In your later years you will probably have to take additional sequences in real analysis and abstract algebra, as well as select from many electives. Although there are relatively few jobs that require advanced mathematics of the type you'll study if you major in mathematics, almost all employers realize that most mathematics majors are skilled problem solvers and hard workers. If you don't plan to go on to graduate school for a master or doctorate, you should consider combining your study of mathematics with that of another discipline. A Foundation Course for Quantitive Literacy . N.J. Advice from the Experts Dr. Donald Pierce mathematics professor offers this advice to prospective students.
Many students find calculus difficult.
Not only do you have to be good at calculations and symbol manipulation, you also have to think more conceptually than in any of the mathematics courses preceding it. It is important that you get a firm grasp of the concepts you encounter in calculus, as they will continue to surface again and again in later courses. Calculus is rich in applications and it is easy to understand how the information you're learning is used, but as you begin to take upper-division coursework, the course will become increasing abstract. To do well in abstract mathematics, you will need to develop an entirely new way to solve problems. Learning to write mathematical proofs is very challenging for most students and it takes time to learn.