Solve problems and find limitless real-world applications. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is the perfect major for detail-oriented people who gravitate toward numbers, puzzles, technology, and patterns.

PLNU’s mathematics program covers theoretical and applied mathematics to give you a deep understanding of mathematics’ uses in a variety of circumstances. This program will help you develop analytical skills that will be invaluable in many different career paths. The Mathematics B.S. is the ideal path for those interested in going to graduate school or getting a teaching credential.

PLNU offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. The B.S. is the core mathematics degree and offers a more robust academic experience, providing you with the foundation you need to excel in graduate school or any number of careers that need mathematical experts. You’ll develop both technical and professional skills to develop a promising career in academia, cryptography, education, information security, finance, and more.

The Department of Mathematical, Information, and Computer Sciences (MICS) is committed to working with you to help you discover who you are called to be. As a mathematics major at PLNU, you will be immersed in a curriculum that not only allows you to gain the broad knowledge of your discipline, but also to learn in a collaborative and supportive environment where you can develop the characteristics needed to make a positive impact on your community. 

At PLNU, our mathematics program focuses on growing three-valued assets:

• Analytical abilities
• Mathematical modeling
• Computation skills

If you’re someone who is drawn toward analyzing numbers and finding patterns, there are a variety of analyst positions available in financial sectors, insurance, quality assurance, data science, logistics, government or community improvement sectors.

If you’re someone who likes creating models (like graphs, diagrams, and other representations of numerical information) for real-world applications, you can find plenty of opportunities in research, healthcare and other scientific sectors, and project management or strategy within a business setting. Modeling also often includes analysis of information, but it also helps discover solutions to real problems and creates learning aids for wider audiences to understand the information.

Computation skills are perfect for mathematician opportunities, software development, finance and accounting, and education, among a variety of other professional sectors. If you have a knack for computational thinking, you might also consider continuing your education to expand your expertise and future work opportunities.

For information about the courses required for the Mathematics, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

A Mathematics B.S. will provide you with the foundation you need to excel in an advanced degree program or any number of careers that need experts in mathematics. These careers include actuarial science, bioinformatics, computer programming, data analysis, data mining, economics, financial planning, education, medicine, and more. With this degree, you’ll be equipped with the skills to succeed as an educator, programmer, or any other form of serving as a mathematician.

What can you do with a mathematics degree?

PLNU mathematics alumni have found success in the workforce performing key responsibilities like mathematical model building at SPAWAR, quality assurance at Qualcomm, project management at Leidos, and data analysis at the CIA, just to name a few. Other alumni have gone on to medical school, graduate programs in mathematics and statistics, and teaching.

Some positions perfectly suited for graduates of PLNU’s Mathematics B.S.:

Information Security Analyst

Average annual salary: $120,180
Job growth outlook: 35% (Much faster than average) 

Information security analysts  are responsible for planning, testing security systems to protect an organization’s sensitive data. These analysts will need a good grasp of maintaining robust security systems that are not vulnerable to hacking.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Understands threats, vulnerabilities, and protection strategies
• Identifies and evaluates security risks to develop mitigation plans
• Skilled with firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection, and security tools
• Quickly detects and responds to security breaches and incidents
• Maintains vigilance in monitoring and upholds strict confidentiality

Actuary

Average annual salary: $125,300
Job growth outlook: 21% (Much faster than average) 

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of potential events of risk and uncertainty. Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Actuaries need a bachelor’s degree and must take a series of exams to become certified professionals. An actuary plays an essential role in the insurance industry.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Applies probability and statistics to assess risk and uncertainty
• Evaluates data to develop models predicting financial outcomes
• Designs strategies to minimize risk and maximize financial stability
• Explains complex actuarial concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders
• Maintains accuracy and adheres to professional standards and regulations

Data Scientists

Average annual salary: $112,590
Job growth outlook: 36% (Much faster than average) 

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets large datasets to uncover trends, solve problems, and inform strategic decisions. They work across industries such as tech, healthcare, finance, and government—using statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualization to turn raw data into actionable insights.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Analyzes complex data to uncover trends, patterns, and insights
• Uses coding tools for data manipulation and modeling
• Builds predictive models and algorithms to support decision-making
• Translates data findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders
• Tackles real-world challenges with a data-driven mindset and continuous learning

Operations Research Analyst

Average annual salary: $96,280
Job growth outlook: 23% (Much faster than average) 

Operations research analysts gather and interpret information to identify problems in an organization, in areas like business, logistics, or healthcare. They need to be able to find and interpret relevant information in order to improve an organization's efficiency and productivity. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Applies mathematical models to solve complex organizational problems
• Develops data-driven solutions to optimize efficiency and performance
• Uses tools like Excel, Python, R, or optimization software for analysis
• Evaluates scenarios, constraints, and variables to recommend the best course of action
• Clearly explains technical findings to decision-makers and works with cross-functional teams

Software Developer and Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Average annual salary: $133,080
Job growth outlook: 17% (Much faster than average) 

Software developers design and create computer applications or programs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report the defects.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Writes clean code and designs tests using languages and tools like Java, Python, and automation frameworks
• Develops software solutions and identifies bugs through thorough analysis
• Works effectively with cross-functional teams to build, test, and improve software
• Ensures high-quality code and detects issues early in development and testing phases
• Keeps up with evolving technologies, testing methods, and industry best practices

Machine Learning Engineer 

Average annual salary: $103,790
Job growth outlook: 11% (Much faster than average)

A Machine Learning Engineer designs, builds, and deploys algorithms and models that allow systems to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without explicit programming. They work in industries like tech, finance, healthcare, and robotics—applying data science, software engineering, and AI to solve real-world problems at scale.

Necessary attributes and skills: 

• Integrates machine learning systems into real-world applications and platforms
• Tests, validates, and improves models for better accuracy and performance
• Cleans and structures large datasets for machine learning workflows
• Codes efficiently for model development and deployment
• Builds predictive models using supervised and unsupervised learning

With a Mathematics B.S. from PLNU, you’ll be prepared in your future pursuits whether it be graduate school, a certification program, or exploring and researching the intricacies of the mathematics world. Not only will you be a more articulate, formulaic, and critically thinking individual, but you’ll also gain a robust understanding of how these skills can be utilized for understanding the manifestations of numbers and patterns in the world around you.

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.