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.
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 mathematics problems
General mathematical sciences concentration-specific outcomes
- Write mathematics (not including mathematical proofs) clearly, concisely and correctly
- Write mathematical proofs clearly, concisely and correctly
- Read and comprehend mathematical works
- Collaborate on projects
- Make effective presentations to demonstrate their understanding of mathematical ideas
- Write prose about mathematics
- Demonstrate an understanding of a breadth of mathematical ideas
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 general mathematical sciences
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 1 | 4 |
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra 1 | 3 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| MATH 300 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 1 | 3 |
| • Concentration requirements | ||
| Select one of the two course groups. | 12-13 | |
Group 1 | ||
| Real Analysis | ||
| Mathematical Expositions | ||
| Introduction to Computational Mathematics | ||
or CMSC 245 | Introduction to Programming Using C++ | |
or EGRE 245 | Engineering Programming | |
| Differential Equations | ||
or OPER 327 | Mathematical Modeling | |
Group 2 | ||
| Consulting Using Advanced Analytics | ||
| Career Planning and Professional Development for Statistics and Operations Research | ||
| Introduction to Probability Theory | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Computing | ||
or MATH 255 | Introduction to Computational Mathematics | |
or CMSC 245 | Introduction to Programming Using C++ | |
or EGRE 245 | Engineering Programming | |
| Introduction to Stochastic Processes | ||
| Concentration electives | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 12-18 | |
| Additional upper-division credits in MATH, STAT or OPER, with at least nine credits from course offerings at 400 to 500 level | ||
| Additional upper-division credits in MATH, STAT or OPER, with at least six credits from course offerings at 400 to 500 level and complete a minor or double major | ||
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) 1 | 4 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics | 3 |
| Experiential fine arts 2 | 1-3 | |
| Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement) | 0-6 | |
| Natural science sequence: Select one sequence from list below (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 8-10 | |
| Natural science elective (different from chosen science sequence) | 3-5 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 21-41 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
These courses/credits require a minimum grade of C.
Course offered by the School of the Arts
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Natural science sequence
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following sequences: | 8-10 | |
| Sequence 1 | ||
| 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 |
| Sequence 2 | ||
| 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 |
| Sequence 3 | ||
| 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 |
| Sequence 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 |
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 (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 4 |
| UNIV 101 | Introduction to the University | 1 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course (select AOI in consultation with adviser) | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Experiential fine arts | 1-3 | |
| General education course (select AOI in consultation with adviser) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15-17 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| MATH 300 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 3 |
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus | 4 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Foreign language 101 | 3 | |
| Group course | 3 | |
| MATH 255 | Introduction to Computational Mathematics (Group 1) | - |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Statistical Computing (Group 2) | - |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| MATH 301 | Differential Equations | - |
| OPER 327 | Mathematical Modeling (Group 1) | - |
| STAT 309 | Introduction to Probability Theory (Group 2) | - |
| Foreign language 102 | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK to complete breadth of knowledge requirement) | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK to complete breadth of knowledge requirement) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Select one: | 3 | |
| MATH 407 | Real Analysis (Group 1) | - |
| STAT 403 | Introduction to Stochastic Processes | - |
| Natural sciences sequence (select one of the following) (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 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 | - |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 13-14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Concentration electives (upper level) | 6 | |
| Natural sciences sequence (Select one of the following with appropriate matching course.) | 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 | - |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16-17 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| SSOR 480 | Consulting Using Advanced Analytics (Group 2 capstone) | 3 |
| SSOR 485 | Career Planning and Professional Development for Statistics and Operations Research (taken by Group 2 only) | 1 |
| Concentration electives (400-500 level; Group 1 takes six credits; Group 2 takes three credits) | 3-6 | |
| Natural sciences elective 1 | 3-5 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16-17 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 490 | Mathematical Expositions (Group 1 capstone) | 3 |
| Concentration elective (upper-level) or elective to complete minor or double major | 3 | |
| Concentration elective (400-500 level) or elective to complete minor or double major | 3-6 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120-125 | |
Different science than chosen for sequence.
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.