Mathematics and statistics programs hone quantitative analysis skills that can be applied to any number of fields — or pursued simply for the expansion of human knowledge.
The Valparaiso University mathematics and statistics department offers a number of major and minor programs tailored to fit individual needs. All of the department’s programs aim to sharpen students’ analytical skills through rigorous coursework along with opportunities to take math outside the classroom and apply it to a variety of research questions. When students graduate, they are prepared for graduate study, professional schools, teaching careers, or work in business or government.
All students in the College of Arts and Sciences complete at least 124 total credits to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Mathematics and Statistics Degree Programs
A major in mathematics, requiring a minimum of 37 credits, may be pursued either as a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts, depending on the student’s interests and complementary major or minor. Math majors can take a recommended sequence of courses to focus on any of the following areas:
- Secondary education
- Statistics
- Operations research
- Scientific mathematics
- Preparation for graduate study in mathematics See Degree Requirements »
The 31-credit complementary major is designed for students whose first major is in another discipline. Electives can be tailored to the student’s interests. See Degree Requirements »
With a Valpo degree in statistics, you can pursue a career in a wide array of fields, such as medicine, public health, education, manufacturing, marketing, finance, and government positions. Statisticians serve in many important capacities, including studying the safety of nuclear power plants, evaluating the environmental impact of pollution, determining the effectiveness of new drugs, estimating the U.S. unemployment rate, and analyzing consumer demand for products. See Degree Requirements »
This 61-credit program, administered by the Valparaiso University mathematics and statistics department in consultation with the economics department and the College of Business, prepares students for work in industries and government agencies that use mathematics and statistics to understand the financial implications of potential future events. See Degree Requirements »
In order to graduate with a bachelor of science in data science at Valpo, a minimum of 40 credit hours is required. Students must take courses in data science and from the partner disciplines of statistics, mathematics, and computer science. Additionally, students should explore an area of application through selection of one or more courses from an appropriate field, as described below. Students are strongly encouraged to take a minor or a second major in their applied field of interest. See Degree Requirements »
Analytics and modeling is the field of study that focuses on the integration of knowledge and methodologies from mathematics, statistics, and computer science to analyze and solve problems in science, engineering, and other fields. From mathematics come mathematical modeling (both continuous and discrete) and numerical analysis; from statistics come methods for processing and analyzing large quantities of data; from computer science come simulation and modeling, the design and analysis of algorithms, and combinatorial optimization. As scientific and engineering fields deal with increasingly complex and expanded information and datasets, the need for individuals with such computational skills is expected to expand greatly. See Degree Requirements »
Minors in Math and Statistics
Valpo’s math and statistics department offers two 15-credit minors.
The math minor is a flexible program that establishes competency in core areas and allows the student a great deal of freedom to select elective courses for further study. See Course Requirements »
This interdisciplinary minor is offered by the mathematics and statistics department in consultation with other academic departments in which statistics plays a major role. Courses include offerings in business, computer science, civil and electrical engineering, economics, geography, meteorology, psychology, and sociology. See Course Requirements »
Actuarial science, the study of the financial implications of uncertain events in the future, requires strong quantitative skills and an understanding of business. To a lesser degree than the major, this minor allows students to explore a career as an actuary. See Course Requirements »
