Majors Offered by the USNA Mathematics Department
The Mathematics Department at the U.S. Naval Academy offers a range of programs designed to develop analytical reasoning, quantitative problem-solving, and the ability to apply mathematics to complex, real-world challenges.
Our rigorous, versatile majors prepare midshipmen for success in the Navy and Marine Corps. The discipline’s emphasis on logical reasoning, abstraction, mathematical theory, statistical tools, and modeling opens doors to any career within the Navy and Marine Corps as well as civilian careers in operations analysis, data science, IT, engineering, finance, and beyond. Our majors also pave the way for future graduate study both within and outside of the military.
We offer two majors: Mathematics and Operations Research. The mathematics major has two tracks, one in pure and the other in applied mathematics designated, respectively, as: Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Both majors offer Honors Programs for academically exceptional and highly motivated students.
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Develop a strong foundation in the most important areas of mathematics, mathematical modeling, and computation. The choice between Mathematics and Applied Mathematics tracks allows midshipmen to tailor their studies to their intellectual interests and career goals. Because of its flexibility and strong analytical core, this major is a popular choice for pre-med students and for those pursuing dual majors in other disciplines.
Operations Research
Combine mathematics, statistics, and systems analysis to solve optimization and decision-making problems. The Operations Research major emphasizes quantitative methods used in logistics, planning, and resource management, which are critical for effective military operations.
Honors Program
An opportunity for academically exceptional and highly motivated midshipmen to engage in advanced coursework and independent research under faculty mentorship. The Honors Program encourages depth of understanding, creativity, and mathematical inquiry, and opens doors for future graduate studies.
Midshipmen Awards
Celebrate the academic excellence of graduating midshipmen in the Mathematics Department. Learn about the criteria, history, and past recipients of the department’s distinguished annual awards presented during Commissioning Week.
