Mathematics

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Mathematics major provides students excellent preparation for advanced study in math, physical sciences, economics, and industrial engineering, as well as graduate study in business, education, law, and medicine. The major also prepares students for post-baccalaureate positions in business, technology, industry, teaching, government, and finance. Students majoring in Mathematics may choose to major with a teaching concentration. 

Visit the Berkeley Academic Guide for more information.

Study Options

  • Students majoring in Mathematics may choose to major with a teaching concentration. The teaching concentration is designed to increase the number and quality of math teachers.
  • Interested in using math to solve real-world problems? Check out the Applied Mathematics major.
  • Already have an intended major? Consider adding Mathematics as a minor.

Amplify Your Major

The major builds a strong analytical and logical mind and provides the skills necessary to learn almost anything technical.
Pure Math Major

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Use the Yearly Planner to guide your career path.
  • Join Handshake to find Berkeley-specific internship opportunities and career development workshops.

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

  • Attend a lecture or workshop hosted by the Math department.
  • Connect with instructors during office hours.
  • Work with a graduate student mentor in theDirected Reading Program.
  • Consider MATH 74, a course which teaches skills for transitioning to upper division math.

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

  • Teach your own DeCal course
  • Write an honors thesis or execute an independent study under faculty supervision.
  • Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
  • Apply for a leadership position in your student organization.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Application Programmer, Wells Fargo
  • Data Analyst, Descena
  • Planner, KNT Manufacturing
  • Product Technician, Esurance
  • Research Assistant, Microsoft
  • Research Fellow, Howard Hughes Institute
  • Software Developer, Salesforce
  • Software Engineer, Airbnb
  • Software Engineer, Google
  • Software Engineer, Intuit
  • Teacher, Oakland Unified School District

Graduate Programs

  • Algebra & Number Theory
  • Analysis & Functional Analysis
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Epidemiology
  • Geometric Analysis
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematical Statistics & Probability
  • Medicine
  • Neurobiology
  • Physics
  • Statistics
  • Topology & Foundations

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Math & Physical Sciences (MPS) Launch Day

Learn of campus opportunities and resources, get questions answered, and meet faculty, advisors, and students at the MPS new student orientation.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit math.berkeley.edu for news and updates.

Advising

The Math advising team serves both declared and prospective majors. Meet with them to discuss major requirements, policies and procedures, helpful resources, enriching opportunities, and much more!

For more information or to contact an advisor, visit math.berkeley.edu/programs/undergraduate/advising.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.