University of Missouri Department of Mathematics	Undergraduate Studies
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Faculty members in MU’s Department of Mathematics are actively engaged in research in both theoretical and applied mathematics. With a wide range of research interests, they prepare students for careers in teaching, medicine, scientific research, business, finance and a host of other fields.

Majors gain traditional problem solving skills, a strong background in mathematical theory, and knowledge of new mathematical and technological tools.

Working side by side with students, faculty members stress learning how to learn and keep up with the future of mathematics. With 39 regular faculty members working in a variety of fields, the department provides a comprehensive understanding of mathematics. The faculty’s research and teaching are supported by postdoctoral fellows and visiting faculty.

All mathematics courses beyond the first calculus course are taught in small sections, which allow for more individual attention. Faculty members share the University’s goal of doing everything possible to help every student succeed, both at MU and beyond.

Graduates of the Department of Mathematics follow a variety of paths. Many go on to graduate schools, where they have earned degrees in mathematics, physics, computer science, education, business or engineering at schools including MU, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Washington University, the University of Michigan, Purdue, Princeton, the University of Illinois and others.

Others have chosen careers in business or industry, including Jim Hoffmeister, vice president of administration for Anheuser-Busch, and Richard Miller, president and chief executive officer of Miller’s Professional Imaging, a large photographic processing company. Another one is Warren Hearnes, a former governor of Missouri. Others have pursued industrial careers in fields closely related to mathematics, such as computer science, statistics, finance or actuarial science. In fact, the department administers the first test [Course 1 of the Society of Actuaries] for certification and advancement in actuarial science.