Please view this video about Undergraduate mathematics at NMSU:
https://vimeo.com/574488960/484cac66c0
Q: Why study math?
A: Because you want to understand, not just do.
Most people that become mathematicians start somewhere else. They take math while on another path and realize that math lets them understand what is happening rather than reproduce it. If your math has not been like this so far, it will be with us. It isn’t the easiest path, but that is part of the fun and reward.
- mathematicians in industry are very well paid
- adding math to another degree adds a great deal to its value
- the unemployed 50-year olds in tech jobs are the ones that don’t know much math
- a degree in stats that emphasizes deep understanding is a ticket to a very nice job
- there is a huge demand for math teachers, and a life spent helping others is satisfying
- a pension, health care, 10-month year, and great job security are nice perks for teaching
- actuaries (life insurance), data science, math biologists, and many more options
- math and philosophy are a great path to law school
- if you don’t know math, good luck with grad school in STEM at a good university
The best part is that you don’t have to decide which path now, you can see what you like and pick later, knowing that you have many great options ahead. The first couple years of math are common, then the choices come slowly.
Facts: median pay for mathematicians 88K, growth rate 30% per year, US Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is a national shortage of teachers, and secondary math education is one of the hardest hit. Certified secondary math teachers will get jobs, and certification is portable to many states.
Click here to see career information
Click here to see detailed salary data
Why math at NMSU?
- classes for the major are capped at 40, most after first year have 15-25
- smaller, friendly, high-quality department with many award winning teachers
- you will get a chance to know your classmates and professors
- beautiful, inexpensive place to live
Options in our Degree Path
General: All the theoretical coursework needed for graduate school, and your choice of applied courses in math or stats, or just more theoretical work. Some students in this path are a good part of the way through a masters after fours years. Ideal for students aiming for graduate school.
Applied: For those aiming for a job in industry. It provides a solid understanding of the techniques used to solve real-world problems. Ideal for those aiming for industry or as a second major with another STEM field.
Actuarial: This is the mathematics involved in the management of financial risk, such as with an insurance company or investment firm. This involves a large number of courses from economics and finance as part of the degree.
Secondary Education: One can choose from applied or theoretical courses to suit their taste along with several math courses specifically suited to teaching. This is coupled with all the coursework from education needed for secondary licensure after 4 years. With a fifth year, and good standing, a student can receive in addition to a BSc in Math, a Master’s in Education. With this degree, you can choose graduate school, industry, or teaching when you are done.
Foundations: This is a unique option that combines coursework in mathematics and philosophy. It gives a solid background to prepare for graduate school in math, logic, philosophy, foundations of science, and so forth. Ideal for students with a basic curiosity, and also for those aiming towards law school.
You can choose any option at any time, and switch among them.
Out of State
If you are from El Paso, Juarez, Arizona, or Colorado, tuition is about $6K-$7K a year. This is cheaper than U. Arizona, Arizona State, U. Colorado, and Colorado State by a good amount, and a bit cheaper than UTEP. First year students are pointed to on-campus housing, but after that, a shared apartment here is often about $400 a month and very close to campus. You won’t have big city transit or expenses, and will be able to walk to your apartment at lunch. Other Western Undergraduate Exchange members and citizens of Mexico have almost as good a deal. See here for further details.
