INFORMATION FOR
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
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William Paterson University has been awarded a $2 million, six-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue and expand its Mathematics and Computer Science Scholars (MaCS) Program – a transformative initiative that first launched on campus in 2020 to expand access and opportunity to STEM degrees.
The grant, awarded through the NSF’s S-STEM (“Scholarships in STEM”) program, will provide scholarships and comprehensive academic and career support to 40 low-income undergraduate students majoring in computer science, information technology, and mathematics. The NSF funds only a few dozen S-STEM projects nationwide each year.
“This highly competitive award reflects the strength of our academic programs, our commitment to student success, and the dedication of our faculty leadership,” says Venkat Sharma, dean of the University’s College of Science and Health, citing the grant’s “rigorous” peer-review process. “This second phase of the MaCS program reflects our shared mission to expand opportunity, foster innovation, and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The grant leadership team includes principal investigator Jyoti Champanerkar (mathematics), with fellow professors and co-principal investigators Paul von Dohlen (mathematics), Cyril S. Ku (computer science), and Nan Wang (computer science). Dean Sharma will provide administrative and institutional oversight for the grant.
Expanding Access and Strengthening STEM Pathways
Phase II of the MaCS program will provide annual scholarships of up to $15,000 per student per academic year for up to four years, along with faculty mentoring, research assistantships, internship opportunities, and structured career preparation. The program is designed to create strong pathways to STEM careers and graduate study while strengthening retention and graduation outcomes.
The new award builds on the success of the University’s previous MaCS grant, which exceeded its recruitment goal and saw high student retention rates. Most program graduates have gone into professional roles and some are pursuing graduate degrees, Champanerkar notes.
“The MaCS program has been successful because we have been able to provide students with a support system that includes not only financial assistance, but also highly personalized guidance, encouragement, and mentoring. The goal has been to tailor the experience to each scholar, providing support as needed,” Champanerkar says.
She also credits Djanna Hill, associate dean of WP’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, who coached the program’s math and computer science faculty on culturally responsive mentoring – an approach that incorporates students’ cultural identities, lived experiences, and strengths into mentoring relationships.
Some MaCS scholars required extra help navigating the college experience, while others needed a stronger sense of belonging, Champanerkar continues. “We let our knowledge of the student’s particular situation guide the assistance we provide.”
Phase II will deepen engagement with regional industry partners and expand experiential learning opportunities, further aligning academic preparation with workforce needs. Industry leaders who serve on the College of Science and Health Advisory Council will help guide the program by offering workshops, mentoring, and internship opportunities for participating students.
