepts and their interconnections. Students also learn to use mathematical concepts to formulate, analyze, and solve real-world problems. Their training in rigorous thought and creative problem-solving is valuable not just in science, but in all walks of life.
Mathematics at UC Berkeley is generally recognized as one of the most distinguished departments of mathematics in the world. The department has challenging honors-level undergraduate courses, hosts the Putnam Mathematical Competition, and sponsors undergraduate teams in the annual Mathematical Contest in Modeling.
Highlights
- Work alongside a graduate student mentor in the Directed Reading Program.
- Participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program.
- Pursue a senior honors thesis in the department.
Curriculum
The Applied Mathematics and Mathematics majors each require five lower division and eight upper division courses. Both majors require MATH 51 (formerly 1A), 52 (formerly 1B), 53, 54, and 55. Applied Mathematics requires MATH 104, 110, 113, 128A, and 185, as well as three upper division (or graduate) elective courses to form a coherent cluster in an applied area. Mathematics requires MATH 104, 110, 113, and 185, as well as two upper division semi-electives and two upper division (or graduate) electives; a teaching concentration is optional. It should be emphasized that the character of mathematics changes sharply between lower and upper division courses. The role of computation diminishes and there is a greater emphasis on deductive reasoning. While some students find the theoretical approach more congenial, most find upper division courses more difficult.
Learn more at math.berkeley.edu/undergraduate
Academic Resources
- MATH 1 Foundations of Lower Division Mathematics - brings students up-to-speed on fundamental concepts for MATH 10A/10B, 16A/16B, and 51/52.
- MATH 74 Transition to Upper Division Mathematics - for students who are considering majoring in mathematics but wish additional training.
- Student Learning Center - offers tutoring and other services for Mathematics courses.
- Tutoring - The department maintains a list of undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni available for private tutoring in math at all levels.
Declaring the Major
Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. You are eligible to declare the major in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics once you have completed the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each course:
- MATH 51 and 52 (or equivalent)
- MATH 53, 54 or 56, and 55 (or equivalent); or completion of two of those three courses and currently enrolled in the third
If you have already completed upper division math courses, you must have a GPA of at least 2.0 from those courses at the time of declaration (note: upper division math coursework is not required to declare).
Studying mathematics opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities and career paths. The mathematics undergraduate program provides excellent preparation for advanced degrees in math, physical sciences, economics, and industrial engineering, as well as graduate study in business, education, law, and medicine. The program also prepares students for postbaccalaureate positions in business, technology, industry, teaching, government, and finance.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Applied Mathematics. The College of Letters & Science hosts MPS 101, a career development course, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Robert, class of 2027
When did you first know that you liked math? It has always kind of come naturally to me. I find it really fun, and I know people are like, “Oh, my gosh, that’s crazy of you.”
What is appealing about it? In calculus, there are many ways to get to a certain answer. I like that there are different routes you can take. If you want to be difficult, you can take the difficult route, but there’s always an easier way, too.
When you think about applying math to your life in the future, what do you envision? Hopefully with my career, I can do math. But like I said before, seeing different routes to get to the same place, I think you can apply that to real world problems.
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and the L&S New Freshman Student Guide.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the Applied Mathematics/Mathematics major; meet with a Math Peer Advisor.
- Begin lower division requirements MATH 51 and 52 (enroll in MATH 1 to prepare).
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization such as Mathematics Undergraduate Student Association or Gender Equity in Mathematics.
- Access resources from MPS Scholars and the Student Learning Center.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair for Math and Physical Sciences.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for Applied Mathematics majors; check out career resources on the Mathematics website.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Start using Handshake to connect with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Complete MATH 53, 54, and 55; enroll in MATH 74 to prepare for upper division coursework.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans; plan your major cluster (Applied Math) or teaching concentration (Math).
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; check out options for Math abroad.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Verify you have completed the major prerequisites and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend Math lectures, colloquiums, and other department events.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and Mathematics websites; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
- Engage with math topics through the Directed Reading Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into UC LEADS and the Goldwater Scholarship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in MATH 110 followed by other upper division requirements; take MATH 191 if planning to enter the Putnam Competition.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
- Consider applying to the Mathematics Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Mathematics Peer Advisor.
- Check out the Public Service Internship Program, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Get involved in public education with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Challenge yourself by competing in the Putnam Competition or Berkeley Math Tournament.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Enroll in MPS 101 Careers in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
- Join a professional association such as the Mathematical Association of America.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in MATH 104 and any remaining upper division requirements.
- Complete electives for your major cluster (Applied Math) or semi-electives and electives (Math).
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Take the Placement Exam for Freshman Mathematics before your first semester.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Engage in mentored research through the National Science Foundation, SLMath, or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Interested in science administration? Apply to the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal and the L&S New Transfer Student Guide.
- Meet with a Math Peer Advisor as well as your major and college advisor; plan your major cluster (Applied Math) or teaching concentration (Math).
- Begin upper division requirements with MATH 110; enroll in any needed lower division requirements.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Verify you have completed the major prerequisites and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization such as Mathematics Undergraduate Student Association or Gender Equity in Mathematics.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Access resources from MPS Scholars and the Student Learning Center.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair for Math and Physical Sciences.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Mathematics website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue with upper division requirements; begin taking electives for your cluster (Applied Math) or semi-electives and electives (Mathematics).
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; check out options for Math abroad.
- Consider applying to the Mathematics Honors Program; apply for support from SURF or the Haas Scholars Program.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend Math lectures, colloquiums, and other department events.
- Check out the Public Service Internship Program, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and Mathematics websites; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into UC LEADS and the Goldwater Scholarship.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Keep taking upper division requirements and electives; take MATH 191 if planning to enter the Putnam Competition.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Mathematics Peer Advisor or Transfer Peer Advocate.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Challenge yourself by competing in the Putnam Competition or Berkeley Math Tournament.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Enroll in MPS 101 Careers in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the Mathematical Association of America.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Complete MATH 104 if you haven’t done so already.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get involved in public education with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Get ready for Berkeley with RHETOR 100 Writing at the University.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Engage in mentored research through the National Science Foundation, SLMath, or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Interested in science administration? Apply to the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Applied Mathematics and Mathematics, or choosing a major?
The Department of Mathematics offers undergraduate advising for students interested in mathematics major and minor programs. Undergraduate Major Advisors advise on major requirements, department policies and procedures, campus resources, academic and professional opportunities, research opportunities, developing study plans, and more. Faculty Advisors counsel on the academic content of the undergraduate programs, advice on how to self-study in a specific mathematical area, and how to get involved in research opportunities. Peer Advisors provide guidance on how to navigate the department and university, and more. For advising contacts, visit math.berkeley.edu.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
Related Programs
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