Mathematics, Statistics Concentration, BS
Thanks to the increasing prevalence of data in every corner of business, industry and government, the fastest growing sectors in the mathematical sciences are all related to statistics and data. With applications ranging from financial modeling to government services to consumer marketing, statisticians are key players on a wide variety of multidisciplinary teams in the workplace.
What Will I Learn?
Shippensburg University mathematics students hone their ability to use reason carefully, model problems effectively, gather and manipulate data and use statistics to advance arguments and increase understanding through the underlying mathematics. In addition, students develop communication skills, learn to use current technological tools and develop independence with the opportunity to experience open-ended research with a professor. All students majoring in mathematics at Ship take advanced coursework in some other field to which mathematics is applied and all students are explicitly oriented to the many career opportunities in mathematics.
Meet Autumn Garibay
“The Math Department has many incredible opportunities, including seminars, on-campus jobs, trips to conferences and clubs. So, get involved! Classes for math majors will be difficult, but the professors are very kind and competent.”What are the requirements for this degree?
The core courses are comprised of the three-semester calculus sequence, discrete mathematics, statistics, linear algebra, abstract algebra and analysis. Students with a concentration in statistics complete additional, specialized coursework in the theory and applications of statistics and probability. All mathematics majors complete at least one computer programming course as well as at least one upper division course in a non-mathematics course in an area to which mathematics can be applied. Students pursuing a career in actuarial sciences are encouraged to take FIN311 (financial management) and FIN313 (advanced financial management) to fulfill this elective requirement.
What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?
- Actuary
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Economist
- Statistician
What Kinds of Experiences Could I Have?
Many mathematics courses are taught in a computer classroom to provide hands-on experience with software such as Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, mathematica, and various open source apps. Mathematics students and faculty socialize through activities of the long-standing SU Math Club and provide service to the community through outreach efforts at SU as well as participation in events such as the National Engineering and Science Festival in Washington, D.C. Many mathematics majors are employed by the university to tutor students in lower division mathematics courses. In addition, students in this concentration often complete paid summer internships in their last two years of the program.