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The Department of Mathematical Sciences prepares students for careers in data analysis, actuary, or mathematics education, among others. Any science, technology, or engineering career makes full use of a strong math foundation.
Alumni in college of health and science are employed in or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
Average starting salaries in Mathematical Sciences (NACE)
Noteworthy Mathematical Science Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)
A BA in integrated mathematics and science with a concentration in mathematics will receive a broad education across multiple scientific disciplines with a focus in mathematics. Fields of scientific study include biology, chemistry, computer science, and physics. Advanced mathematics courses make this major ideal for a student pursuing a career in mathematics or science education at a secondary level.
View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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Students pursuing a BA in mathematics will develop an understanding of mathematical structures, logical analysis of mathematical applications, critical thinking and problem solving techniques. This degree is well suited for education-related careers and many industrial careers.
Accelerated Program:
In this program, students will develop a deep understanding of real and complex mathematical structures, logical analysis of mathematical applications, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, with an emphasis on mathematics used in physical sciences. This degree is well suited for engineering careers and for students seeking to pursue graduate school.
Accelerated Programs:
The minor in mathematics is designed for students with strength and interest in mathematics but in pursuit of a degree in another field. The intent of the minor is to give students an exposure to the basic disciplines of mathematics and an opportunity for further study in advanced topics in mathematics.
The minor in physics is for those students who have an interest in physics, but wish to pursue a degree in another field. If the other field were in one of the other sciences, then only two or three additional courses would be necessary for completion of the minor. The intent of the minor is to give students an exposure to the basic disciplines of physics and an opportunity for further study in advanced topics in physics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Data Scientists is projected to grow by 36% from 2021 to 2031, placing this career in the top 10 nationally for growth. While most Data Scientists start out studying mathematics or computer science, there is high demand for employees in the field from a wide range of disciplines, as long as they have acquired the essential math skills in addition to their major. This certificate is designed to provide the essential math skills as well as Python programming skills needed for someone to pursue a career as a data scientist.
Students pursuing this certificate should have strong mathematics skills and may need to take some additional lower level courses if not yet ready for Calculus III. Current matriculated WP students as well as non-degree students seeking to prepare themselves for a career in Data Analytics may enroll in this certificate.
The department’s outstanding faculty, who specialize in many different fields of mathematics and physics, work to prepare students for success in math-related careers or graduate school. Clubs and organizations include the Math Club, Actuarial Science Club, Women's Math Mentoring Group, and Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Mathematics Honor Society. Members participate in the department's annual math fair and math awareness month celebrations. The department also sponsors participation in various math competitions such as the Garden State Undergraduate Mathematics Competition.
In our mathematical sciences programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
Graduates of our mathematical sciences programs have job opportunities in data analysis, actuarial science, mathematics education, engineering, business, as well as biostatistics, quality control, operations research, economic forecasting, marketing analysis, STEM fields, and related professions. .
Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.
Mathematics major, currently pursuing the MS in applied mathematics at the UniversityZ
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
Four William Paterson University students took their coding skills to Europe this summer, thanks to a grant from the University’s ASPIRE (Access to STEM Pathways through Integrated Research and Engagement) program.
The students – Odivis Cepeda-Jimenez, computer science; Aaron Aragones, mathematics; Angie Ortega, biology pre-medical; and Jiwoo Choi, secondary education and mathematics – spent nine days in Prague, Czech Republic to attend the annual EuroPython conference, a premier international conference of its kind. The event brings together developers, data scientists, educators, researchers, and companies who use or contribute to Python, one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.
“At this point in time, coding is an essential skill for all students and for anyone entering the job market. Python is the current language to know,” says WP mathematics professor David Nacin, who led the trip.
During the conference, William Paterson students were able to work one-on-one with experts in beginner-friendly sessions and received valuable advice on pursuing careers in STEM fields. “Beyond the technical learning, they were exposed to new cultural experiences and had the chance to network with coders from around the globe,” Professor Nacin explains.
For the students, the trip was transformative both academically and personally.
“The experience reaffirmed my goal of becoming a high school math teacher, but it also sparked a new interest: incorporating Python into math education,” says Choi, a senior. “I want to show students that math and technology are deeply connected and that both can be exciting and relevant to their future careers.”
“Traveling abroad for research or conferences isn’t just about academics. I learned through this experience that it is mostly about personal growth and seeing your field from a global perspective,” she continues.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, William Paterson University’s ASPIRE program aims to ensure more students not only enter in-demand STEM fields but also thrive there. ASPIRE provides holistic support to STEM majors from admission to graduation, with a focus on experiential learning that includes on-campus lab work, internships, and job shadowing, as well as mentorship, professional development, and overall community building.
