Dr. John R. Burke
- Professor
The Department of Mathematical Sciences provides training in mathematics and data science — invaluable skills in nearly any field.
The field of mathematics was ranked one of the top majors for degree value and earning potential by Forbes, National Public Radio and The Economist.
The need for mathematically savvy employees is at an all-time high and shows no signs of slowing down.
“Overall employment in math occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022–2032”
-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at RIC offers its students pathways into graduate study, education, and lucrative industry positions. We produce students that can think logically and creatively, and we do so at a fraction of the cost of the programs at other institutions.
We offer two undergraduate programs, two minors, and an accelerated five-year B.A.-to-M.A. program.
In this program you will undertake a journey through one of the world’s oldest and richest academic disciplines while developing skills to prepare you for a wide variety of careers. There is more to math than solving equations!
Data science is one of the country's top emerging fields. Data scientists use statistics, mathematics, coding, and machine learning to make inferences that can influence business decisions. The world is becoming increasingly data-driven, and we need professionals capable of combing through massive data sets to find connections and relationships among variables.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences has a longstanding partnership with the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development through the Secondary Education (Mathematics) degree program. Much like our mathematics majors, students in this program receive classical training in mathematics, resulting in teacher candidates that have an impressive content background in addition to their pedagogical expertise.
This program option provides an accelerated, five-year pathway to gain both a B.A. and M.A. in Mathematics.
More on our Mathematics B.A.–M.A.
If you have an interest in mathematics but have not elected to pursue it as your major of study, a minor may be a good way to complement your major. We offer a Mathematics Minor, where students study some calculus along with their choice of upper-level mathematics, and a Data Science Minor that provides students with the basic skills and knowledge for data-driven decision-making. Having either of these minors on a transcript serves to clearly demonstrate your strengthened quantitative reasoning, in addition to the knowledge and skills granted by your chosen field of study.
For graduate students, our department offers a Mathematical Studies M.A. However, if you begin as an undergraduate you may pursue our Mathematical Studies B.A.-to-M.A. option. This program provides an accelerated, five-year pathway to an advanced degree.
“I can’t wait to see them go out into the world and then come back and share their experiences,” says Associate Professor Pinheiro (top left).
Hispanics are still underrepresented in the STEM fields, says Angeliz Vargas, a mathematics major.