Mathematics

About the Department

Mathematics is one of the oldest academic disciplines, valued for its intrinsic beauty, as training in logical and analytical reasoning, and for its widespread applications throughout other disciplines. As our society adopts more technology and collects more data, training in mathematics becomes ever more valuable. Mathematics and statistics majors can be combined with another discipline that uses mathematics to enhance the pursuit of employment or graduate studies in either discipline.

At the bachelor’s level, the Department of Mathematics offers two majors:
Mathematics, B.S. and Statistics, B.S., two minors, and a plan of study for students interested in Actuarial Sciences. 

Additional programs offered are Mathematics-Teacher Education Program, B.S., a joint Data Science, B.S. with the Computer Science Department, and a combined B.S./M.S. (4+1) program. 

Students who complete a Bachelor of Science in mathematics or statistics have a number of career options.

1. They may pursue an advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related area such as data science, computer science, biometry, finance, economics or operations research.h.
2. Mathematics and Statistics majors may teach at the secondary level.
3. Mathematics and Statistics majors may work in business, banking, industry, insurance, or government. For example:
   • In the computing industry, mathematicians work in systems analysis, programming, design of algorithms, and computer graphics. The computer industry is one of the largest employers of mathematicians.
   • Many mathematics majors work as actuaries in the insurance industry, applying mathematics and statistics to risk assessment and financial analysis.
   • In banking; mathematics majors work in risk assessment, fraud detection and analysis.

Students interested in the mathematics or statistics major are encouraged to declare the major early. Both majors share four core courses. Typically, a mathematics or statistics major should complete these core courses by the end of the sophomore year.  Entering majors should enroll in one of these courses or MATH 111 , the prerequisite for MATH 120 .

The calculation of the GPA in the major will be based only on those mathematics courses that are acceptable for credit toward the major.

Majors 

• Mathematics, B.S.  
• Mathematics-Teacher Education Program (Grades 9-12), B.S.   
• Statistics, B.S.  

Minors

• Mathematics Minor  
• Pre-Actuarial Studies Minor  
• Statistics Minor