Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

This programme combines core undergraduate mathematics with specialised coursework in numerical analysis and scientific computing. Core topics include calculus, linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, real analysis and probability and statistics. Computational concentration courses emphasise numerical methods, scientific computing, mathematical modelling, numerical linear algebra and algorithms for large-scale computation.

• Foundations: Calculus sequence, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics.
• Theoretical maths: Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra or Advanced Proofs courses.
• Computational core: Numerical Analysis, Numerical Linear Algebra, Computational Differential Equations, Scientific Computing.
• Programming and software: Courses in programming for mathematicians (commonly using Python, MATLAB or similar), data structures and computational algorithms.
• Applied electives: Mathematical modelling, optimisation, probability and stochastic processes, computational statistics or machine learning electives.
• Capstone/Research: A senior project, practicum or undergraduate research with faculty that applies computational techniques to a concrete problem.

The degree typically includes general education requirements plus upper-division mathematics credits and options to take interdisciplinary courses with computer science, physics, engineering technology or finance. Laboratory and computing facilities are used for assignments and projects; students often complete a substantial programming or modelling project in their final year.

Entry requirements

Admission to Georgia Southern University requires a high school diploma or equivalent and submission of the university application; standard pathways include freshman and transfer admission. Successful applicants to the computational mathematics concentration typically show a strong background in high school mathematics, including precalculus and preferably calculus. Coursework in computer science is beneficial but not always required.

• High school coursework: strong performance in mathematics and science; completion of algebra, geometry and precalculus, with calculus where available.
• Academic preparation: a competitive overall academic record; standardised tests may be considered according to the university's admissions policies.
• For transfers: completion of college-level calculus and introductory mathematics coursework strengthens an application and can earn credit toward the major.
• Other materials: transcripts and any required supporting documents; letters of recommendation or a personal statement may be useful for scholarship or departmental opportunities.

Placement tests or departmental advising may determine appropriate first-year mathematics courses. Students who need review or remediation in mathematics can access support through tutoring and preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a computational mathematics specialism are well placed for careers that combine quantitative analysis and programming. Common career paths include:

• Data analyst or data scientist roles in business, healthcare or government.
• Computational scientist or numerical modeller in engineering, climate science or research labs.
• Software development and algorithm engineering, especially in companies requiring strong numerical skills.
• Quantitative roles in finance, risk analysis or actuarial work (additional professional preparation may be required for actuary exams).
• Graduate study in applied mathematics, computational science, statistics, computer science or engineering for research or academic careers.

Many students also secure internships during their degree through the university's career services and local industry partnerships, which helps transition into entry-level positions or graduate programmes.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a balanced undergraduate experience with accessible faculty, opportunities for undergraduate research and a supportive learning environment. The Department of Mathematics provides small-class interaction for upper-division courses and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on computational projects.

• Hands-on computing resources and labs for numerical work and programming assignments.
• Interdisciplinary connections with computer science, engineering technology and other STEM departments that expand elective options and project opportunities.
• Support services including tutoring, advising and career services to help with internships and job placement.
• Opportunities for undergraduate research and senior capstone projects that build a portfolio of computational work attractive to employers and graduate schools.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want both strong mathematical training and practical computational skills relevant to a broad range of technical careers or further graduate study.