The Mathematics major
Information about the mathematics major can be found by following the links in the column to the left, in the section titled “The Major.” The official record for undergraduate studies at the University of Florida is the Undergraduate Catalog, and many of these links will direct you to the appropriate section of the catalog.
For items not addressed in the catalog, or for help interpreting it, consult the Math Undergraduate Coordinator and the Mathematics Advising page. We have tried to include practical advice and answer most general advising questions for current and prospective mathematics majors.
Questions about University or College of Liberal Arts and Sciences requirements should be taken to the CLAS Advising Office in Farrior Hall.
Students who are thinking of applying to or transferring into UF should first visit the Admissions Office.
Many mathematics courses can be taken at other institutions and transferred to UF. To do this, course equivalency must be determined by the Undergraduate Coordinator. However, a mathematics major must take the mathematics core—Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, and the Advanced Calculus sequence—at UF. The core defines the mathematics major experience at UF. Even if the student has taken a core course with the same course number at another Florida institution, a core course must be taken again at UF.
A transient student is a UF student who takes courses at another institution. This includes a student in a study-abroad program or a student taking a course at home over the summer. Mathematics majors can take some requirements at another institution; however, as described above, the mathematics core must be taken at UF.
What Can I Do with a Math Major?Should I Be a Math Major?
Requirements of the Math Major
Course Recommendations
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Financial Mathematics
- Graduate Study in Mathematics
- Operations Research
- Physics
- Statistics
- Data Science
- Teaching Mathematics
Opportunities
Explore experiential learning opportunities in research, mentoring, internships, competitions, and the mathematics community.
UFTeach
UFTeach is an education minor for students interested in teaching mathematics, science, or computer science; see the catalog for requirements and pathways into teaching.
Transfer Students
See also:
Graduating with honors
There are three levels of honors, cum laude (honors), magna cum laude (high honors), and summa cum laude (highest honors). For mathematics majors, cum laude requires a GPA of at least 3.5 in UF coursework taken beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. The awards of magna cum laude and summa cum laude are determined by the department. For each of these latter two distinctions the Mathematics Department requires an undergraduate thesis. For summa cum laude, students must also satisfy the BS degree requirements. Students interested in pursuing high honors should consult Guidelines for Graduation with Honors in Mathematics (PDF).
The student must complete a Thesis Submission Form and email it to the Undergraduate Coordinator no later than the Friday of the second week of the graduating semester.
Before considering an undergraduate thesis:
- No honors are given unless your GPA is at least 3.5. Do not start down this path without meeting this requirement.
- You will need an advisor. Talk to a professor you know and have taken a course with. They will have a good idea of your ability and background knowledge.
- Plan two semesters in advance. You will need one semester to learn the background on your topic and do your research. It is nearly impossible to complete a thesis in a single semester. This is not just another term paper.
- You will need a second semester to write up your results, to get your advisor’s approval, and to submit the thesis. Properly writing results is part of the research process.