Minors and Certificates

Minor in Mathematical Sciences

The Department offers a minor in mathematical sciences. To be awarded a minor, a student must meet both the department’s and the University’s requirements for the minor:

Many students only need to take 6 credits beyond what their major program requires.

Minor in Statistics

The department offers a Minor in Statistics that provides students the opportunity to develop a working knowledge of modern statistical techniques. Such knowledge will materially help scientists, engineers, and other professionals in their careers and will make graduating students more attractive on the job market.

Statistical analysis has long been essential in many areas of applied science and engineering—for example, in clinical trials of pharmaceuticals and quality control.

Unprecedented amounts of data are being recorded in many areas, from traditional to new applications, and the ability to understand statistical analyses is now beneficial in a broad range of careers.

Requirements

The minor requires introductory courses in statistics and probability, training in statistical computing, and three courses (to be chosen from a defined list) on advanced statistical techniques.

Consult the departmental and University requirements for earning a minor:

Certificates

A certificate is a program of courses that provides a student with knowledge of a disciplinary or interdisciplinary subfield. Departments may offer certificates to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

Certificate in Actuarial Science

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a Certificate in Actuarial Science, which can be earned by a student in any major. This certificate prepares students for the first actuarial exams offered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), which are required for professional certification as an actuary.

The Certificate in Actuarial Science requires 24 credits of course work that will prepare students for the first two SOA exams (P and FM) and give them a good start in preparing for exams MLC, MFE, and C. Students hoping to enter the actuarial profession upon graduation should take and pass the P and FM exams during their undergraduate study.

Certificate in Business Analytics

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a Certificate in Business Analytics, which can be earned by a student in any major. This certificate provides a foundation in the emerging field of analytics, the use of statistics and mathematical modeling to optimize business performance.

The Certificate in Business Analytics requires 24 credits of course work.