The Mathematics Department
The department offers two majors: mathematics and computer science, both leading to the bachelor of science degree. Students planning to earn an Alabama teacher's certificate in mathematics should consult the department chair and refer to the Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies section of the Samford University Catalog.
The department also offers a dual-degree engineering program in conjunction with the Department of Physics and the engineering schools of several regional universities. The five-year program leads to two degrees: a bachelor of science degree from Samford with a major in mathematics or physics, and a bachelor of engineering degree from the participating university. (See Pre-Engineering Program for more details.)
Dr. Bruce Atkinson
Professor and Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Why Major in Math?
Studying mathematics develops such skills as thinking logically, abstractly and rigorously, formulating and solving problems, analyzing data and creating and analyzing models. Employers value these skills; hence, math majors find themselves in demand by employers for careers in a wide spectrum of fields.
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics will prepare you for jobs in mathematics education at the secondary level, mathematical research, applied mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, mathematical modeling, operations research and management, cryptography and cryptanalysis, mathematical biology, and economics and finance. As well, a strong background in mathematics is necessary for success in computer science, bioinformatics, physics, and engineering.
Math Career Resources
General Information: The websites of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society.
Secondary Teaching: Visit the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Samford's Fifth Year Non Traditional Master of Science in Education, Math
Applied Mathematics: Visit the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
Statistics: Visit the American Statistical Association
Actuarial Science: Visit the Society of Actuaries
Operations Research: Visit the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
Cryptography and cryptanalysis: Visit the National Security Agency
Biological Mathematics: Visit the Society for Mathematical Biology
The books 101 Careers in Mathematics and Great Jobs for Math Majors also contain valuable information about careers in mathematics.
