Why Mathematics and Statistics?

Analytics describes the extensive use of data to guide evidence-based decision-making. This field has emerged during a time when massively large data sets are being collected throughout society. Analytics lives at the junction between numerous traditional disciplines including information systems and statistics. This program will provide a framework for thinking about the collection and use of so-called "big data" and students will develop skills for handling structured and unstructured data sets and for developing models to predict behavior in data-rich environments.

What Can I Do With a Major in Mathematics and Statistics?

Our graduates are very successful in obtaining employment. A recent survey showed that approximately 40 percent of our graduates who earn an arts and science degree attend graduate school; 40 percent go into careers in business, industry, and government; 10 percent go into teaching; and 10 percent pursue an actuarial career. Other areas of employment for our graduates are in statistics, computing and information systems, and operations research.

Most mathematics majors who earn an education degree go into teaching, but some go into graduate school or business and industry.

Many important problems in government, private industry, health and environmental fields, and the academic world require sophisticated techniques for their solutions. The study of mathematics and statistics provides specific analytical and quantitative tools for dealing with these problems. Employers view graduates with a strong background in mathematics and statistics as good problem solvers. There is also a growing demand for graduates with broad mathematical training in addition to experience with computers. Often these graduates can quickly acquire the technical knowledge that is needed in many specialized fields on the job.

Job titles held by alumni with degrees in mathematics and statistics are many and varied, such as actuary, benefits consultant, financial analyst, statistician, internal auditor, scientist, market researcher, biomathematician, operations analyst, systems engineer, software developer, management consultant, and numerical analyst.

Those who go on to graduate school find their bachelor's degree is an excellent base to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in mathematics, statistics, operations research, or other fields such as business administration, computer engineering, computer science, economics, law, or medicine.

What courses would I take?

Miami's majors in mathematics and statistics require both theoretical and applied mathematics courses. During the first two years of study, most students majoring in mathematics and statistics complete a sequence of calculus courses and a linear algebra course. With the help of an adviser, you select one or two additional courses that strengthen your preparation for upper-level studies.

The related hours requirement is a concentration of courses in an area of study that has a well-established relationship with mathematics and statistics. This requirement enhances your study of mathematics and statistics and allows you to tailor the courses to your interests. There are specific tracks that you can follow in certain areas such as actuarial science and systems analysis. For other areas such as biological or social science, or decision science, you can design your program with departmental and adviser approval. The requirement also includes a course or demonstrated competency in computer programming.