Mathematics belongs both to liberal arts and to sciences. Not only is it the language of science (including social science), but it is also studied for its own beauty. It is therefore one of the most vital and lively subjects in the University curriculum. In the technology-oriented climate of today, the department’s graduates have excellent employment opportunities.

Statistics is the discipline that concerns the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data, in the context of uncertainty. Statistics is primarily mathematical in nature but has grown through applications in the social sciences, natural sciences, as well as business and engineering, to become its own separate, though closely allied, field.

The websites below provide some resources on the career perspective for math and stats graduates.

• What Do Mathematicians Do?
• What Do Statisticians Do?
• What Do Actuaries Do?

Mathematicians and statisticians are in demand, not only in mathematics teaching and research, and in the traditional fields of physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering, but also, and increasingly, in business, economics, environmental sciences, geology, biology and the health sciences among others. Knowledge of computer science is useful for many applications of mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has programs leading to a BA or BS degree in Mathematical Sciences.

The preliminary lower-level courses required for all students are calculus I–III, linear algebra, and number systems.

The BA program in Mathematical Sciences is highly flexible and allows each student to fashion a course of study to meet his or her individual needs and interests. The BA track in Mathematics emphasizes both the breadth and depth. The student is encouraged to experience different areas in mathematical sciences. Core areas of Mathematics include Analysis, Algebra and Geometry/Topology. Other areas include Actuarial Science, Statistics, Combinatorics, Computer Science, and others. A student is required to finish one upper-level course from each of the three core areas, and two additional upper-level courses. The five upper-level courses must include a pairing of two courses in the same area to be selected from a list, according to the student's interests.

The challenging BS degree program provides excellent preparation for graduate work at any university. Students considering a BS degree should seek advice as early as possible and plan their schedules carefully to meet the demanding requirements. In addition to the five lower-level courses, the BS degree requires 11 upper-level courses, include six courses from the core areas, and five upper-level elective courses.

The BA track in Statistics is designed to provide a solid mathematical and statistical foundation for a successful career in statistics, data analysis, and data science. It offers students the possibility of expanding the interdisciplinary aspect of the program by completing a second major. For example, students may combine statistics with computer science, biology, psychology, economics, accounting, finance, management science, or social science.

The BA track in Statistics requires 12.5 courses in Mathematical Sciences (that is 12 full-semester courses and one half-semester course).

Actuaries are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk. It takes a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and understanding of human behavior to manage today's complex risks facing our society. Actuaries analyze and solve complex business and social problems related to financial risks, such as in insurance and pension plans.

The BA/BS tracks in Actuarial Science are designed to prepare students for an actuarial career. Professional advancement results from passing a series of examinations administered by the actuarial societies and by the completion of specific courses approved by the actuarial societies.

The BA track in Actuarial Science requires 10.5 courses in Mathematical Sciences (that is 10 full-semester courses and one half-semester course) and 2 courses in Economics.

The more challenging BS track is designed for students who may wish to pursue a graduate degree in Actuarial Science or related fields, and it entails 14.5 courses in Mathematical Sciences and 4 courses in Economics.

The preliminary lower-level courses required for all students are calculus I–III, linear algebra, and number systems.

Other required courses for all actuarial students are Probability Theory (Math 447), Mathematical Statistics (Math 448), Intro. to Financial Math (Math 346), and Intro. to Scientific Computing (Math 329).