About the Program
Mathematics is essential in many fields, including natural sciences, engineering, medicine, finance, computer science and social sciences. Some areas of mathematics, such as statistics and game theory, are developed in close correlation with their applications and are often grouped under applied mathematics. Study options include applied and standard mathematics, operations research, statistics and actuarial science.
Graduate students focus their studies on computational operations research, a program administered by the Department of Computer Science.
What Makes Us Different
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Funding from agencies
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA enable undergraduate research to reach the frontiers of mathematics.
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Advising and Coaching
Faculty coach students in math competitions including the Putnam Competition, the Mathematical Contest in Modeling and actuarial exams.
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Optional Fifth year of study
Undergraduates can earn a master's degree in computer science with a specialization in computational operations research.
Rankings
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# 4Best College for Mathematics in VirginiaNiche 2025
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# 4Best College for Computer Science in VirginiaNiche 2025
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# 5Top Public College for Finance SalariesWall Street Journal 2024
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study a broad range of topics, including Abstract Algebra (MATH 307), Euclidean and non-Euclidean Geometry with Applications to Art (MATH 316) and Topology (MATH 426).*
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Research
Take part in research through a carefully supervised apprenticeship process where your research skills and insight develop through close interaction with a faculty supervisor.
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Publications with Undergraduates
Collaborate with a faculty member on their research and have the chance to be published.
Outcomes
About 20% of William & Mary majors pursue doctoral study in mathematics. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of majors who pursue graduate study in disciplines such as engineering, economics or other sciences. There is a perennial shortage of high school teachers with strong mathematics backgrounds, and teaching at that level is a reliably strong employment option.
Alumni Spotlight
Walt Hickey '12 majored in applied math and won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022 for his work on a team that reported on the plight of the Uyghur community in China through comics.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of Mathematics
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current mathematics major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Mathematics
- Connect with us: LinkedIn
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
