Mathematics & Statistics Degree Plan

Degree Options

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

  •   Actuarial Science
  •   Applied Mathematics
  •   Mathematics Teaching
  •   Statistics
  •   Theoretical Mathematics

Minors

  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

Program Strengths

  • WSU’s internship program places students at Boeing Corporation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and other national labs and companies.
  • Join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
  • Our Math Learning Center offers free in-person and online tutoring options for several of our math and stat courses to help students succeed. More information can be found at www.math.wsu.edu/mlc
  • Work with department faculty on research projects and receive college credit or a scholarship.
  • The department maintains strong computing facilities that are readily available for students.
  • Several department scholarships are available. Scholarship application information can be found at www.math.wsu.edu

Career Options

  • Actuary
  • Business management
  • Data analyst / Scientist
  • Finance
  • Mathematics research and education
  • Engineering
  • Government research / National laboratories
  • National security
  • Operations research
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Computer scientist
  • Consultant
  • College and secondary school teaching
  • Medical school
  • Law school
  • Statistician
  • Law enforcement

Admission to the Major Requirements 

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Must complete Math 171, 172, and 220 before applying for admission to the major
  • Math core GPA of 2.5 or higher. Those with a GPA under 2.5 will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Suggested Classes for Freshmen              

All math majors take the same set of core courses as a foundation for the degree. You may sign up for the course(s) given that you have met the proper prerequisites, which include either the appropriate ALEKS Math Placement score, transfer credit, or AP credit. A quick overview of the courses:

  • Math 171 & 172: Calculus I & II
  • Math 220: Introductory Linear Algebra
  • Math 273: Calculus III

For more information

math.wsu.edu
math.stats@wsu.edu
Neill 103
509-335-3926

Download this degree plan (PDF)

Advisors

Molly Clayton
molly.clayton@wsu.edu
Neill 103
509-335-3926

Math/Statistics Minor Requests:

Kris Johnson
kfjohnson@wsu.edu
Neill 111
509-335-8519

Suggested Classes for Transfer Students

  • Math 300: Mathematical Computing
  • Math 301: Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
  • Math 315: Differential Equations
  • STAT 360: Probability and Statistics
  • Math 401: Introduction to Analysis I

AP Exam

Score

WSU Equivalency

Credits

Placement into

Calculus AB

2

N/A

N/A

Math 140, 171, or 202
(depending on major)

3, 4, 5

Math 171

4

Math 172

Calculus BC

2

Math 171

4

Math 172

3, 4, 5

Math 171 AND 172

8

Math 273

Statistics

2

N/A

N/A

Statistics 212

3, 4, 5

Statistics 212

4

N/A

Calculus 1 = Math 171 Calculus 2 = Math 172 Calculus 3 = Math 273

Core Courses    

  • Math 171 & 172: Calculus I & II
  • Math 220: Introductory Linear Algebra
  • Math 273: Calculus III
  • Math 300: Mathematical Computing
  • Math 301: Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
  • Math 315: Differential Equations
  • STAT 360: Probability and Statistics
  • Math 398: Mathematical Snapshots
  • Math 401: Introduction to Analysis I

Student Clubs

  • Math Club: You don’t have to be a math major to join. The club gives both graduate and undergraduate students an opportunity to use and improve their mathematics skills and to learn more about advancements and opportunities in the fields of mathematics. The group invites guest speakers to talk about interesting aspects of mathematics, or provide career advice.
  • Actuarial Science Club: Students work together to prepare for the actuarial exams, edit their resumes, practice job interviews, and network. Students travel to visit insurance companies and financial institutions.
  • PreToM Club: The Preservice Teachers of Mathematics Club gives WSU students studying math education an opportunity to use and improve their teaching and mathematical skills, learn about the profession, and attend teachers’ conferences.
  • Association for Women in Mathematics Student Chapter: Our local chapter of this international organization is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The club’s mission is to encourage involvement and provide support for women in the mathematical sciences through internships and professional development.
  • WSU National Math Modeling Team: Prepare and compete as part of interdisciplinary teams in regional and international math modeling competitions.
  • Putnam Team: Students work with faculty to prepare for the annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition – an annual competition for undergraduate students in North America.

Other reasons to study mathematics

  • Mathematics is excellent preparation for law school. In fact, mathematics majors are the highest scorers on the LSAT.
  • Mathematics majors have high acceptance rates to medical school.
  • Mathematics is excellent preparation for business school: mathematics majors are the highest scorers on the GMAT.

In many surveys, Mathematician, Actuary, Data Scientist, and Statistician are ranked highly for careers with the greatest job satisfaction.