Mathematical Sciences
College of Humanities and Sciences
The Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences with concentrations in applied mathematics, biomathematics, mathematics and secondary mathematics teacher preparation. The department administers the Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences concentrations in applied mathematics or mathematics and is involved in administering the Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Modeling and Analysis. The curricula of these programs are run jointly with additional concentrations offered by the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research. In the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences can choose a concentration of applied mathematics, which focuses on the analytical and computational techniques necessary to solve many of today’s problems. These methods traditionally had been applied in such areas as chemistry and physics, but now are applied in many other areas.
Math can be found in almost every sector of the world of work. Students majoring in math should consider if they want to use math skills directly or indirectly in the workplace. This may determine the types of experiences and further education necessary to prepare for area of interest. People with math backgrounds may work in jobs with titles such as analyst, research associate, technical consultant, computer scientist, or systems engineer to name a few. Math majors develop many transferable skills: critical thinking, problem diagnosis and solving, computer skills, and quantitative skills. Other important skills to develop include good reasoning, persistence, and communication, both verbal and written. Seek relevant experiences through internships or part-time jobs. Students are encouraged to supplement curricular requirements with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased job opportunities.
Attending a Change of Major Workshop is required in order to change or add a major in Mathematical Sciences. Complete the Records & Registration Change of Major/Concentration Form to receive an invitation for the next available Change of Major Workshop.
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Cost Estimator
- Database Administrators
- Database Architects
- Financial Analyst
- Intelligence Analyst
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Mathematical Technicians
- Risk Management Specialist
- Statistician
- Actuary
- Investment Banker
- Mathematician
- Secondary School Teacher
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in applied mathematics
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in applied mathematics, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in biomathematics
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in biomathematics, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in general mathematical sciences
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in mathematics
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in mathematics, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in applied mathematics
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in applied mathematics, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in biomathematics
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in biomathematics, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in general mathematical sciences
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in mathematics
Mathematical Sciences, concentration in mathematics, accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's
- MATH 201 or higher
- 3-4 additional science courses
- Yes
- No
- 2.0 Cumulative & in Major
Contact information
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
- Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
- Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
- Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
- Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
- Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
- Consider applying to the Honors College.
- Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
- Attend the Math Department Tea.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
- Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
- Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
- Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
- Explore funding for international opportunities.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
- Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
- Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
- Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
- Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
- Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
- Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
- Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
- Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
- Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
- Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
- Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
- Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
- Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
- If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
- Join a professional association as a student member such as the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM.)
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
- Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
- Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
- Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
- Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
- Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
- Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
- Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
- Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
- Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building (e.g. tutor, supplemental instruction leader, or serve as a teaching learning assistant for a math class).
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss resources for gaining and documenting the skills required for your professional field.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
- Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
- Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
- Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- Meet with your academic advisor to explore career options and resources for career preparation.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Design a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
- Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
- Meet with a faculty member to discuss career or research opportunities.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
- Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
- Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
- Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
- Update your ePortfolio.
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
- Attend Mathematical Association of America Section meetings or local math conference.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
- Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
- Discuss standardized exams with your academic advisor to learn which exams apply for your situation (e.g. the GRE test or GRE Mathematics subject test).
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
- Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
- 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
- Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
- Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
- Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
- Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
- Work as a tutor or Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Campus Learning Center or in Student Athlete Support Services.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
- Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
- Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
- 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
- Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
- Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
- Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
- Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
- Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
- Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Mathematical Sciences
College of Humanities and Sciences
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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Explore | Year 1 |
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Experience | Year 2 |
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Excel | Year 4 |
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