As a math major, you could run logistics for a company, analyze political polls, animate Pixar movies, or combat disease—because high-level mathematics is at the heart of creative and analytical endeavors alike.
Why Pursue a Math Degree at UNC Asheville?
Student Spotlight
See how Mikayla Wright, a 7th grade math teacher at Erwin Middle School, was honored as the 2023-24 Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Study Hard, But Have a Good Time: UNC Asheville alumna Jan Green established two scholarships to support students in Math and Cheer & Dance.
“I’d like to use my math degree to possibly work in the government or as an analyst. I enjoy working with numbers and problem solving, so I feel like I could put my skills to good use.”
Monica Reyes-Lopez, Class of ’23
Learn Mathematics Outside the Classroom
Connecting with the community is just part of the equation for UNC Asheville’s math majors, with on-campus resources, special events, and student organizations all adding up to success. The Math Department collaborates with organizations in Asheville and across the U.S. to make math enjoyable for everyone. Weekly tutoring sessions and annual competitions, such as the Pi Run, are examples of the exciting opportunities available to students.
Students also learn in the Parsons Mathematics Assistance Center, also known as the Math Lab. This unique facility and focal point for the Math Department offers assistance, study groups, and computers with specialized software, all with no appointment necessary.
The Math Lab
The Parsons Mathematics Assistance Center, also known as the Math Lab, is a unique facility and focal point for the department, offering drop-in tutoring, a space to work, rooms for study groups to meet, and computers with specialized software. The Math Lab is open 62 hours per week when classes are in session. It also provides opportunities for students to work as peer tutors.
Student Clubs
There are many ways for our students to engage with the campus and broader Asheville community, including the Marvelous Math Club, an afterschool club at Pisgah View apartments that uses math as a catalyst to build community, and foster relationships and leadership among elementary-aged students. The Math Community Game Night and Mathematical Puzzle Program (MaPP) Challenge, a team-based mathematical puzzle competition available to high school students, are additional opportunities for students to connect with the community.
Events & Engagement
We organize the annual Parsons Lecture, a series that brings a nationally renowned mathematician to the Asheville community, and host the NC State Math Contest each spring. Within our department, students engage with one another and with our faculty through the Math Club, trips to conferences, our annual Math Recital, and potlucks.
Meet the Faculty
Unlike many other universities, our classes are intentionally small, so faculty can give math majors individualized attention. Students are welcome to meet with professors whenever they’re available to find support in their academic or creative pursuits. Our faculty bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom, where their diverse backgrounds result in a robust curriculum.
Becky Sanft, Ph.D.
Chair & Associate Professor of Mathematics & Statistics
| Office: 304 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5192 |
| Email: bsanft@unca.edu |
Kedia Cheng, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
| Office: 313 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5195 |
| Email: kcheng@unca.edu |
Sam Kaplan, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
| Office: 304 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5192 |
| Email: skaplan@unca.edu |
Jimin Lee, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
| Office: 306 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-2319 |
| Email: jlee@unca.edu |
Dave Peifer, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
| Office: 314 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5187 |
| Email: dpeifer@unca.edu |
Megan Powell, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Research, Associate Professor of Mathematics
| Office: 307 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3875 |
| Email: mpowell4@unca.edu |
Julia Webster
Lecturer of Mathematics; CTL Faculty Fellow 2023-25
| Office: 320 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5188 |
| Email: jwebste2@unca.edu |
Cathy Whitlock
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics
| Office: 309 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2269 |
| Email: whitlock@unca.edu |
Trent Codd, Jr.
Adjunct Professor of Mathematics
| Office: 326 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6556 |
| Email: tcodd@unca.edu |
Careers With a Math Degree
Those with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics excel in a range of professions. They are adaptable, lifelong learners with proficiency in analysis, mathematics foundations, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills make them highly sought-after candidates in careers as actuaries, data analysts or scientists, financial analysts, statisticians, information technologists, software engineers, or educators. Still curious about what you can do with a math degree? We have a list of helpful resources for determining your career path.
UNC Asheville math majors graduate with experience that helps them stand out from competitors. With our opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement within the community, our graduates have achieved successful careers and admittance to esteemed graduate programs. Alumni have gone on to positions at companies like Ernst & Young, Centene, Katapult, HCA Healthcare, Genova Diagnostics, and First Citizens Bank and attended graduate school at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Purdue University, among others.
Related Programs
Uncover Your Passion for Problem-Solving in UNC Asheville’s Math Major
The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics program at the University of North Carolina Asheville offers adaptability and support as you nurture your skills and engage in exciting opportunities outside the classroom. With three concentration options, scholarships, and the ability to create your own research project, boundless possibilities await you.
Contact Us
| Department of Mathematics and Statistics |
| Email: jwilhelm@unca.edu |
