Mathematics
Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas!
At UCA, we are passionate about mathematics and dedicated to student success. Our department offers a supportive and engaging environment where students can build a strong foundation in mathematical knowledge while learning to use technology effectively for real-world applications.
Our mission goes beyond the classroom — we strive to help students develop problem-solving skills that will serve them in their careers and everyday life. In addition to teaching, our faculty are actively involved in research, professional development, and community outreach, offering seminars, workshops, and teacher training to enrich learning at every level.
Our team includes 20 faculty members with diverse areas of expertise, including applied mathematics, pure mathematics, data science, and mathematics education. We are engaged in exciting research topics such as symmetry analysis, mathematical modeling, biostatistics, and innovative teaching strategies.
No matter your goals, you’ll find a welcoming community committed to helping you succeed. We value collaboration, academic excellence, and personal growth.
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Academic Focus
At UCA’s Department of Mathematics, we focus on two exciting areas: Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Education. Our undergraduate students gain hands-on experience in modeling and analyzing real-world problems while developing a solid foundation in mathematical theory.
We take pride in our vibrant undergraduate research program—each year, students and faculty collaborate on projects and often present their work at regional and national conferences. Technology plays an important role in our classrooms, with specialized software such as MATLAB and R-Studio integrated throughout the curriculum.
Exciting Career Paths for Mathematics Majors
A degree in mathematics opens doors to a wide range of rewarding careers! Whether you’re interested in solving real-world problems in industry or inspiring the next generation in education, a mathematics degree equips you with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are in high demand.
Industry Careers: Mathematics majors excel in fields like data science, analytics, finance, cybersecurity, actuarial science, logistics, software development, and operations research. Many graduates find fulfilling roles in business, technology companies, healthcare organizations, and government agencies where mathematical modeling and data analysis drive decision-making and innovation. Our graduates can be found working at First Orion, Dillards, Acxiom, and more.
Education Careers: For those passionate about teaching, mathematics offers a clear path to a meaningful career in education. Graduates can become certified to teach at the middle or high school level or continue on to teach at community colleges. Teachers and educators with strong math skills are always in demand and play a crucial role in shaping the future.
With a mathematics degree, you’ll gain versatile skills that can lead to exciting opportunities in nearly every industry — and make a difference in the classroom or the workplace.
Academic Programs
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics with four flexible tracks to match your interests and goals.
- Minor in Mathematics available in four tracks
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mathematics Education — Designed for secondary teachers, future community college instructors, and professionals seeking to deepen their math knowledge and pedagogy.
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Mathematics — Focuses on mathematical modeling and problem-solving for careers in business, government, or advanced academic study.
Located in the Mathematics and Computer Science Building (MCS), our department sits in the heart of UCA’s beautiful campus in Conway — just 30 miles from the vibrant culture of downtown Little Rock.
We look forward to welcoming you to our department and helping you thrive in your academic journey! We’d love to tell you more about our department or arrange a campus visit. Feel free to contact us — we’re here to help you succeed!
Dr. Loi Booher, Department Chair & Associate Professor
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Phone: (501) 450-3147
e-mail: Loib@uca.edu