Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
The Mathematics Major offers two tracks—Mathematics (SMA) and Applied Mathematics (SMP)—allowing midshipmen to tailor their studies to their intellectual interests and career goals. 
These academic programs are both highly rigrous and highly versatile, preparing midshipmen for immediate success and future leadership in the Navy and Marine Corps.
Since 1845, mathematics has been foundational to the education of Naval Officers. Our programs instill a discipline-wide emphasis on logical reasoning, computational methods, abstraction, mathematical theory, statistical tools, and modeling. The two tracks each require a different blend of these skill sets.
This strong analytical core opens doors to any designator within the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as highly competitive civilian careers in operations analysis, data science, IT, engineering, finance, and more. Mathematics also provides an exceptional foundation for future graduate study.
The Two Tracks
Both the SMA and SMP tracks share a strong core foundation before specializing. This structure ensures a broad and rigorous education essential for careers where mathematical, computational, and analytical skills are in high demand.
Shared Core Foundation
All math majors develop essential skills in:
- Mathematical Analysis and Logic
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Probability and Statistics
- Scientific Programming and Computation
Track Selection and Flexibility
- Track Selection: Midshipmen typically begin their track-specific course sequence in the fall semester of their 2/C year.
- Course Flexibility: Both tracks share a unified list of breadth electives, primarily consisting of 300-level and above mathematics, statistics, and operations research courses. This structure allows interested midshipmen to seamlessly take courses from both the Mathematics and the Applied Mathematics tracks in parallel, or switch tracks later in the program.
1. Mathematics Track (SMA)
This track offers a deeper background in the foundations of mathematics, including modern algebra and discrete mathematics.
Download the SMA matrix: pdf
Some Potential Focus Areas:
- Cryptographic Mathematics and Coding Theory
- Modern Algebra and Number Theory
- Complex and Multidimensional Analysis
- Topology and Geometry
- Dynamical Systems
2. Applied Mathematics Track (SMP)
This track emphasizes practical applications, mathematical modeling, scientific computing, and numerical techniques.
Download the SMP matrix: pdf
Some Potential Focus Areas & Navy Relevance:
- Modeling real-world phenomena (e.g., ocean currents, weather prediction).
- Algorithm development for inverse problems (e.g., underwater acoustics, electromagnetism).
- Numerical analysis and estimation methods.
- Support for DoD efforts like the Autonomous Vehicle and Directed Energy programs.
Program Culmination
All majors complete a capstone project or an individual research experience in their first-class year, synthesizing their learning, exploring advanced topics in depth, and communicating their work through written and oral presentations.
Special Programs and Opportunities
Honors Program
This program is an opportunity for academically exceptional and highly motivated midshipmen. It requires advanced coursework and engagement in independent research under faculty mentorship, encouraging creativity and mathematical inquiry. Completion of the Honors Program strongly positions midshipmen for future graduate studies. Learn more about the Mathematics Department Honors program here.
Service Academy Exchange, Language Programs, Semester Study Abroad
The major's flexibility allows math majors to participate in the Semester Study Abroad Program offered through the International Program Office. To learn more about current programs, please visit the IPO website here (Internal Link/Intranet only).
👉 Visit the Opportunities to Midshipmen page to learn about additional programs offered by the Mathematics Department.
Career Paths
A mathematics degree prepares you to be a highly competitive officer and analyst, regardless of your career path.
Navy and Marine Corps Careers
The ability to analyze complex systems, think abstractly, and model solutions is critical in every warfare community. Math majors from USNA have excelled across the entire spectrum of Navy and Marine Corps career fields.
Civilian Careers
Math majors are sought after in highly technical civilian fields and are well-prepared for advanced study:
- Government/DoD: Operations Research Analysts, Data Scientists, and Cybersecurity Specialists at DoD Labs and agencies (e.g., NSA, CIA).
- Private Sector: Careers in the Finance Industry, Data Science, Engineering, Tech Companies, and Insurance/Actuarial Science.
- Education: Teaching and Research.
Academic Advising and Contact Information
Want to know more about the program or have specific questions? Please meet with one of our academic advisors.
- Prof. Constantine Medynets (Senior Adviser): medynets@usna.edu
- Prof. Alexandros Alevras: alevras@usna.edu
- LCDR Scott Adams: saadams@usna.edu
- CDR Aaron Geary: geary@usna.edu
- Prof. Scott Hottovy: hottovy@usna.edu
- Prof. Marius Ionescu: ionescu@usna.edu
- Prof. Evelyn Lunasin: lunasin@usna.edu
- Prof. Aurelia Minut: minut@usna.edu
- Prof. Ana Maria Soane: soane@usna.edu
- Prof. Robert Laudone: laudone@usna.edu
