Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Mathematical Sciences, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in mathematics

VCU

Community college:
Associate of Science: Mathematics and Sciences (Mathematics) (College of Southern Maryland)
College of Southern Maryland
College of Southern Maryland
Associate degree

Associate of Science: Mathematics and Sciences (Mathematics)

Completing the associate degree will waive VCU's general education requirements.

Program description

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.


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.

The Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences with concentrations in operations research or statistics. The operations research concentration focuses on modern mathematical techniques for solving problems arising from other fields, such as engineering, business or economics. The statistics concentration teaches students how mathematical models used in the investigation of uncertain phenomena are developed and applied to experimental and non-experimental data.

Career opportunities

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.


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. 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
  • 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
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Actuary
  • Investment Banker
  • Mathematician
  • Secondary School Teacher
Contact information

 

VCU Transfer Center

Telephone: (804) 827-1349

Email: transferinfo@vcu.edu

Transfer Advising Request

VCCS Transfer Planning Checklist


Office of Admissions

Telephone: (804) 828-1222 or (800) 841-3638

Email: ugrad@vcu.edu
Apply Here.

Guaranteed transfer admission requirements

Completion of associate degree
Minimum GPA of 2.5
All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better

Highest level of math required
  • MATH 201 or higher
Science required
  • 3-4 additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
  • Yes
Additional tuition/fees
  • No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0 Cumulative & in Major

Transfer major map
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Mathematical Sciences, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in mathematics

College of Southern Maryland (Associate of Science: Mathematics and Sciences (Mathematics))

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival or another community intercultural event.
  • Attend cultural events at community college and/or VCU and celebrate diversity.
  • Make friends with people with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile.
  • Browse careers related to Mathematics through the Career Coach.
  • Explore the community college’s Focus 2 Career resource to look into building a career and financial future.
  • Take a career assessment through the Career Coach.
  • Assess your preparation for a career by completing a Gap Analysis.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
  • Familiarize yourself with the Career Services offered at Community College and VCU and explore Career Pathways on the VCU website.
Experience Year 2
  • Become familiar with OMSA at VCU.
  • Learn about short-term, semester and year-long study abroad options.
  • Consider learning a foreign language to open doors to international organizations and future study.
  • Attend VCU cultural events, including the monthly Global Café, VCU Diversity Scholars in Research week, or Math department-related events.
  • Create a draft resume and bring it to career services advisor or workshop for review.
  • Find out about VCU REAL and learn about REAL graduation requirement.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs at community college to explore your interests.
  • Plan to complete at least two internships (job experiences) before your senior year of college.
  • Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU.
  • Explore the types of aid available at VCU.
  • Conduct 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.

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival or another community intercultural event.
  • Attend cultural events at community college and/or VCU and celebrate diversity.
  • Make friends with people with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Build a LinkedIn profile.
  • Browse careers related to Mathematics through the Career Coach.
  • Explore the community college’s Focus 2 Career resource to look into building a career and financial future.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Take a career assessment through the Career Coach.
  • Assess your preparation for a career by completing a Gap Analysis.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
  • Familiarize yourself with the Career Services offered at Community College and VCU and explore Career Pathways on the VCU website.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Become familiar with OMSA at VCU.
  • Learn about short-term, semester and year-long study abroad options.
  • Consider learning a foreign language to open doors to international organizations and future study.
  • Attend VCU cultural events, including the monthly Global Café, VCU Diversity Scholars in Research week, or Math department-related events.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Create a draft resume and bring it to career services advisor or workshop for review.
  • Find out about VCU REAL and learn about REAL graduation requirement.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs at community college to explore your interests.
  • Plan to complete at least two internships (job experiences) before your senior year of college.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU.
  • Explore the types of aid available at VCU.
  • Conduct 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.

Recommended courses
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Mathematical Sciences, Bachelor of Science with a concentration in mathematics

College of Southern Maryland (Associate of Science: Mathematics and Sciences (Mathematics))

College of Southern Maryland courses
Course Title Equivalent course Credits Requirements
ENG 1010 Composition and Rhetoric Note: students with credit for AP English Language and Composition will only receive credit for UNIV 111 at VCU and should take ENG 1020 to fulfill the VCU composition requirement. UNIV 111-112 3 General education
FYS 1010 First Year Seminar UNIV 101 3 Elective
MTH 1015 Introduction to Statistics STAT 212 3 Major (Ancillary)
MTH 1200 Calculus I and Analytic Geometry MATH 200 4 Major (Ancillary)
Arts/Humanities Select from approved list of general education courses VCU equivalent 3 General education
ENG 1020 Composition and Literature UNIV 200 3 General education
CHE 1200 General Chemistry I CHEM 101 4 Major (Ancillary)
CHE 1200L General Chemistry I Lab CHEZ 101 1 Major (Ancillary)
PHY 1310 Calculus-based Physics I PHYS 207 4 Major (Ancillary)
MTH 1210 Calculus II MATH 201 4 Major
MTH 2200 Calculus III MATH 307 4 Major
Select either: CHE 1210 + Lab OR PHY 2300 CHEM/Z 102 OR PHYS 208 4 Major (Ancillary)
Arts/Humanities Select 1: ENG 2010, 2020, 2200, 2210, 2320, 2330. ENGL 3 General education
Social/Behavioral Science Select 1: POL 1010, PSY 1010, or SOC 1010 VCU equivalent 3 General education
MTH 2210 Differential Equations MATH 301 4 Major
Social/Behavioral Science Select from approved list of general education courses VCU equivalent 3 General education
Science elective Select science course plus matching lab from approved list VCU equivalent 4 General education
Math elective Select either: MTH 1150 (if needed for placement purposes) or MTH 2220 MATH 151 or MATH 310 4 Major
CSM credits transferred to VCU 61
VCU courses
Course Title Credits Requirements
Foreign language through the 102 level. (This requirement can be fulfilled by means of completion of the 102-level of a language or waived if the student completed up through the third level of a foreign language in high school. Additionally, language waiver and placement testing options are available for native or heritage speakers of a non-english language.) 0 to 6 General education
MATH 310 Linear Algebra (if not completed at CSM; see above) 0 to 3 Major
MATH 255 or CMSC 245 or EGRE 245 Select 1: Introduction to Computational Mathematics or Introduction to Programming Using C++ or Engineering Programming 3 Major
MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 3 Major
MATH 407 Advanced Calculus 3 Major
MATH 490 Mathematical Expositions (capstone) 3 Major
MATH 350 or MATH 356 Introductory Combinatorics or Graphs and Algorithms 3 Major
MATH 401 Introduction to Abstract Algebra 3 Major
MATH 409 General Topology 3 Major
MATH 427 or MATH 428 or MATH 429 Select 1: Excursions in Analysis: Real or Excursions in Analysis: Complex or Excursions in Analysis: Applied 3 Major
Mathematics concentration electives (Six additional upper-level credits in the mathematical sciences (MATH, STAT, OPER, CMSC) or the completion of a minor or a double major; see VCU advisor for course options) 6 Major
Electives consider a minor or a second major Note: Students must complete a minimum of 45 upper-level credits to graduate from VCU. 26 to 29 Elective
REAL The REAL requirement may be satisfied by successfully completing a 300-level (or higher) course that has received a REAL attribute of Level 2, 3 or 4 or through an approved “REAL” co-curricular experience that has received a REAL attribute of Level 3 or 4. See VCU advisor for options. 0 Major
Credits completed at VCU 59
Bachelor's degree total 120
The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students in the mathematics concentration to earn both the B.S. in Mathematical Sciences and the M.S. in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in mathematics in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours, including STAT 212, MATH 255, MATH 301, MATH 307, MATH 310 and MATH 407; an overall GPA of 3.0; and a GPA of 3.0 in mathematics course work.