Math students present their study of board-game statistics.
Mathematics is a highly valued tool in today's world, combining quantitative thinking, formal reasoning, and creative problem-solving. As such, it’s terrific preparation for a variety of careers in business, industry, or government. Our program also prepares you for further study in math and many other fields, including statistics, operations research, actuarial science, and environmental engineering.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, the mathematics teaching option combines a solid foundation of coursework with a semester of student teaching and leads to initial New York State teacher certification. Our partnership with the Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem offers additional fieldwork opportunities. In addition, Ithaca College is the national coordinating site for COMPASS (Curricular Options in Mathematics Programs for All Secondary Students), a nationwide effort to improve math studies. With such initiatives it's no wonder we've produced award-winning teachers.
You may also opt for one of our dual majors, which combine mathematics with computer science, economics, or physics. No matter your math degree, you’ll be encouraged to pursue research with your professors. And graduates have gone on to study for doctorates at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Cornell; others have taken jobs as senior systems administrators and actuaries.