Undergraduate programs

The mathematical sciences have long provided the proper language of the physical sciences and engineering, and they are playing an increasingly important role in areas as diverse as data science, computer science, the social sciences, business administration and economics, and the biological and medical sciences.  Many are drawn to the study of mathematics and statistics precisely because of this broad applicability.  Others are attracted by the rigorous training these disciplines provide in abstract reasoning, and the many surprising results and elegant arguments they encounter.  The department offers a wide variety of courses in mathematics and statistics to meet the needs of a student body having very diverse interests.  Anyone who would like to learn more about the department’s faculty, programs, courses, activities and other services is encouraged to explore the department website, or visit the department office.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Mathematics B.A./B.S.

Data Science B.S.

Mathematics Minor

Mathematics for Middle School Teachers Minor

Mathematics Licensure

B.S. in Data Science

The degree program requires a basic core of courses (61 credits) and elective courses (12-15 credits). This structure gives flexibility to the program that allows students to pursue special areas of interest in applications of data science. The program is designed to provide a foundation for more advanced work and/or a basis for employment in business, industry, and government.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major in data science must complete the following requirements.

Courses

Mth 231Data Science Seminar

2

Mth 251Calculus I

4

Mth 252Calculus II

4

Mth 253Calculus III

4

Mth 261Introduction to Linear Algebra

4

 

Mth 271Mathematical Computing

4

or

CS 161Introduction to Programming and Problem-Solving

4

  

Mth 343Applied Linear Algebra

4

Mth 371Large-Scale Data Algorithms

4

Stat 361Introduction to Statistical Methods

4

Stat 363Statistical Computing and Data Visualization in R

4

Stat 364Modern Regression Analysis

4

Stat 387Introduction to Statistical Learning

4

Stat 409Data Science Practicum

3

CS 250Discrete Structures I

4

CS 350Algorithms and Complexity

4

CS 486Introduction to Database Management Systems

4

Additional requirements chosen from approved list of electives

Mth/Stat (two)Approved 400-level Mth or Stat courses

6-7

Other (two)Approved 300- or 400-level courses

6-8

Check with the department for the list of additional courses, including omnibus-numbered courses, which may be approved as electives.

Approved Mth/Stat Electives are:

Mth 451Numerical Calculus I

3

Mth 452Numerical Calculus II

3

Mth 453Numerical Calculus III

3

Mth 461Graph Theory I

3

Mth 462Graph Theory II

3

Mth 464Numerical Optimization I

3

Mth 465Numerical Optimization II

3

Stat 461Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I

3

Stat 462Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II

3

Approved electives from other disciplines are:

Actg 335Accounting Information Systems and Analytic Fundamentals

4

Comm 389UEthics of Human Communication

4

CS 430PInternet, Web, & Cloud Systems

4

CS 441Artificial Intelligence

4

CS 445Machine Learning

4

G 324Data Management and Analysis

5

GSCM 412Introduction to Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

4

BTA 481Blockchain Fundamentals

4

Mgmt 442Human Resources Information Systems & People Analytics

4

PHE 350Health and Health Systems

4

PHE 427Introduction to Health Informatics

4

PHE 450Epidemiology

4

Phl 314UComputer Ethics

4

Total Credit Hours: 73-76

All courses used to satisfy the data science major requirements, whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C-, P, or above, but no more than 4 courses graded P will count toward these requirements. Transfer students majoring in data science are required to take a minimum of 15 credits of PSU upper-division mathematics or statistics courses in residence.