Why study math?

Mathematics teaches logic, accurate reasoning, abstract and critical thinking, analytical skills, and analytical attitude.

This means as a mathematician you pay attention to all the assumptions involved in a given problem or situation, and you learn to break down complex problems into a series of simple steps. Such skills and attitudes are highly valued by employers as well as graduate and professional schools.

Learn more about what mathematicians do and why employers value these skills.

News

Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D. and Alexandra Reckendorf, Ph.D., talked to students about political and social movements during their session in the U.S. Democracy United/Divided course. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Feb. 13, 2025

For the many layers of American democracy, new course taps into the many layers of VCU faculty expertise

Nearly three dozen specialists in the College of Humanities and Sciences are collectively teaching U.S Democracy United/Divided this semester – and organizers think the concept will evolve.

(Getty Images)

Oct. 28, 2024

cRam Session: Seeing, Playing, Deciding – This is Math?

3 questions, 2 minutes, 1 lesson with Andy Bristow, whose course explores a number of intriguing angles – from board games to the ballot box.

New courses this year explore the ethics and philosophy of AI, in which students will explore questions raised as AI’s influence expands. (Getty Images)

Sept. 18, 2024

New VCU humanities courses consider nontechnical aspects of artificial intelligence

The offerings include ethics and philosophy classes that make up a new microcredential digital badge.

Math Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Math Kangaroo Logo, blue geometric kangaroo holding red square with white pi symbol

Math Kangaroo Competition

Date: Thursday, Mar 20, 2025

Join us for the international math competition for students in grades 1-12 that started in Australia in 1980!