Mathematics is one of the most versatile and intellectually rewarding disciplines you can study in college. At its core, it trains you to think with precision and creativity by constructing elegant, rigorous, and correct arguments to complex problems. The reasoning and abstract thinking necessary for mathematics translates to many other fields, such as finance, medicine, technology, and law. Mathematics also has great intrinsic value, both for the challenging questions posed within the field, and its ability to express problems in other disciplines in a clear and concise manner. While mathematics serves as a bedrock for many subjects, the Department of Mathematics at UW focuses on building a strong theoretical foundation in the subject as opposed to more applied training. Students interested only in certain applications are likely served better by choosing a different major more aligned with their field of interest. However, with proper additional preparation outside of the math coursework – or as a double major – mathematics provides a rigorous understanding of the tools and methodologies employed elsewhere, eclipsing surface-level knowledge. The base training offered by an undergraduate degree in mathematics is particularly useful, and sometimes essential, for graduate study in science and engineering disciplines. Higher level mathematics often isn’t about memorizing formulas, solving equations, or computing derivatives. Our courses concern abstract structures, rigorous foundations for the math you might already know, and proving what is really true. Importantly, you will learn to produce and write coherent, creative arguments and communicate your ideas effectively. In math, as in life, your solution only works if you can defend it. You will build a large base of analytical knowledge which provides a durable foundation for technical skill. Your math degree will be useful wherever you end up.