Mathematical Sciences Majors
The mathematics major is designed for students who are interested in employment in government or industry, who plan to attend graduate or professional school, or who plan to teach. In addition to the department requirements, a student must complete the University Core Curriculum (including FYS throughout the first year), the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences language requirement (at least two 200-level courses, almost always taken in the first year), and other general requirements.
An actuary is a mathematician responsible for estimating risks, primarily in the insurance and financial security industries. The Butler program helps to prepare students for the professional examinations administered by the Casualty Actuary Society and the Society of Actuaries. In addition to the departmental requirements below, a student must complete the University Core Curriculum, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences language requirement, and other general requirements, including a writing intensive course.
The statistics major is designed for students interested in the mathematical study of data and data analysis. It gives students a powerful understanding of how and why statistical investigations and inference work. It provides exposure to real-life questions that involve both the gentle handling of small amounts of data and the computer software crunching power needed for large data sets.
Data science is a rapidly growing field. This major offers an exciting blend of statistical inquiry, analysis, and interpretation, combined with computational processing and algorithmic techniques to leverage domain-specific data into accountable and well-informed decision-making. In addition to the departmental requirements below, a student must complete the University Core Curriculum, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences language requirement, and other general requirements.