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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

  • Funding from agencies

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA enable undergraduate research to reach the frontiers of mathematics.

  • Advising and Coaching

    Faculty coach students in math competitions including the Putnam Competition, the Mathematical Contest in Modeling and actuarial exams.

  • Optional Fifth year of study

    Undergraduates can earn a master's degree in computer science with a specialization in computational operations research.

Rankings

  • # 4
    Best College for Mathematics in Virginia
    Niche 2025
  • # 4
    Best College for Computer Science in Virginia
    Niche 2025
  • # 5
    Top Public College for Finance Salaries
    Wall Street Journal 2024

Applied Learning

Commencement

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

Location

Jones Hall Room 100

Map & Directions

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Courses Disclaimer

*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.