We would like to congratulate you on your acceptance to the University of Vermont and on your decision to consider mathematics or statistics as your major. The Department of Mathematics & Statistics is pleased to welcome you to the University and invites you to join the mathematical community of UVM. All of us are aware of the growing importance of the mathematical sciences in our technological society and many of our courses are designed to explore the role of mathematics and statistics in today’s world. We are looking forward with excitement and enthusiasm to sharing classroom experiences which reveal the contributions of mathematics and statistics to society.
A major in mathematics or statistics represents one of the most flexible and valuable options available at UVM. The degree requirements are encompassing but not restrictive, providing ample opportunity for students to explore other areas of interest. Furthermore, individuals trained in the mathematical sciences have many opportunities to use their knowledge. Mathematics and statistics majors are equally well-prepared for jobs in business, industry, government, or teaching and for advanced study in graduate school. For example, UVM mathematics and statistics graduates are often employed in the computer, information, and communications industries, in engineering, in the insurance business, in government agencies, and in a variety of other occupations. Many attend graduate school in the mathematical sciences, business, the physical sciences, social sciences, medicine, dentistry, or law.
ORIENTATION
The Department Office and many faculty offices are housed in the Henry Marcus Lord House at 16 Colchester Avenue on the north edge of the main campus, opposite Ira Allen Chapel and the Campus Center Theater. Other departmental buildings are Mansfield House and 12 Colchester Avenue (the Pearl House). Most mathematics and statistics classes are held in Votey Hall, Perkins Building, Waterman Building, Torrey Hall, and Lafayette Hall. Other important buildings are the Billings Student Center, the Bailey-Howe Library and Hills Building, where some Statistics faculty participate in the College of Medicine Biometry Facility and in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Statistical Services Unit. The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) computing facilities are located in Votey Hall. The Mathematics & Statistics Department offers a major in (1) the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (leading to a B.S. degree in mathematics); and (2) the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) (leading to a B.A. degree in mathematics). Between 20 and 50 undergraduate degrees are typically awarded each year in mathematics and statistics. There are about 30 full-time faculty members in the Department, several part-time instructors and from 25 to 35 graduate students. A full-time faculty member will be assigned as your advisor to assist you in choosing courses suited to your goals and interests. You are encouraged to see your advisor often – and regard this person as a valuable and essential resource.
WHO MAJORS OR MINORS IN MATHEMATICS
Certainly mathematics majors share a common interest in mathematics, but their other academic interests may vary significantly. The applications of mathematics intersect nearly every other discipline on campus, so the “other” interests of mathematics majors and minors vary greatly. This diversity enhances involvement in the university community and offers broad job opportunities upon graduation. More than any other major or minor at UVM, a mathematics major or minor makes you an attractive employee in many fields. If you find mathematics interesting and wish to study it further, regardless of your career plans, you are encouraged to consider majoring or minoring in mathematics.
The mathematics curriculum for both Math major and minor is quite flexible. It is designed to provide a sound basic training in the mathematical sciences, which allows you to experience the broad sweep of mathematical ideas and techniques, to utilize the computer in mathematics, and to develop an area of special interest in the mathematical sciences. Many majors at UVM are well on their way to having a minor in Mathematics while fulfilling their major requirement. For example, Students who major in Engineering and Computer Science are usually just a couple of 100-level Math courses away from a Math minor at the end of their sophomore year.
Mathematics majors and minors gain lasting skills in computational ability and logical reasoning. Statistics majors gain lasting skills in obtaining information and interpreting data for decision making. Those seeking useful and marketable life skills should certainly consider these majors.
WHO MAJORS IN STATISTICS
Students receiving a B. S. in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences may elect statistics as their major. In addition, students receiving a B. A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences may concentrate in statistics as a part of their mathematics major. Statistics is a mathematical science extensively used in a wide variety of fields. Indeed, every discipline that gathers and interprets data uses statistical concepts and procedures to understand the information implicit in their data base. Statisticians become involved in efforts to solve real world problems by designing surveys and experimental plans, constructing and interpreting descriptive statistics, developing and applying statistical inference procedures, and developing and investigating random models or computer simulations. To investigate new statistical procedures requires knowledge of mathematics and computing as well as statistical theory. To apply concepts and procedures effectively also calls for an understanding of the field of application.
The curriculum is designed for students who plan to enter business, industry, or government as statisticians; to become professional actuaries; or to continue to graduate school in statistics and biostatistics or another field where a quantitative ability can prove valuable (business, operations research, public health, psychology, etc.). The courses and curricula are administered through the Statistics Program Steering Committee, which includes faculty from Statistics, the College of Medicine Biometry Facility, Psychology, Natural Resources, and the Agricultural Experiment Station. Students are encouraged to undertake special projects to gain experience in data analysis, design, and statistical computing. Also, experience can be gained with local industry and other organizations for those interested in such areas as quality control, industrial statistics, survey and market research, or forecasting.
Next page: Getting Started