This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

SSOR 480. Consulting Using Advanced Analytics. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: UNIV 200 or HONR 200; either OPER 427 and OPER 428, or STAT 321 and either STAT 305 or STAT 314. Enrollment is restricted to senior mathematical sciences majors with concentrations in general mathematical sciences, statistics or operations research. Capstone course designed to help students apply analysis techniques and attain proficiency in professional communication, both written and oral, in the context of statistics and operations research. Focuses on applying statistical and analytical concepts to real-world scenarios, working with messy data and communicating conclusions to audiences with varying degrees of mathematical expertise.

SSOR 485. Career Planning and Professional Development for Statistics and Operations Research. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Enrollment is restricted to junior or senior mathematical sciences majors in the general mathematical sciences, statistics or operations research concentrations. Designed to help students in statistics and operations research concentrations explore and evaluate career plans and prepare for entrance into graduate school or the workforce. Focuses on résumé preparation, interviewing skills, personal statements and evaluating ethical dilemmas.

SSOR 492. Independent Study. 2-4 Hours.

Semester course; variable hours. 2-4 credits. Maximum 4 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits. Generally open only to students of junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in the departmental discipline. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of instructor and department chair must be procured prior to registration in the course. The student must submit a proposal for investigating some area or problem not contained in the regular curriculum. The results of the student's study will be presented in a report.

SSOR 493. Internship. 3 Hours.

Semester course; the equivalent of at least 15 work hours per week for a 15-week semester. 3 credits. Enrollment restricted to mathematical sciences/statistics and mathematical sciences/operations research majors only with junior or senior standing. Admission by permission from the department chair. Through placement in a position in business, industry, government or the university, the student will serve as an intern in order to obtain a broader knowledge of statistics or operations research techniques and their applications.

SSOR 690. Research and Communications Seminar. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment restricted to students with nine graduate credits in OPER and/or STAT courses and with permission of the instructor. Designed to help students attain proficiency in professional and academic communication and research in the context of statistics and operations research. The course focuses on the discipline-specific communication and research skills necessary to excel in careers or graduate studies in these disciplines.