Mathematical Sciences

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Mathematical Sciences Program

Mission

The mission of the Mathematical Sciences program is to provide a quality education that blends theory and practice to produce a mathematician who can enter and pursue a successful career in one of the many mathematical fields or pursue an advanced degree in a mathematical science. Our mathematics graduates will be prepared to meet the demands of the growing number of quantitative and data-based sciences.

The mathematician makes definitions and hypotheses, then traces out their logical consequences. This “mathematical method” can be applied to any object of thought, including thought itself. The mathematics student will learn to use this method for  solving problems in science and technology, as well as in mathematics. The rise in automation and computing has contributed to an increase in the importance of mathematics in society. Those who combine sound mathematical training with a well-rounded education are in demand. Professional opportunities, both in secondary school teaching and industrial and government positions, are open to college graduates with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics. Professional advancement in these positions usually requires graduate study or on the- job training. Many industries provide for such efforts.

Industry - The primary function of a mathematician in industry is as a consultant. In this capacity, the consultant cooperates with engineers,scientists and management, and must be able to discuss problems with them in their language.

Teaching - Students wishing to earn a teaching certificate may earn a bachelor’s degree at Montana Tech but must continue on at another college to complete their certification requirements.

Educational Objectives

1. Provide solid background in the mathematics that is needed to solve real-world mathematical and quantitative problems.
2. Train students to understand and apply a wide range of mathematical methods to solve problems of a quantitative nature.
3. Prepare students to adapt to an ever changing world and its demands for data analysis, quantitative, and analytical skills.

Outcomes

1. Graduates will be prepared to assume positions as mathematicians in education, industry, or government upon graduation.
2. Graduates will be able to select appropriate mathematical methods to solve quantitative problems.
3. Graduates entering industry will be able to recognize the need for quantitative information and apply it to problem solving and data analysis in real world situations.
4. Graduates entering graduate programs in mathematics and statistics will be well trained in the fundamentals and theory of modern mathematics.

Assessment

The Mathematical Sciences program believes that the quality of an academic program is ultimately defined by the long-term success of its graduates. We believe that if our graduates meet our goals, they will be well prepared for a career in a mathematical field and be very successful in their career. The outcomes listed above are constantly assessed through course evaluations, student satisfaction surveys, placement rates, and department discussions of the mathematics curriculum. Thus, the goal of our assessment program is to insure we maintain our mission and continuously improve our curriculum in order that the graduates of our program achieve the goals of the program.

Data Science Program

Program Mission

The mission of the program is to provide students with a rigorous, quality, integrated education in the fundamentals and advanced topics in computer science, software engineering, statistics, and mathematics, in addition to coursework in basic sciences, communications, social sciences and humanities. The program fosters the development of analytical, quantitative, computational, experimental, modeling and simulation skills in a collaborative environment. Our graduates will be prepared to meet the challenges presented by the explosive growth of big data sources, such as social media, consumer behavior, financial transactions, personalized healthcare, scientific instruments, etc. They will gain the knowledge as well as application skills necessary to address the opportunities and problems in a wide variety of industry and government jobs.

Educational Objectives

Within three to five years of graduating, alumni of the program are expected to achieve one or more of the following milestones:

1. Have successful careers in data science or careers in related areas of science and engineering or professional disciplines that benefit from an understanding of large data sets, such as technological fields, business, economics, medicine, law, finance, marketing, education, and sports.
2. Be valued contributors to private or public organizations as demonstrated by promotions, increased responsibilities, or other professional recognition.
3. Pursue advanced degree programs in data science and other disciplines.
4. Display commitment and leadership within the profession and community as demonstrated by contributions towards society.

Student Outcomes

By the time of graduation, the program enables all students to attain:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve real-world problems using data science techniques
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data using statistical, computational or mathematical methods
3. An ability to understand, manipulate, transform and supplement data as appropriate
4. An ability to effectively present results using data visualization tools
5. An ability to discuss problems and communicate findings in a non-technical language
6. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
7. An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
8. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices
9. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
10. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

Programs

• Data Science, B.S.
• Mathematical Sciences, Applied Option, B.S.
• Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics Option, B.S.
• Mathematical Sciences, Statistics Option, B.S.

• Data Science Minor
• Mathematics Minor
• Statistics Minor

Return to: College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies