Majors

The department offers seven bachelors degrees – B.S. in Actuarial Science, B.S. in Applied Data Science, B.S. in Applied Statistics, B.A. in Mathematics, B.S. in Mathematics, B.A. in Mathematics for Educators, and B.S. in Mathematics for Educators. See the Major-Minor Flyer for more details. Through these extensive offerings, the department serves the needs of students wishing to work in industry, government, or education in the diverse ways described in our careers page, as well as students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in the mathematical sciences.

In statistics, the Bachelor of Science degree stresses both the theoretical and the applied sides of the subject. In addition to extensive course work in statistics, the student is exposed to computer science, ethics (relevant to decisions that statisticians must make on the job), and advanced writing (obviously a useful skill). Concentrated study of 16 credits in a field to which statistics can be applied, such as computer science, engineering, a science, economics, psychology, or another subject of the student's interest, is also required. In mathematics, we offer a basic Bachelor of Arts degree and a more rigorous Bachelor of Science degree. (There is no universal meaning assigned to these names, which date back hundreds of years. Different schools use them to mean different things, such as whether one has studied a foreign language. In our department we have chosen to offer an expanded program under the B.S. label, one requiring two additional mathematical sciences courses, one additional computer science course, and a more in-depth study of a field to which mathematics can be applied.) We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science, in cooperation with the School of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Data Science.

The Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science provides a strong foundation in mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and economic theory for risk assessment and financial decision-making. The program prepares students for actuarial careers, professional exams, and certifications through interdisciplinary coursework, practical applications, and opportunities for industry engagement. Graduates will be well-equipped for roles in insurance, finance, consulting and beyond.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Data Science is interdisciplinary, at the intersection of statistics, mathematics, computer science and application areas. It blends more traditional areas of statistics and mathematics, such as statistical modeling, optimization and graphs, with newer data-centric topics such as machine learning and artificial neural networks, aided by advanced computer programs for data retrieval, formatting and analysis, and applied to various disciplines. The program prepares students for rewarding careers in industry, such as tech, finance or healthcare, in government, or to further their studies at the graduate level. 

Many students, both current undergraduates and those who already hold a bachelor's degree in some subject (not necessarily mathematics), wish to pursue a program leading to a B.A. or B.S. in Mathematics for Educators combined with the M.A.T. program.

Requirements for each degree:

• Actuarial Science, B.S.
• Applied Data Science, B.S.
• Applied Statistics, B.S.
• Applied Statistics, B.S. to M.S. 
• Mathematics, B.A.
• Mathematics, B.S.
• Mathematics, B.S. to M.A.
• Mathematics for Educators, B.A.
• Mathematics for Educators, B.S.
• Mathematics for Educators, B.A. to M.A.T. (M.A.T. is granted by the School of Education and Human Services)
• Mathematics for Educators, B.S. to M.A.T. (M.A.T. is granted by the School of Education and Human Services)

For all degrees, a C grade or higher must be earned in each required course. There are additional University and College requirements. Consult the Academic Catalog and the department adviser for details.

Students should work with a departmental adviser and advisers in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office in planning the details of their schedules.