Mathematics
Why Study Mathematics?
From unpacking elegant theorems to understanding abstract objects, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics degree program at Caltech equips you with the analytical prowess to investigate the universal truths underpinning our axiomatic world—the classification of symmetries, the curvature of shapes, even the subtleties of measurement.
In the mathematics option, you'll develop powerful mathematical frameworks that apply across all fields of mathematics as well as disciplines like physics, computing, and engineering. From understanding the geometry of higher-dimensional shapes to exploring probabilistic processes, as a math major, you'll learn to rigorously quantify mathematical concepts in a community of problem solvers who share your passions.
Why Mathematics at Caltech?
At Caltech, our mathematics department's unique positioning alongside the physics division facilitates natural connections and collaborations between the two fields. Here, you'll complete problem sets that test your abilities, but that's just the beginning—you'll also follow the path of historical mathematicians to understand the messy ins and outs of genuinely proving mathematical theorems.
The small size of our school allows you to work closely with professors to explore mathematical problems and discussions at a level that wouldn't be possible in larger programs. This creates a network of relationships that leads to practical applications, such as collaborating on faculty research teams or engaging in industry internships.
What You'll Learn
In the bachelor's program in mathematics, the first-year core curriculum provides the foundation for writing coherent and complete proofs, using computational tools, and tackling real-world problems in science and engineering. You'll gain an understanding of the core fields in mathematics, such as algebra, analysis, and topology, and be prepared to tackle unsolved math problems.
A flexible curriculum allows you to adapt your advanced coursework to your interests, studying algebra and geometry structures and the rudiments of combinatorics and set theory. Students interested in mathematics but majoring in other fields can also pursue a mathematics minor, complementing their primary studies with advanced mathematical training.
View the Caltech catalog for degree requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
Learn from over 20 globally recognized mathematicians among the broader faculty members in the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy. Mathematics faculty members have proven theorems that stumped the field for decades, and today, they collaborate with scientists across Caltech's economics, applied mathematics, and other programs. As an undergraduate, you'll have opportunities to work with faculty and graduate students on research projects, either extending existing work or investigating open problems in mathematics.
Math is actually closer to an experimental science than we think. We have some known objects, and there are some phenomena that we don't know how to explain, and we try to understand them independently of whether or not they would be useful in society.
Career Possibilities
Mathematics graduates apply high-level research and analytical skills in academia or industry. Their paths range from calculating new efficiencies in engineering to evaluating pure mathematical theories or applying them to other hard or soft sciences. The versatility of a mathematics degree from Caltech, with ways to emphasize fields like mathematical finance, astrophysics, or machine learning, opens doors to diverse careers, including:
- Data scientists and analysts
- Cryptographers and security specialists
- Financial analysts
- Quantitative researchers
- Actuaries and risk assessment professionals
With graduate study, students further their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills to enter academic roles or public or private sector research careers in math, physics, economics, or computer science.
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree program builds on a foundation of algebra, geometry, and probability and statistics, with requirements including:
- Core mathematics courses
- Fundamentals in probability and statistics, physics, and discrete mathematics
- Advanced courses in algorithms and mathematical logic
- Selection of advanced mathematics electives
Pursue a Bachelor's in Mathematics at Caltech
As a math major at Caltech, explore how equations reveal the underlying structures of our reality and build quantitative skills that apply across many fields. Whether you're interested in mathematical theory or its applications in science, tech, or finance, our program develops a deep understanding of the mathematical frameworks that underpin modern knowledge and how to contribute to its growth.