Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme builds a strong core in calculus, linear algebra and advanced mathematical analysis, and then applies these foundations to computational topics. Coursework emphasises numerical methods, scientific computing, algorithm design and data-oriented applications of mathematics.

• Core mathematics: Calculus sequence, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, abstract algebra.
• Computational and applied modules: Numerical analysis, scientific computing, numerical linear algebra, computational modelling, optimization methods.
• Programming and data skills: Programming for scientists (commonly Python and/or MATLAB), data structures and algorithms, computational statistics or introductory machine learning electives.
• Supporting electives: Probability and mathematical statistics, discrete mathematics, mathematical modelling, partial differential equations.
• Capstone and research: Senior seminar or capstone project in computational mathematics, and opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty in mathematics, computer science or engineering.

Students typically combine classroom study with hands-on laboratory work in campus computing facilities and may take cross-disciplinary courses in computer science, physics or engineering to strengthen their applied skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to Eastern Washington University follows the university's general undergraduate requirements. For the Mathematics major with a computational emphasis, applicants are expected to have a strong high-school background in mathematics.

• Academic preparation: Completion of high-school calculus is strongly recommended; solid grades in algebra, geometry and precalculus are expected. For transfer students, completion of introductory college calculus courses will usually be required.
• Suggested skills and experience: Familiarity with basic programming concepts (for example Python or another high-level language) is advantageous but not always mandatory, as introductory programming courses are available.
• Standard admission elements: High-school diploma or equivalent, submission of transcripts, and meeting the university's minimum GPA and other general admissions criteria. Applicants coming from other institutions should provide college transcripts and course descriptions for transfer credit evaluation.
• Placement and advising: New students may take placement exams or be advised to begin in specific calculus or programming courses based on prior preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a computational mathematics emphasis are well prepared for roles that require quantitative reasoning, algorithmic thinking and programming. The degree supports entry into a variety of sectors and further study.

• Data analyst or data scientist (entry-level roles often combined with additional data coursework or certificates)
• Software developer or computational engineer, particularly in scientific and technical domains
• Quantitative analyst in finance or risk management (often pursued with additional industry exams or graduate study)
• Actuarial assistant positions (with preparation for professional actuarial exams)
• Positions in modelling and simulation, operations research, and optimisation for industry and government
• Graduate study in applied mathematics, computational science, statistics or computer science, and careers in academic or industrial research
• Secondary school mathematics teaching (when combined with the university's teacher preparation pathways)

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a student-centred experience with relatively small class sizes that allow close interaction with faculty. The mathematics department emphasises undergraduate research and applied projects, giving students opportunities to work directly with professors on computational problems.

• Hands-on learning: Access to computing labs and software used for numerical simulation and data analysis, plus capstone projects that address practical problems.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Easy collaboration with the computer science, physics and engineering programmes to build a tailored skill set for computational careers.
• Regional connections: Proximity to the Spokane metro area provides internship and employment opportunities with local businesses, government agencies and research organisations.
• Supportive environment: Advising, tutoring and undergraduate research mentorship help students prepare for careers or graduate study.