Mathematical Sciences student working in class.
College of Arts & Sciences

Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics as the Language of Discovery

A major in Mathematical Sciences can open many unexpected doors. By developing a mastery of mathematical tools and reasoning, students can pursue careers in a wide range of fields. Mathematics is used extensively in physics, actuarial science, statistics, engineering, operations research, computer science, business and industrial management, economics, finance, chemistry, geology, life sciences, behavioral sciences, and many other fields. Mathematics not only plays an important role in the sciences and engineering but also has applications in all disciplines such as art, music, business, economics, and healthcare.

Why Choose Mathematical Sciences?

The Mathematical Sciences and the Mathematical Sciences, Teacher Preparation—Secondary School majors are housed in the Department of Mathematics, a vibrant community of 15 full-time faculty members dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. Classes are small and majors experience a high degree of student-professor interaction. Our facilities in the newly renovated Herman Hall, including the Math Center and student lounge area, are a great environment for collaborative work. Beyond the classroom, we have a Mathematics Colloquium talk series as well as three active clubs: the Math Club, the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Club, and the Problem Solving Club.

1000+ internship sponsors
98% Class of ’22 employed/attending graduate or professional school within 6 months of graduation

What to Expect

“Math is really everywhere. It comes up in the sciences, chemistry, physics, even in engineering. You’ll see it in business, modeling the future, art, what makes art look appealing, music—it’s all math.”

Hear from Michael Urbanski ’19, director of the math center, about how we use math in our everyday lives and how the Mathematical Sciences department helps students succeed with personalized attention.

What Will You Study?

With either the Mathematical Sciences major or the Mathematical Sciences, Teacher Preparation—Secondary School major, you'll take courses in theoretical and applied mathematics that emphasize problem solving, inductive and deductive reasoning, and modeling. Core courses include Calculus I-II-III, Foundations of Mathematics I-II, Linear Algebra, Modern Algebra, and Real Analysis. Elective courses such as Number Theory, Graph Theory, Combinatorics, Probability, Mathematical Statistics, Creative Problem Solving, Mathematical Modeling, and more allow customization. Your capstone experience is Senior Project I-II, in which you work closely with a faculty advisor on a yearlong research project, culminating in a paper and a presentation at an undergraduate research conference, typically the Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics Conference.

Unique Learning Opportunities

Mathematical Sciences Students

Internships and Field Work

The mathematical and computer skills you will gain in the Mathematical Sciences major create numerous opportunities for exciting internships in many areas. Some of our students take advantage of internships at companies such as MassMutual, GE Financial, and local banks.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad: Become a Global Citizen

Today’s workforce needs professionals who see the big picture. The College of Arts and Sciences will help you to become a student of world cultures and histories as they relate to your studies while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.

Study Abroad

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