Department of Mathematics and Philosophy

Bachelor of Science - Mathematics

Degree Overview

Mathematics is at the heart of a rapidly changing world: from artificial intelligence and data science to finance, technology, scientific discovery, and education. A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Western Illinois University develops the analytical reasoning, quantitative skills, and problem-solving abilities you need to tackle complex problems and adapt to evolving careers.

The mathematics program is flexible and allows students to choose from four options: Mathematics, Mathematics – Teacher Education, Data Science and Statistics, and Actuarial Science. With multiple degree pathways, small upper‑division classes, strong faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and an accelerated B.S./M.S. option for eligible students, you can shape a mathematics degree around your goals.

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Why Study Mathematics?

Today’s economy increasingly depends on people who can understand data, build models, identify patterns, quantify risk, and solve complex problems. Mathematics develops exactly those skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in mathematical occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. BLS projects approximately 36,100 openings each year in mathematical occupations, and the median annual wage for these occupations was $107,570 in May 2025, compared with to $50,980 for all occupations.

A mathematics degree can also lead far beyond jobs with “mathematician” in the title. Mathematical and statistical skills are used in data science, artificial intelligence, actuarial science, operations research, finance, computing, scientific research, education, business, and government.

Why Choose Mathematics at WIU?

WIU’s B.S. in Mathematics gives you the flexibility to match your education with your interests and career goals.

  • Mathematics

    Build a broad foundation in pure and applied mathematics while developing a focused area that complements your goals. The Mathematics option is especially well suited for students interested in advanced study or mathematics-related careers in business, science, technology, industry, and government.  It is also works well for students who want to double major in mathematics and a complementary discipline.

  • Mathematics - Teacher Education

    Combine advanced mathematical preparation with education courses to prepare for a career teaching mathematics. WIU mathematics education students have opportunities to develop their teaching skills in real classrooms.

  • Data Science and Statistics

    Combine mathematics with statistics, data science, and computing to prepare for careers involving data analysis, statistical modeling, quantitative decision-making, and other data-intensive work.

  • Actuarial Science

    Combine mathematics and statistics with areas such as finance, economics, accounting, and computing. Develop the quantitative foundation needed for work involving risk, uncertainty, insurance, finance, and actuarial analysis.

View the specific degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Build Skills for a Technology-Driven World

Modern mathematics increasingly intersects with data science, computer science, statistics, and artificial intelligence. At WIU, mathematics students can use electives and complementary coursework to develop expertise across disciplines. Depending on your degree plan and interests, you can explore areas such as: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Sciences, Economics and Finance. WIU also offers complementing minors in areas including Applied Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms and Data Management, providing further opportunities for eligible mathematics students to strengthen their computing and data skills.

Learn Mathematics in Small Classes and Work Closely with Faculty

At WIU, you are more than a face in a large lecture hall. Small upper-division mathematics classes create opportunities for meaningful interaction with professors and individualized attention. WIU mathematics faculty are actively engaged in their disciplines and work with students through experiences such as undergraduate research and honors projects. These opportunities let you move beyond solving assigned problems and begin exploring mathematics as a creative, investigative, and problem-solving discipline.

Earn a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics in Five Years

Academically strong students in eligible Mathematics B.S. options can apply to WIU’s Mathematics Integrated Baccalaureate and Master’s Degree Program. The integrated program provides a pathway for eligible students in the Mathematics and Data Science and Statistics options to complete both a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Mathematics in approximately five years. For students considering advanced quantitative careers or doctoral study, the integrated program offers a way to gain graduate-level mathematical preparation while shortening the path.

View the Graduate Catalog for program details.

Turn Mathematical Thinking into Career Possibilities

A mathematics degree teaches you to approach difficult problems logically, analyze quantitative information, construct and evaluate models, recognize patterns, and communicate complex ideas. Those abilities are valuable across a wide range of occupations and industries. Potential career paths related to mathematics include:

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Statistician
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Mathematician
  • Quantitative or Financial Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Mathematics Teacher
  • Researcher
  • Graduate or Professional Study

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong employment demand in several occupations connected to mathematical training.

Data Scientists
2025 median pay: $120,230
Projected employment growth, 2025–2035: 35%
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Actuaries
2025 median pay: $130,000
Projected employment growth, 2025–2035: 9%
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Operations Research Analysts
2025 median pay: $88,940
Projected employment growth, 2025–2035: 12%
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Mathematicians and Statisticians
2025 median pay: $105,720
Projected employment growth, 2025–2035: 10%
Typical entry-level education for the combined occupational category: Master’s degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and 2025–2035 Employment Projections.

A Flexible Mathematics Degree Built Around Your Goals

At WIU, you can build a degree that combines a rigorous mathematical foundation with the fields that interest you most. Study mathematics with data science, statistics, computing, artificial intelligence, science, finance, or education while benefiting from small classes and close faculty interaction.

Whether you want to analyze data, study risk, develop mathematical models, teach mathematics, pursue graduate school, or prepare for quantitative careers that continue to emerge, a B.S. in Mathematics from Western Illinois University prepares you with a solid foundation for an evolving future.

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