Mathematical Sciences

Minors and Certificates

Minor in Mathematical Sciences

A minor allows you to pursue interests in an area outside of your major. It can add variety to your chosen field of study and customize your education, making you a more versatile and well-rounded graduate. A well-chosen minor can demonstrate intellectual curiosity and preparation for specialized or competitive graduate programs. Some minors focus on communication, global awareness, or ethics—skills increasingly valued by employers in every field. Michigan Tech students may minor in any subject, provided that the title of the minor differs from the title of your major or major concentration. To pursue a minor, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and file a Curriculum Add/Drop Form to inform the Registrar's Office of your interest in the minor. We recommend that you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences 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.

Study Mathematical Sciences at a Technological University

As a student, you’ll learn first-hand how math and statistics are applied in modern technologies and engineering applications, helping to solve real-world problems. You’ll collaborate with engineers and others in different STEM fields on a variety of research projects.

  • Get personalized attention: Your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You’ll develop meaningful relationships with faculty and receive the guidance you need in a timely fashion.
  • Customize your math education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span pure math, computational math, and statistics. Gain exposure to a variety of specialties in mathematics and statistics with our interdisciplinary approach to education. Take classes across different specialties to tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway.
  • Practice basic mathematical concepts: Work as a peer coach in the Math Learning Center helping other students understand mathematical and statistical concepts while reinforcing your grasp on the basics.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Undergraduate Majors in Mathematical Sciences

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.