Mathematical Sciences, B.S.

What is a Mathematical Sciences Degree?

The mathematical sciences degree curriculum is designed primarily for dual majors in biology, chemistry, physics, or an engineering discipline. During the first two years of study, students in this program take the same courses as those students getting an applied mathematics degree, followed by upper-division mathematics courses (such as numerical analysis and modeling) in the final two years. Students also take electives in social science, computer science, and engineering.

Whether you want to study the intricacies of discrete mathematics, design neural networks, or develop a better web search algorithm, Florida Tech’s mathematical sciences degree gives you a strong background in calculus and experience in science and engineering.

Gain Practical Experience

Knowledge of mathematics is essential to the fields of natural science, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences, making a mathematical sciences degree a smart and practical second major. Research is mandatory for all undergraduates who choose a mathematical sciences degree.

Mathematical science students mostly work on interdisciplinary research projects at the intersection of their two majors, under the supervision of two advisors, one from each major. The curriculum includes technical electives and specialized labs, as well as an opportunity for collaborative research with a peer or professor, or work independently in a topic of your choosing. This provides practical experience, an enhanced job search portfolio, and the perfect preparation for employment or graduate school.

One of the most important aspects of the mathematical sciences program is that it teaches the application of math in areas such as engineering, the physical and life sciences, environmental science, the social sciences, and business. This unique interdisciplinary degree provides students with a myriad of career options upon graduation.

Internationally Recognized Faculty—Personalized Attention

Students attending a mathematics university like Florida Tech benefit from working with knowledgeable mentors who put students’ success first. The Department of Mathematical Sciences faculty members all have doctoral degrees in their field and are highly respected on an international level. They teach all classes and are involved in meaningful research work, which often involves undergraduate students, something many students look for in choosing a mathematics university.

We get students involved in faculty-run interdisciplinary research during your freshman year. The program is hands-on, modeling-based, and includes lab and field experiments as part of your program. Some of the research you may be involved in includes applied statistics, mathematical programming, neural networks, combinatorial optimization, operations research, and queuing theory.

High-Tech Lab Facilities

As a mathematics university, Florida Tech has the facilities and resources to ensure that its students are prepared for their career and have experience with the latest tools and technology. There are two computer labs in the math department available to math students. The labs are equipped with sophisticated mathematical and statistical software packages, such as MATLAB, Mathematica, and SAS. In addition, students have access to the state-of-the-art engineering and science labs.

Located in the Heart of Florida’s High-tech Corridor

Florida Tech is the perfect place for a Mathematical Sciences degree. The 130-acre campus is located on the Space Coast (so named because of the presence of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral just north of us), minutes away from the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America.

The area has the fifth largest high-tech workforce in the country, with more than 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations located nearby. This workforce also provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities.

Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches, and a short trip to the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs, and social activities.

Build Lasting Professional Relationships through Campus Organizations

Beyond the classroom, mathematical sciences majors build leadership and professional experience through participation in academic organizations like the American Mathematical Society, the Society of Actuaries, the Student Astronomical Society, student government, and over 100 other student organizations.

The Infinity Math Club, a student-run organization, brings together students from all disciplines that share a curiosity for and interest in math. The group meets on a regular basis to discuss math problems and developments. The student chapter of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics is dedicated to bringing together mathematics, science, and technology to better the world. Networking, math internships, and research join together to provide well-rounded preparation for a career in math.

Peerless Study and Internship Opportunities

Applied mathematics internships are available to Florida Tech students from many different government agencies and industries, including:

• The National Security Administration
• NASA
• Homeland Security
• Scripps Oceanographic Institute

These internships provide opportunities for our students to use the skills they've learned in their coursework to develop solutions for complicated real-life problems they'll encounter in applied mathematics jobs.

Superb Undergraduate Faculty-Led Research Opportunities

Peerless Study and Internship Opportunities

Because mathematical sciences students are usually double majors, they can obtain math internships at a wide variety of private businesses and government agencies. Some of the organizations that provide math internships to Florida Tech students include:

• NASA
• Northrop Grumman
• Harris Corp.
• Scripps Oceanographic Institute
• Sandia National Labs

Specialized math internships allow Florida Tech students to focus their skills from both majors to complete real-world tasks and forge connections with future employers.

Participate in Cutting-Edge Faculty-Led Research

Undergraduate research is an important part of the learning process for mathematical science students. Florida Tech students primarily work on interdisciplinary research projects under the supervision of one advisor from each program. Because research for mathematical science students is usually a fusion of their two majors, study topics can range widely and focus on the application of math in a variety of other fields, including:

• Engineering
• Physical sciences
• Biological sciences
• Environmental studies
• Social studies

Research study areas include:

• Mathematical biology
• Financial mathematics
• Medical imaging
• Applied partial differential equations (with an emphasis on biomedical engineering)
• Neural networks
• Data mining and analysis
• Queuing theory
• Computational number theory
• Scientific computing
• Applied statistics
• Operations research

Knowledge of mathematics is essential to the fields of natural science, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences, making mathematical sciences a smart and practical degree that provides a wealth of career opportunities.

Get Recruited Upon Graduation

Employers that have recruited Florida Tech students for internships and careers include:

• Harris Corporation
• Lockheed Martin
• Boeing
• Leonardo DRS
• Kennedy Space Center
• NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• The Space Telescopic Science Institute
• US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
• US Department of Education
• National defense agencies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Public health providers and agencies
• Consumer advocates

Career Outlook

What can you do with a math degree? Study the intricacies of discrete mathematics, design neural networks, or develop a better web search algorithm for example. Careers with a math degree aren't at all limited. In fact, 95 percent of the Mathematical Science degree majors at Florida Tech have a dual major in disciplines such as engineering, physics, chemistry or the biological sciences.

Mathematicians always have and always will be in demand. The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook provides extensive information about hundreds of jobs, including careers available with a math degree. The BLS states careers with a math degree are projected to increase by 16% between 2010 and 2020.

Other Career Options

A Florida Tech BS in Mathematical Sciences prepares graduates for positions such as:

• Actuary
• Computer programmer
• Computer systems analyst
• Database administrator
• Economist
• Financial analyst
• Market research analyst
• Mathematician
• Postsecondary teacher
• Statistician
• Survey researcher

Graduate and Doctoral Programs

After receiving their mathematical sciences degree, about 90% of our graduates go on to master’s and doctoral programs at Florida Tech and other prestigious universities, including:

• Cornell University
• Northwestern
• UC Berkeley
• University of Michigan
• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech)
• Northwestern University
• Duke University
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of Florida