Mathematical Sciences

For best results, print using Chrome.

Jump to the major map

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Operations Research

Program description

The Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences, a Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in either operations research or statistics and a Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Modeling and Analysis. The curriculum of the programs is run jointly with the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

In the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences can choose a concentration of operations research, which focuses on modern mathematical techniques for solving problems arising from other fields, such as engineering, business or economics.

Career opportunities

Statistics can be used in a wide variety of fields within science, technology, business, medicine, and social sciences.
Gain knowledge or take courses in a specific field of interest, such as medicine or finance, to pair with skills in statistics, math, and computers.
The job outlook for statisticians is very strong because businesses have more access to data than ever before and that data requires analysis.
Most “statistician” and upper level research jobs in either government or industry will require at least a master’s degree.
An undergraduate degree in statistics can be used in a variety of business settings if combined with relevant experience and skills. Choose concentrations or minors that will enhance a degree in statistics. Take courses in forecasting and applied time series which are particularly sought after by employers. Plan to complete one or more internships.
Some positions in business, such as sales and management, are open to any major. Seek experiences and build skills that will help you prepare for these jobs.
Strong communication skills are critical in the field of statistics in order to communicate statistical information clearly to people who do not have technical backgrounds. Writing and presentation skills are also frequently used.

Bachelor-level job titles

Actuary
Bioinformatics Technician
Business Intelligence Analysts (consulting)
Computer Systems Analysts
Cost Estimator
Database Architects
Financial Analyst
Management Analysts and Consultants
Operations Research Analyst
Risk Management Specialist
Social Sciences Research Assistant
Statistical Assistant

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Operations Research degree requirements

Plan of study in Bulletin

Operations Research Plan of Study

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 201 or higher

Science required

3-4 additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0 overall GPA and major GPA to graduate.

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research

Building/room location:

Grace E. Harris Hall, 4th floor

Phone:

(804) 828-0001

Email:

rjdurfee@vcu.edu

https://ssor.vcu.edu/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
Complete MATH 201 by end of first year.
Utilize Campus Learning Center resource.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
Attend the Statistics Department's Seminars.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/ job titles in your field of study.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses and your plan to complete the Biology core and collateral coursework.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Join a professional association as a student member such as the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural organization.
Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Consider applying to VCU’s daVinci Center.
Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
Discuss the options for fulfilling your senior capstone and begin to plan accordingly as many students use research, internship, service-learning or study abroad to fulfill this requirement.
Work with a professor as a preceptor or through a directed and/or independent study.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create and complete a math related community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year.
Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete internships, shadowing experiences and informational interviews.
Apply for summer research funding: UROP.
Attend a Mathematics or Statistics Graduate Thesis Defense.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Take supplemental courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
Consider getting a job as a tutor or Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Campus Learning Center or in Student Athlete Support Services for a course you did well in or enjoyed.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other discipline-specific conference.
Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
Research employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019