What is it like to study math at UCLA?

Studying mathematics at UCLA offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience, with a variety of programs tailored to different interests and career paths. Here's an overview of what it's like:

Academic Programs

• Majors and Minors: UCLA offers several majors, including Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics of Computation, Data Theory, Financial Mathematics, and Mathematics for Teaching. There is also a minor in Mathematics for non-math majors and a minor for those interested in teaching secondary mathematics1.
• Specializations: The Department offers a Specialization in Computing, which can be added to most mathematics majors, enhancing skills in computational mathematics1.

Academic Environment

• Faculty and Resources: UCLA's Mathematics Department is renowned for its faculty, including distinguished professors like Terence Tao. The department is housed in the Mathematical Sciences Building, providing access to modern facilities, computer labs, and the nearby Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Library3.
• Class Sizes: Lower-division classes can be large, often with hundreds of students, which can be challenging for those seeking personalized attention. However, upper-division courses and research opportunities offer more focused interactions with faculty2.

Research and Honors Programs

• Research Opportunities: While UCLA offers extensive research opportunities, securing a position can be competitive, especially for undergraduates without prior experience or credits2.
• Honors Programs: UCLA provides several honors programs for mathematics majors, including the Departmental Scholars Program, which allows exceptional students to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree within four years. There are also honors programs specific to each major, requiring high GPAs and original projects or seminar participation1.

Campus Life

• Location and Culture: UCLA is located in Los Angeles, offering a vibrant city life with diverse cultural and entertainment options. Campus life is known for being balanced and fun, though housing can be competitive2.

Overall, studying math at UCLA provides a strong foundation in theoretical and applied mathematics, with opportunities for advanced research and academic distinction. However, it requires navigating large class sizes and competitive research environments.