The curriculum in mathematical sciences promotes understanding of the mathematical sciences and their structures, uses and relationships to other disciplines. To this end, the scholarly growth of the faculty and students in the mathematical sciences is nurtured through study, research and a high standard of teaching. The curriculum provides a sound foundation for the student seeking to enter a career with a technological orientation or for the student who wishes to pursue graduate study in applied mathematics, biomathematics, mathematics, operations research, statistics, teaching mathematics in secondary schools or related fields.
A Bachelor of Science is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research. In the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences can choose a concentration of statistics, which teaches students how mathematical models used in the investigation of uncertain phenomena are developed and applied to experimental and nonexperimental data.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following:
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences core outcomes
- Solve mathematical problems
- Solve and interpret mathematical problems which originate from applications outside of mathematics
- Use technology to solve and/or explore mathematical problems
Statistics concentration-specific outcomes
Upon completing a concentration in statistics, students will know how to do the following:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of basic statistical concepts and terminology
- Recognize and execute appropriate sample/experimental data collection methods
- Effectively analyze data that has been collected and evaluate the assumptions associated with those procedures
- Apply appropriate statistical software packages to solve/model various problems
- Evaluate situations related to probability, statistical uncertainty, distributions and statistical inference
- Apply calculus and/or linear algebra concepts and techniques to statistical problems in both theory and application
- Clearly and concisely present technical information in writing
- Clearly and concisely present technical information through oral presentations
- Explain the general linear model and analyze data using the general linear model
Special requirements
The B.S. in Mathematical Sciences requires a minimum of 120 credits. Along with the general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences and the undergraduate degree requirements, students are required to take core courses and fulfill specific requirements for the degree.
Based on the results of the Mathematics Placement Test, students may be required to take MATH 151. No more than one course in mathematics (MATH) at the 100 level can count for the general requirements toward the degree. Credit for 100-level mathematical sciences courses cannot be applied toward the mathematical sciences courses required for the major in mathematical sciences.
Double major
Students who meet the requirements for two of the concentrations within the mathematical sciences curriculum can receive a double major. To initiate a double major, students must obtain the appropriate form from the Office of Records and Registration.
Second baccalaureate degree
For students possessing a bachelor’s degree and wishing to gain undergraduate preparation in an area of mathematical sciences, second baccalaureate degrees are offered through the department. For detailed information about these programs, refer to the “Academic regulations and general degree requirement” section of this bulletin
Degree requirements for Mathematical Sciences, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in statistics
| Course | Title | Hours |
| 30 |
| |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 1 | 4 |
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra 1 | 3 |
| |
| MATH 211 | Mathematical Structures 1 | 3 |
| or MATH 300 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning |
| SSOR 480 | Consulting Using Advanced Analytics 1 | 3 |
| SSOR 485 | Career Planning and Professional Development for Statistics and Operations Research 1 | 1 |
| STAT 309 | Introduction to Probability Theory 1 | 3 |
| |
| STAT 305 | Intermediate Statistics 1 | 3 |
| STAT 310 | Introduction to Statistical Inference 1 | 3 |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Statistical Computing 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 18 |
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I 1 | 4 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 3 |
| 2 | 1-3 |
| 0-6 |
| 8-10 |
| 3-5 |
| 16-28 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Natural science sequence
| Course | Title | Hours |
| 8-10 |
| BIOL 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| BIOZ 151 | Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | 1 |
| BIOL 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II | 3 |
| BIOZ 152 | Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 1 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEZ 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| PHYS 201 | General Physics I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 4 |
| PHYS 202 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 5 |
| PHYS 208 | University Physics II | 5 |
Electives
For the statistics concentration, six electives (18 credits) must be chosen from the following list. A minimum grade of C is required in these courses.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year |
|---|
| Fall semester | Hours |
|---|
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics () 1 | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | Introduction to the University | 1 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I () 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 14 |
| Spring semester | |
|---|
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MATH 211 | Mathematical Structures | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II () 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 14 |
| Sophomore year |
|---|
| Fall semester | |
|---|
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus | 4 |
| STAT 305 | Intermediate Statistics | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication () 1 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 16 |
| Spring semester | |
|---|
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Statistical Computing | 3 |
| 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 15 |
| Junior year |
|---|
| Fall semester | |
|---|
| STAT 309 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 3 |
| 3 |
| 1-3 |
| 1 | 4-5 |
BIOL 151
& BIOZ 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I
and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | - |
CHEM 101
& CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I | - |
| PHYS 201 | General Physics I | - |
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I | - |
| 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 14-17 |
| Spring semester | |
|---|
| STAT 310 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 3 |
| 6 |
| 4-5 |
BIOL 152
& BIOZ 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II
and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory II | - |
CHEM 102
& CHEZ 102 | General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II | - |
| PHYS 202 | General Physics II | - |
| PHYS 208 | University Physics II | - |
| 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 16-17 |
| Senior year |
|---|
| Fall semester | |
|---|
| SSOR 480 | Consulting Using Advanced Analytics | 3 |
| SSOR 485 | Career Planning and Professional Development for Statistics and Operations Research | 1 |
| 6 |
| 3 | 3-5 |
| 3 |
| | Term Hours: | 16-18 |
| Spring semester | |
|---|
| 3 |
| 12 |
| | Term Hours: | 15 |
| | Total Hours: | 120-126 |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Accelerated B.S. and M.S.
The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S. and M.S. in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in statistics in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to nine hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 141 credits rather than the 150 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
Students holding these degrees will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of basic statistical concepts, probability and inference, general linear modeling, calculus, and linear algebra. They will know how to select appropriate samples and conduct appropriate experimental data collection methods. Additionally, students will be able to use statistical software packages to perform appropriate analysis of data, including knowledge of the assumptions associated with the procedures and how to determine the appropriate procedure to use. Students will know how to clearly and concisely present technical information in writing and through oral presentations. The program will also provide students with opportunities to participate in research projects, internships and other training programs where they develop the skills to evaluate, refine and apply what they learn in the classroom.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours including STAT 212, STAT 305, STAT 321, STAT 309 and STAT 310; an overall minimum GPA of 3.0; and a minimum GPA of 3.3 in mathematics and statistics course work. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may submit GRE scores to receive further consideration. The adviser of graduate studies for the mathematical sciences master’s program with a concentration in statistics will provide guidance of students in this program. Students who are interested in the accelerated program should consult with the faculty adviser to the statistics concentration of the M.S. program before they have completed 90 credits. Successful applicants would enter the program in the fall semester of their senior year.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate mathematical sciences adviser and the faculty adviser to the graduate program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the fall semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. Three reference letters (at least one from a Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research faculty member) must accompany the application.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences degree with concentration in statistics will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits may be used to satisfy required major electives or open elective credits for the undergraduate degree. Nine of these credits are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate statistics courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, are in the table below.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
| |
| STAT 309 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 3 |
| 1-3 |
| 3-4 |
| 4-5 |
| 3 |
| 14-18 |
| |
| STAT 310 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 3 |
| 4-5 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
| 16-17 |
| |
| SSOR 480 | Consulting Using Advanced Analytics | 3 |
| SSOR 485 | Career Planning and Professional Development for Statistics and Operations Research | 1 |
| STAT 513 | Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| 3-5 |
| 6 |
| 16-18 |
| |
| STAT 514 | Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| STAT 546 | Linear Models | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 12 |
| |
| SSOR 690 | Research and Communications Seminar | 3 |
| STAT 643 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| 6 |
| 12 |
| |
| STAT 642 | Design and Analysis of Experiments I | 3 |
| 3 |
| 9 |