Mathematical Sciences
Home > Academic Programs > Majors and Minors > About Our Programs > Mathematical Sciences

Mathematical Sciences

Do you enjoy mathematics but also have interest in other areas in science or business? Would you like to uniquely position yourself to pursue a variety of innovative career opportunities? The mathematical sciences program could be a perfect fit!

About

In addition to being an important and interesting subject in its own right, mathematics is a common tool for professionals and scholars in other STEM disciplines as well as in various areas in business and the social sciences. Students who major in mathematical sciences (B.S.) at The University of Scranton come to understand the interconnectedness of mathematics by pursuing a partner discipline.

Many students come to The University of Scranton with a talent in mathematics but an eye towards careers in science or business fields. This program is ideal for them and will give them a leg up in their pursuits because of the value of mathematical expertise in so many other disciplines.

Jerry Muir, Ph.D.
Professor

Why Mathematical Sciences is in Demand:

  • The recent report The Mathematical Sciences in 2025 from the National Research Council of the National Academies notes that “more and more scientists, engineers, and business people require or benefit from higher-level coursework in the mathematical sciences, which strengthens connections between disciplines.”
  • “Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 30 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • There is an increasing need for those that understand mathematical models and can communicate with experts in science and financial professions.
  • Problem-solving skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and collaboration are valuable traits for any profession.

Is it for me?

  • Are you interested in mathematics and other disciplines in science or business?
  • Do you enjoy solving challenging problems?
  • Are you creative and curious?

Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Mathematical Sciences

1.
Strong community.    Discover a close-knit group of people from diverse backgrounds with one important common denominator: a passion for mathematics.
2.
Dedicated faculty.    Faculty and staff members make a point to ask simple but all-important questions like, “How are you?” and “How can I help?” They offer individual help, flexible office hours and friendly open-door policies to ensure successful outcomes for each and every student.
3.
Small class sizes.   You're more than a face or number at The University of Scranton. We keep our class sizes small, averaging between 10-20 students, for a personalized learning experience.
4.
Excellent partner disciplines.   Scranton has outstanding programs in STEM and business fields to complement a degree in mathematical sciences.
5.
State-of-the-art facilities.   The Loyola Science Center brings the mathematics department and Scranton’s science departments together, fostering the collaboration that is so essential in an interdisciplinary degree.

  • Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus

    You'll learn how to:

    • Apply mathematical principles to problems from other fields
    • Formulate and utilize mathematical models
    • Analyze and solve complex problems
    • Think both critically and creatively

    Mathematics is fundamental to advancements in science, technology, finance and other growing industries where many students may find future careers.

    Jason Graham, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor

  • What You'll Learnplus or minus

    Curriculum

    Mathematical Sciences students choose one of five tracks: Actuarial Science, Biological Sciences, Computer & Information Science, Data Science, or Physical Sciences.

    All students take courses in calculus and linear algebra.  Then, depending on the chosen track, they take suitable upper-division mathematics courses, a broad array of courses in the partner discipline and some additional STEM electives.

    Click here to see the curriculum.

    Internships

    Students are encouraged to check out the American Mathematical Society and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics websites for lists of internships and co-ops.

  • Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus

    Capitalizing on the strengths of both the mathematics department and many excellent departments in STEM and business, the Mathematical Sciences major at Scranton offers students a rigorous program with contemporary relevance.

    Students majoring in one of the disciplines associated to the Mathematical Sciences tracks will find that the requirements for the matching track will allow for them to choose Mathematical Sciences as a second major.

Careers

Where Will Mathematical Sciences Take Me?

As problems in the science and business fields grow more complex, experts in those areas turn to those with mathematical expertise to help find solutions.  Mathematical sciences graduates are equipped to find employment in fields related to mathematics or to the partner discipline.  They may also choose to pursue graduate study.

Graduates who completed the Actuarial Sciences track should be prepared to take the first two exams offered by the Society of Actuaries en route to pursuing careers in that field.

Top Graduate Schools

Although the mathematical sciences program is brand new, it combines many of the strengths of our existing Biomathematics and Applied Mathematics majors.  Graduates of those programs since 2015 have attended a wide variety of graduate programs including:

  • Harvard Medical School
  • Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
  • Virginia Tech
  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Cornell University
  • University of Nebraska
  • Texas A&M
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Drexel University
  • Thomas Jefferson Medical School
  • University of Massachusetts

Employment Opportunities:

Recent graduates of our Biomathematics and Applied Mathematics programs have gone on to rewarding careers in a wide variety of fields.  In addition, a number of our Mathematics graduates have pursued careers in the actuarial field or in industry.  Here are some examples from graduates since 2015:

  • Research assistant, Geisinger
  • Actuarial Analyst, Penn Life Mutual Insurance
  • Management Analyst, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  • Actuarial Associate, Voya Financial
  • Check Fraud Investigator, TD Bank
  • Data Scientist, MITRE Corporation
  • Operations Analyst, New York Independent Systems Operator
  • Medical Resident, SUNY Upstate Medical College
  • Software Consultant, Central Square Technologies
  • Compensation Analyst, HP Hood

How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge

Competitive Edge

The strong and supportive faculty in mathematics, the sciences, and the business fields at The University of Scranton collectively contribute to a unique undergraduate experience that positions mathematical sciences majors for a wide array of attractive career paths upon graduation.  The interdisciplinary approach not only gives students an exceptional range of skills, but also opens their minds to broad areas of science or finance and engages them in the kind of collaboration that is essential for success in today’s world.

Take the Next Step

Request Information Schedule a Visit Now Apply

Get the Facts

View PDF with Program Overview
& Curriculum

For More Information

Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu

Department of Mathematics
Thomas Shimkus, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Mathematics
(570) 941-4493
thomas.shimkus@scranton.edu

Department of Mathematics
Jason M. Graham, Ph.D.
Director, Mathematical Sciences Program
570-941-7491
jason.graham@scranton.edu

Menu

Search