Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Faculty

Distinguished Professor
Kehe Zhu, Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo

Professors
Boris Goldfarb, Ph.D., Cornell University
Martin V. Hildebrand, Ph.D., Harvard University
Cristian Lenart, Ph.D., University of Cambridge (Department Chair)
Antun Milas, Ph.D., Rutgers University
Michael I. Stessin, Ph.D., Moscow State University
Rongwei Yang, Ph.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook

Associate Professors
Ivana Alexandrova, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Justin M. Curry, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Yunlong Feng, Ph.D., University of Science and Technology of China
Joshua Isralowitz, Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo
Michael Lesnick, Ph.D., Stanford University
Steven Plotnick, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Karin B. Reinhold-Larsson, Ph.D., Ohio State University
Carlos C. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Columbia University
Anupam Srivastav, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Alexandre Tchernev, Ph.D., Purdue University
Marco Varisco, Ph.D., University of Munster
Matthew C. B. Zaremsky, Ph.D., University of Virginia
Changlong Zhong, Ph.D., University of Southern California

Assistant Professors
Håvard Bakke Bjerkevik, Ph.D., Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim
Barbara Giunti, Ph.D., University of Pavia (Italy)
Jihun Han, Ph.D., Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University
Halyun Jeong, Ph.D., Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University
Hyun-Kyoung Kwon, Ph.D., Brown University
Kent Vashaw, Ph.D., Louisiana State University
Zi Yang, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Xiaofeng (Felix) Ye, Ph.D., University of Washington
Penghang Yin, Ph.D., University of California, Irvine

Adjuncts (estimated): 7
Teaching Assistants (estimated): 30

Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Charles A. Micchelli, Ph.D., Stanford University

Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus
Timothy L. Lance, Ph.D., Princeton University

Professors Emeriti
Lindsay N. Childs, Ph.D., Cornell University (Collins Fellow)
Richard Z. Goldstein, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania (O’Leary Fellow)
Benton N. Jamison, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Melvin L. Katz, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Violet H. Larney, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Thomas H. MacGregor, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Hajimu Ogawa, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Richard O’Neil, Ph.D., University of Chicago
R. Michael Range, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Edward C. Turner, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Donald R. Wilken, Ph.D., Tulane University

Associate Professors Emeriti
Herbert I. Brown, Ph.D., Rutgers University
William F. Hammond, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
Lloyd L. Lininger, Ph.D., University of Iowa
Ricardo Nirenberg, Ph.D., New York University
Malcolm J. Sherman, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

The Mathematics Department provides a broad offering of courses from which a student can make a selection designed to satisfy any of a large variety of objectives. In addition to including the standard courses in pure and applied mathematics, our course offerings are unusually strong in statistics and actuarial mathematics. The department offers three majors: the major in mathematics, the major in actuarial and mathematical sciences, and the major in data science.

Careers

Careers in mathematics typically require study beyond the undergraduate level. Examples include careers in the insurance industry (as an actuary), in the pharmaceutical industry (as a statistician), in the financial industry (as an analyst) or in education (as a mathematics teacher or professor). However, a student with an undergraduate degree in mathematics has an excellent fundamental preparation for careers in many fields. Many areas of business require high-level quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills, and a major in mathematics exercises those skills at a high level. A degree with a major in mathematics signifies that the graduate is well prepared to handle the mathematical demands of positions in a wide range of fields. The Mathematical Association of America has a number of resources on careers in or related to mathematics.

The Department has several options or concentrations that focus on particular career tracks. The Department offers a major in Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences for students interested in pursuing a career as an actuary. The undergraduate major includes coursework that constitutes substantial preparation for a number of preliminary examinations set by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuary Society that are required for professional advancement in the field. (see below)

For a career as a statistician, a student can choose within the mathematics major a concentration in statistics and probability that, along with appropriate courses in analysis and algebra, is excellent preparation for a graduate degree in statistics or biostatistics.

A major in mathematics followed by a master's degree in education or in mathematics with appropriate courses in education provides the prerequisites for a career as a secondary school mathematics teacher. A mathematics major followed by graduate work at the doctoral level provides suitable preparation for a career as a college or university professor.

In addition to these career options, a major in mathematics and a major or minor in a social or natural science or business are good preparation for graduate work in quantitative or mathematical areas of the other (or a related) discipline. Some examples include economics, physics, atmospheric science, biology, marketing, geography, planning, and sustainability, engineering, cryptography, sociology, demography, management, nanotechnology, epidemiology, biophysics, education, and finance. Mathematics majors have also gone on to law school and to medical school.

Career Tracks

With suitable advisement, students can design programs that will best meet their particular interests and career goals. To guide students in their planning, a number of options are presented here.

1. Secondary School Teaching

Students planning to become mathematics teachers at the secondary level in New York State normally need to obtain a master's degree in mathematics or education to attain a professional level of certification. For undergraduate preparation, students are urged to include the following courses in their programs:

AMAT 300, 312 (analysis), 326, 327, or 328 (algebra), 331 or 432 (geometry), 362 (probability), 308 or 363 (statistics), and 452 (history)
Six credits of computer science or of one science
One year of a language

Also recommended is ETAP 201 (Exploring Teaching as a Profession)

A grade point average of 3.0 or higher overall and in mathematics is normally required for admittance to master's programs. Seniors interested in pursuing a master's degree should contact advisers in the Pathways into Education (PIE) Center.

2. Graduate School Preparation

The department offers excellent opportunities for students who plan to go on to graduate work in mathematics and statistics as well as other areas such as computer science, the natural sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences. Students whose goal is to obtain a graduate degree in mathematics or statistics should try to include in their programs a core of advanced undergraduate courses chosen from at least three of the following four areas:

Algebra: AMAT 327, 328, 424
Analysis: AMAT 413, 414
Geometry/Topology: AMAT 342, 441, 442
Probability/Statistics: AMAT 362, 363, 467, 468

For additional advanced study, students have two choices. One option is to pursue an independent study project leading to an undergraduate thesis, either (preferably) within or (optionally) independent of the honors program. This option can provide an opportunity for the student to pursue research in mathematics. Students considering an undergraduate research/thesis should meet with the Director of Advisement or the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the junior year to begin planning this option.

Another option is to take graduate courses. Qualified undergraduate mathematics students may be admitted to the Department’s 500 level graduate courses in algebra, real analysis, complex analysis, topology, and other areas. (Students admitted to the combined bachelor's/master's program may take graduate courses for graduate credit — see below.)

3. Statistics

Statistics is a widely applied area of mathematics and the demand for statisticians is high. A concentration in statistics may begin with either of two sequences: AMAT 308, 362, or AMAT 362, 363. (The former sequence can be started after completion of Calculus II.) Either sequence can be followed by courses in applied statistics (AMAT 369, 465), applied probability (AMAT 464) and mathematical statistics (AMAT 467, 468). Students who plan to pursue the further study of statistics at the graduate level are advised to take AMAT 312 (Basic Analysis) and AMAT 424 (Advanced Linear Algebra). Statistics in practice usually involves heavy use of the computer, so students should include ICSI/ICEN 201 and additional computer science in their programs.

4. Applied Mathematics

Although it is common to classify mathematics as either “pure” or “applied,” the division is often arbitrary. In recent years some extremely abstract mathematics has turned out to be useful in areas outside mathematics. Students preparing for a career in applied mathematics are advised to acquire as strong a background as possible in the pure mathematical areas of analysis, algebra, and geometry/topology. On the other hand, students concentrating in pure mathematics should have some understanding of how to apply mathematical methods to other disciplines.

Here are some mathematical areas that are more commonly applied to problems in other fields, along with the corresponding courses in which methodology or applications are treated.

Applied algebra: AMAT 326, 328, 372, 374
Applied analysis: AMAT 311, 314, 315, 409, 412, 416
Numerical Methods: AMAT 301, 313, 401
Probability/Statistics: AMAT 308, 362, 363, 369, 464, 465

Placement and Proficiency Credit

The University awards up to 8 credits and advanced placement in its sequences of calculus courses based on performance on the advanced placement calculus examinations administered by the College Board. Details concerning the decisions on credit and placement are available from the Admissions Office.

Admission

Students may declare a major in either mathematics, actuarial and mathematical sciences, or data science at any time, but should be aware that the prerequisite for AMAT300 (required) is a grade of C or better in AMAT 113, 119, 214, or 218. Transfer credits and grades may be used to satisfy the requirement.

Mathematics Major

Students majoring in mathematics may choose to complete the requirements for either the B.A. or B.S. degree. With either degree option, a student may apply for admission to the honors program.

Since advanced courses in mathematics typically have long chains of prerequisites, students considering a major in mathematics, actuarial sciences, or data science are encouraged to visit the department office (Hudson 103) as early as possible for informal advice. Information is also available on the Mathematics Department’s website.

To complete a mathematics major comfortably in four years, the calculus sequence, AMAT 300, and AMAT 220 or a suitable 300 level course (AMAT 326, 308 or 362) should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Course Progression Restrictions

One of AMAT 113, 119, 214, or 218 with a grade of C or better must be completed to register for AMAT 300.

Degree Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

The purpose of the B.A. program is to provide the student a broad view of mathematics and statistics. The B.A. degree requires a minimum of 40 credits, at least 24 of which must be at the 300 level or above, including:

Required 6 courses:

AMAT 111 Algebra and Calculus II (4) or AMAT 112 Calculus I (4) or AMAT 118; Honors Calculus I (4)
AMAT 113 Calculus II (4) or AMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4);
AMAT 214 Calculus of Several Variables (4) or AMAT 218 Honors Calculus of Several Variables (4);
AMAT 220 Linear Algebra (3) or AMAT 222 Honors Linear Algebra (3);
AMAT 300 Introduction to Proofs (3)
AMAT 298 Information Literacy in Mathematics and Statistics (1)

Select one 3 credit course numbered 300 or above in each of four areas:

Algebra:

AMAT 326 Classical Algebra (3)
AMAT 327 Elementary Abstract Algebra (3)
AMAT 328 Introduction to Combinatorics (3)
AMAT 424 Advanced Linear Algebra (3)

Analysis:

AMAT 215* Ordinary Differential Equations (3)
AMAT 312 Basic Analysis (3)
AMAT 314 Analysis for Applications (3)
AMAT 409 Vector Analysis (3)
AMAT 412 Complex Variables for Applications (3)
AMAT 413 Advanced Calculus I (3)
AMAT 414 Advanced Calculus II (3)

Geometry/Topology:

AMAT 331 Transformation Geometry (3)
AMAT 342 Elementary Topology (3)
AMAT 432 Foundations of Geometry (3)
AMAT 441 Introduction to Differential Geometry (3)
AMAT 442 Introduction to Algebraic Topology (3)

Probability/Statistics:

AMAT 308 Topics in Statistical Inference (3)
AMAT 362 Probability for Statistics I (3) or AMAT 367 Discrete Probability (3)**
AMAT 363 Statistics (3)
AMAT 370 Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences (3)
AMAT 464 Applied Stochastic Process (3)
AMAT 467 Continuous Probability and Mathematical Statistics (3)

Electives:

9 credits in Mathematics at the 300 level or above

* Students who take AMAT 215 must take an additional 300 level or above.
** Only one of AMAT 362 and 367 may be applied toward any major or minor in mathematics or a minor in statistics.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics:

A minimum of 46 credits, at least 24 of which must be at the 300 level or above, including:

Required 6 courses:

AMAT 111 Algebra and Calculus II (4) or AMAT 112 Calculus I (4) or AMAT 118; Honors Calculus I (4)
AMAT 113 Calculus II (4) or AMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4);
AMAT 214 Calculus of Several Variables (4) or AMAT 218 Honors Calculus of Several Variables (4);
AMAT 220 Linear Algebra (3) or AMAT 222 Honors Linear Algebra (3);
AMAT 300 Introduction to Proofs (3)
AMAT 298 Information Literacy in Mathematics and Statistics (1)

Two of the following five sequence options:

Any two of the following:
- AMAT 326 Classical Algebra (3)
- AMAT 327 Elementary Abstract Algebra (3)
- AMAT 328 Introduction to Combinatorics (3)
Either
- (a) both AMAT 314 Analysis for Application I (3) and AMAT 315 Analysis for Application II (3)
- or (b) any two of AMAT 312, AMAT 412, AMAT 413, AMAT 414
Any two of the following:
- AMAT 331 Transformation Geometry (3)
- AMAT 342 Elementary Topology (3)
- AMAT 432 Foundations of Geometry (3)
- AMAT 441 Introduction to Differential Geometry (3)
- AMAT 442 Introduction to Algebraic Topology (3)
Either
- (a) any two of the following:
  - AMAT 308 Topics in Statistical Inference (3)
  - AMAT 362 Probability for Statistics (3)
  - AMAT 363 Statistics (3)
  - AMAT 367 Discrete Probability (3)*
  - AMAT 464 Applied Stochastic Process (3)
  - AMAT 465 Applied Statistics (3)
  - AMAT 467 Continuous Probability and Mathematical Statistics (3)
  - AMAT 468 Mathematical Statistics (3)
- or (b)
  - AMAT 370 Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences (3)
- Additionally, one of the following:
  - AMAT 367 Discrete Probability (3)
  - AMAT 369 Statistics and Data Analysis (3)
  - AMAT 464 Applied Stochastic Process (3)
  - AMAT 465 Applied Statistics (3)
  - AMAT 467 Continuous Probability and Mathematical Statistics (3)
  - AMAT 468 Mathematical Statistics (3)
AMAT 312 Basic Analysis (3) and AMAT 424 Advanced Linear Algebra (3) (AMAT 312 cannot be part of two sequence options.)

* Only one of AMAT 362 and AMAT 367 may be applied toward any major or minor in Mathematics or a minor in Statistics.

With departmental approval, other 400 level or 500 level courses may be substituted for the courses listed above.

Electives:

9 credits in Mathematics at the 300 level or above

Computer Science:

6 credits from the following:

IECE/ICSI 201 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
IECE/ICSI 213 Data Structures (3)
ICSI 431 Data Mining (3)
AMAT 502 Modern Computing for Mathematicians (3)
BITM 215 Information Technologies for Business (3)
BITM 330 Improving Business Performance with Information Technologies (3)

A minor in: Atmospheric Science, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Electronics, Informatics, or Physics.

Honors Program

The honors program is designed for the talented and committed student of mathematics in either the B.A. or the B.S. major. Successful completion of the program is excellent preparation for graduate work in mathematics or a mathematics-related discipline.

At the lower division level, the Department offers Honors Calculus I (AMAT 118), II (AMAT 119), III (AMAT 218), and Honors Linear Algebra, AMAT 222. A strong student may begin in whichever of these courses is appropriate based on the student’s previous coursework in calculus.

A student may be admitted formally to the Department’s honors program at any time after the sophomore year and then will be formally advised by the Director of the Honors Program. However, any student who is interested in the program should see the Director of the Honors Program as early as possible for informal advisement. To be admitted, the applicant must have an academic average in all University courses of at least 3.30, and an academic average in all mathematics courses of at least 3.40.

In addition to the lower division core, the requirements for graduation with honors in mathematics include:

Required courses: AMAT 413, 414, 424, and 9 additional credits from among AMAT 327, 416, 420, 425, 432, 441, 442, 464, 467, 468, 510A, 513A, 520A, 520B, 540A, 557A, 557B.
AMAT 482 (Senior Seminar), AMAT 497 (Independent Study) or AMAT 499 (Undergraduate Thesis).
An acceptable honors thesis presented in a public venue.
An academic average of at least 3.30 in all University courses and at least 3.40 in all mathematics courses numbered 400 or above.

For the B.S., 6 credits in Computer Science from ICSI 101, ICSI/ICEN 201, ICSI 203, ICSI 205, ICSI/ICEN 213 and a minor in atmospheric science, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, electronics, informatics, or physics.

Requirements for a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics with a Concentration in Data Science:

A minimum of 46 credits, at least 24 of which must be at the 300 level or above, including:

Required 6 courses:

AMAT 111 Algebra and Calculus II (4) or AMAT 112 Calculus I (4) or AMAT/TMAT 118; Honors Calculus I (4)
AMAT 113 Calculus II (4) or AMAT/TMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4);
AMAT 214 Calculus of Several Variables (4) or AMAT/TMAT 218 Honors Calculus of Several Variables (4);
AMAT 220 Linear Algebra (3) or AMAT/TMAT 222 Honors Linear Algebra (3);
AMAT 300 Introduction to Proofs (3)
AMAT 298 Information Literacy in Mathematics and Statistics (1)

9 Required Probability/Statistics credits:

AMAT 362 Probability for Statistics (3)
AMAT 363 Statistics (3)
AMAT 465 Applied Statistics (3)

9 credits Computer Science courses:

AMAT 302 Introduction to Computational Thinking (3)
ICSI/IECE 201 Introduction to Computer Science (4)

Select One of the Following:

ICSI/IECE 213 Data Structures (3)
ICSI 403 Algorithms (3)
ICSI 431 Data Mining (3)
ICSI 435 Artificial Intelligence (3)
BITM 215 Information Technologies for Business (3)
BITM 330 Improving Business Performance with Information Technologies
CINF 135 Concepts of Artificial Intelligence (3)
CINF 202 Introduction to Data and Databases (3)
CINF 320 Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence (3)

or other course approved by Mathematics Department

9 credits Mathematics Data Analysis:

AMAT 483 Geometric and Topological Data Analysis (3)
AMAT 491 Optimization (3)
AMAT 492 Statistical Machine Learning (3)

A minor in: Atmospheric Science, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Electronics, Informatics, or Physics.

NOTE: The Statistics minor is not open to students with a major in Mathematics.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

Data science is a fast-growing field at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. It plays an essential role in 21st-century science and technology and has a far-reaching impact on industry and society. Recent dramatic advances in artificial intelligence are fundamentally data-driven, and can be seen as part of data science.

The mathematics department's Data Science concentration provides students focused training in the mathematical and computational tools needed for a career in data science, while also providing extensive training in problem solving, analytical thinking, and quantitative reasoning. The concentration will prepare students for careers in data science or related data-driven fields, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, healthcare, engineering, finance, and many others. The program also provides preparation for an advanced degree in mathematics, data science, or related areas.

Degree Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Data Science

50 Credits

Required Foundational Courses:

AMAT 112 Calculus I (4) or AMAT/TMAT 118 Honors Calculus I (4)
AMAT 113 Calculus II (4) or AMAT/TMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4)
AMAT 214 Calculus of Several Variables (4) or Honors Calculus III (4)
AMAT 220 Linear Algebra (3)
AMAT 298 Information Literacy in Mathematics and Statistics (1)
ICSI/IECE 201 Introduction to Computer Science (4)

Select One:

ICSI 231 Artificial Intelligence for Everyone (3)
BITM 215 Information Technologies for Business (3)
BITM 330 Improving Business Performance with Information (3)
AMAT 328 Introduction to Combinatorics (3)

Required Upper-Division Courses:

AMAT 300 Introduction to Proofs (3)
AMAT 302 Introduction to Computational Thinking (3)
AMAT 362 Probability for Statistics (3)
AMAT 363 Statistics (3)
AMAT 465 Applied Statistics (3)
AMAT 483 Geometric Topological Analysis (3)
AMAT 491 Optimization (3)
AMAT 492 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
AMAT 485 Practical Methods in Topological Data Analysis (3) OR
AMAT 493 Practical Methods in Machine Learning (3)

Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences Major

Actuaries are professionals who manage risk for insurance companies, pension plans, and other financial, government, and business institutions. Attaining professional standing as an actuary requires successful completion of a sequence of preliminary examinations offered by either the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). The exams offered by the SOA are intended for those employed in the healthcare, life insurance, and pension industry while the exams offered by the CAS are for those employed in the property insurance industry. While the first two exams (P and FM, see below) are common to both SOA and CAS, the subsequent preliminary exams are specific to the SOA and CAS, respectively. Please see “Actuarial Advising Notes” for more information.

The actuarial major is designed to prepare students for employment in the actuarial field by offering coursework related to the preliminary actuarial exams in both societies, and by providing students with the relevant IT, AI, and data science skills (both theoretical and practical) needed on the job. Past experience suggests that students who pass the first two actuarial exams while in college are likely to secure employment in the field, and some students have secured actuarial employment with fewer exams.

However, in times when entry level employment is competitive, it is highly recommended that a student do an actuarial internship or an internship in a related insurance/pension field and be able to display relevant IT and data science skills via concrete projects. For this reason, it is advised to pass either exam P or exam FM and to take BITM 215 and BITM 330 as early as possible to make oneself as competitive as possible when applying for internships.

Listed below are some SOA and CAS exams along with the requisite coursework needed for these exams.

Exam P (probability). Students need AMAT 362. AMAT 467 may also be useful, but for at most a few questions.

Exam FM (financial mathematics). Students need AMAT 301.

SOA Exam FAM (foundations of actuarial mathematics). Students need AMAT 403 for the first half (long term actuarial mathematics).

SOA Exam ALTAM (advanced long term actuarial mathematics). Students need AMAT 404.

SOA Exam SRM (statistics for risk modelling). Students need AMAT 465 and AMAT 492.

SOA Exam PA/ATPA (predictive analytics/advanced topics in predictive analytics) and CAS Exam PCPA (property and casualty predictive analytics). Students need AMAT 465, AMAT 492, and AMAT 493. Note that Exam PCPA will test the concepts from these courses, but from a property insurance specific perspective.

CAS MAS I (modern actuarial statistics I). Students need AMAT 464, AMAT 465, AMAT 468, and AMAT 403.

CAS MAS II (modern actuarial statistics II). AMAT 465, AMAT 468, and AMAT 492 provide coverage of most (though not all) of the topics covered in this exam.

Finally, the courses AMAT 464, AMAT 465, and AMAT 468 collectively provide the probability and statistics foundation for all of the other SOA and CAS preliminary exams. However, these exams go much further into specific actuarial topics not directly covered in the major.

The SOA and CAS grants VEE (validation by educational experience) credit in the indicated areas to students completing the following listed courses with a grade of B- or better.

Applied Statistical Methods: AMAT 465 (or 565).

Economics: AECO 110 and 111.

Accounting: BACC 211.

Corporate Finance: BFIN 300.

The SOA also requires VEE in Mathematical Statistics: AMAT 468 (or 555).

Students completing the B.S. program in actuarial science will have studied virtually all the material tested on Exam P, Exam FM, and the long-term portion of SOA Exam FAM. Students who take the (optional) courses AMAT 404, AMAT 468, AMAT 492, and AMAT 493 will have studied virtually all of the material tested on SOA Exam ALTAM, SOA Exam SRM, SOA Exam PA, SOA Exam ATPA, and CAS Exam MAS I, and will have studied a substantial portion of the material tested on CAS MAS II and CAS PCPA.

Students who complete a B.S. in actuarial science will have taken courses carrying VEE credit in the required areas (both for SOA and CAS).

Furthermore, students following the recommended “Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences BS Four-Year Plan” (and in particular students who take BITM 215, BITM 330, AMAT 302, AMAT 492, and AMAT 493) will gain knowledge and experience with Excel, Access, VBA, SQL, Python, and also will gain related data science and AI skills, all of which are high in demand for entry level actuaries.

For more information on the career, actuarial exams, and the major, please see the “Actuarial Advising Notes”.

Degree Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences:

A combined major and minor sequence consisting of a minimum of 64 credits as follows:

37 credits in Mathematics:

AMAT 111 Algebra and Calculus II (4) or AMAT 112 Calculus I (4) or AMAT 118; Honors Calculus I (4)
AMAT 113 Calculus II (4) or AMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4);
AMAT 214 Calculus of Several Variables (4) or AMAT 218 Honors Calculus of Several Variables (4);
AMAT 220 Linear Algebra (3) or AMAT 222 Honors Linear Algebra (3);
AMAT 300 Introduction to Proofs (3)
AMAT 298 Information Literacy in Mathematics and Statistics (1)
AMAT 301/AECO 351 Theory of Interest (3)
AMAT 362 Probability for Statistics (3)
AMAT 363 Statistics (3)
AMAT 403 Life Contingencies I (3)
AMAT 464/AMAT 560 Applied Stochastic Processes (3)
AMAT 465/AMAT 565 Applied Statistics (3)

Minimum of 6 credits from the Following Options:

IECE/ICSI 201 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
ICEN/IECE/ICSI 213 Data Structures (3)
ICSI 431 Data Mining (3) *
AMAT 502 Modern Computing for Mathematicians (3)
BITM 215 Information Technologies for Business (3)
BITM 330 Improving Business Performance with Information Technologies (3)

Required 6 credits:

BACC 211 Financial Accounting (3)
BFIN 300 Financial Management (3)

Required 15 credits in Economics:

AECO 110 Principles of Economics I: Microeconomics (3)
AECO 111 Principles of Economics II: Macroeconomics (3)
AECO 300 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
AECO 301 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
AECO 466 International Macroeconomics (3)

Note: Actuarial majors automatically fulfill the requirement for a minor in economics (since AMAT 301 is equivalent to AECO 351).

The following is the recommended schedule of required mathematics courses for students entering without AP credit in calculus:

Year	Fall	Spring
Fresh.	AMAT 112	AMAT 113
Soph.	AMAT 214, AMAT 300, AMAT 298	AMAT 362, AMAT 301
Junior	AMAT 220, AMAT 363	AMAT 464, AMAT 302
Senior	AMAT 403, AMAT 465, AMAT 492	AMAT 468, AMAT 493, AMAT 404

Note: AMAT 469, which may be repeated for credit, is an optional one-credit course that drills students on problems from one of the preliminary actuarial exams (either P, FM or MLC).

Students are advised to take AECO 110 and 111 as freshmen, and in any event, not later than their sophomore year. By doing so, students will not need to take more than one upper division economics course during any single semester.

Honors Program in Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences

A student may be admitted formally to the Department’s honors program in actuarial science at any time after the sophomore year. However, any student who is interested in the program should see the Director of the Actuarial Science Program as early as possible for informal advisement concerning the honors thesis. To be admitted, the applicant must have an academic average in all University courses of at least 3.30, and an academic average in all mathematics courses of at least 3.40

The requirements for graduation with honors include:

Required courses: AMAT 468 together with the other required courses of the Actuarial Science major.
An acceptable honors thesis presented in a public venue.
An academic average of at least 3.30 in all University courses and at least 3.40 in all mathematics courses numbered 400 or above.

Combined B.A./M.A. and B.S./M.A. Programs

The combined B.A./M.A. and B.S./M.A. programs in mathematics provide an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill integrated requirements of undergraduate and master’s degree programs from the beginning of their junior year. A carefully designed program can permit a student to earn the B.A. or B.S. and the M.A. degrees within nine semesters.

The combined programs require a minimum of 138 credits, of which at least 30 must be graduate credits. In qualifying for the B.A. or B.S., students must meet all University and college requirements, including the requirements of the undergraduate major described previously, the minimum 90 or 60 credit liberal arts and sciences requirement, general education requirements, and residence requirements. In qualifying for the M.A., students must meet all University and college requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and any other conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, and residence requirements. The main benefit of the combined program is that up to 12 graduate credits in mathematics may be applied simultaneously to both the undergraduate degree program and the M.A. program.

Students may apply to the graduate committee of the department for admission to either combined program in mathematics at the beginning of their junior year or after the successful completion of 56 credits. A cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are required for consideration.

Combined B.A./M.S. in Data Science and B.S./M.S. in Data Science Programs

These two combined programs allow students of exceptional mathematical ability to combine an undergraduate mathematics program with a master's program in data science, starting as early as junior year. A carefully designed program will allow the student to earn both of these degrees within eleven semesters.

The combined programs require a minimum of 144 credits, of which at least 36 must be graduate credits. In qualifying for the B.A. or B.S., students must meet all University and college requirements, including the requirements of the undergraduate major described previously, the minimum 90 or 60 credit liberal arts and sciences requirement, general education requirements, and residence requirements. In qualifying for the M.S. in Data Science, students must meet all University and college requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion of a minimum of 36 graduate credits and any other conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, and residence requirements. The main benefit of the combined program is that up to 12 graduate credits in mathematics may be applied simultaneously to both the undergraduate degree program and the M.S. program.

The maximum of 12 graduate credit hours which may count toward the credit hours of both degrees must be courses that are required for completion of the DATMS program, that is, 4 of the following AMAT courses: 502, 524, 554, 560, 565, 581, 583, 584, 585, 590, 591, or 592. With departmental approval, 500 level courses from the DATMS program may be substituted for upper division undergraduate courses in the area requirements (B.A.) or sequence options (B.S.).

Students may apply to the graduate committee of the department for admission to either combined program at the beginning of their junior year or after the successful completion of 56 credits. A cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are required for consideration.