![Mathematical calculations.](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/03/n21157917/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1679589274688.jpg)
What is Mathematical Sciences?
UC program gives students real-world experience, enhanced career opportunities
Misconceptions can arise when it comes to pursuing a mathematics degree. It is commonly assumed that undergraduates studying mathematics are on the path to becoming math teachers or professors, but this is not always the case.
The mathematics department at the University of Cincinnati's College of Arts and Sciences, for instance, equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for a diverse array of careers, such as biomathematical researcher and cryptographer.
The program comprises three key disciplines: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. Associate professor and undergraduate program director Mihaela Poplicher says the department is committed to empowering mathematics majors to pursue their academic goals in alignment with their career aspirations, providing them with guidance and support along the way.
“We have advisors, and we work with each student to find out what their interests are. We work closely with the students to make sure they make a good plan with their courses and graduate as soon as possible with the tools and knowledge for whichever career path they desire.”
Finding your track
Students pursuing a track focused on statistics and/or applied mathematics are prepared for entry into the financial industry, equipped with the knowledge required for roles such as financial or systems analyst, actuarial scientist, or marketing consultant. On the other hand, those concentrating on pure mathematics frequently pursue a career in teaching or choose to pursue further education in graduate school.
There are many different classes the math department offers that can help prepare you for many different career paths.
Elena Suarez Davila UC statistics major
Like many other programs in A&S, the mathematics department offers undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue an accelerated track to obtain their master’s degree. The mathematics department’s 4+1 program lets students obtain the advanced degree upon completion of one additional year instead of the customary two years, allowing students to increase their marketability in a competitive job market.
“During their fourth year as an undergraduate, students can take some graduate level courses that count toward their masters,” says Poplicher. “Essentially, it helps them graduate with their masters one whole year earlier.”
Real-world experience
The UC mathematics department partners with the Bearcat Promise Career Studio to provide students with access to valuable internship opportunities that offer real-world experience and pave the way for success after graduation.
Leveraging on-campus and local business relationships, the department ensures that students are positioned to gain relevant, hands-on experience that will enhance their career prospects.
“We have many financial companies who either have our graduates working there or are looking for interns. They send us information which we relay to our students and many times they apply and get very good internships,” Poplicher says.
Take it from a student
Elena Suarez Davila, a senior majoring in statistics, is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, and reflects fondly on her academic journey within the UC mathematics department.
“I have loved being a math major at UC. All of the professors are amazing, and I have learned a lot from every single one of the classes I have taken,” she says. “I also really enjoyed all the curriculum, and how much each class built off the one before.
“There are many different classes that the math department offers that can help prepare you for many different career paths. And, apart from electives, the mandatory classes for a statistics major not only prepare you to take the actuarial exams if you choose to take them, but also require you to learn different coding languages that are commonly used in the field.”
Find out more about opportunities in mathematical sciences at UC here.
Featured image at top: Mathematical calculations. Credit/Dan Cristian Paduret for Unsplash.
By Ryan Smith
Student Journalist, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
Related Stories
How to keep birds from flying into your windows
July 3, 2024
![Yahoo! News icon](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/yahoo.png)
UC College of Arts and Sciences professor Ron Canterbury tells the Indianapolis Star that simple steps can prevent birds from strike windows around your home or business. Yahoo! News shares the story.
Meet UC’s Miss Ohio
July 1, 2024
UC biomedical science student Stephanie Finoti credits UC for helping to prepare her for the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant. She will represent Ohio in the national competition in January.
UC alum credits journalism program with early success
June 26, 2024
Zachary Jarrell came to the University of Cincinnati in 2019 to pursue a degree in statistics. In 2023, he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. For many undergraduates, the journey through college rarely takes the expected track. Detours happen, and majors change. When plans switch up, it can be helpful to a student’s success to find support. For Jarrell, it was the people he worked alongside in the journalism department who helped him on his journey. It has left a lasting impression on his life so far, guiding him to multiple internships as an undergraduate, real-world experience in prominent news outlets, and eventually a successful career in the highly competitive field of journalism.
The health impact of living near a natural gas leak
June 25, 2024
![BBC logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/bbc.png)
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small talks to the BBC about the health issues faced by neighbors of leaking natural gas wells.
Carnegie Foundation recognizes UC with Leadership for Public Purpose classification
June 24, 2024
UC part of inaugural group honored for focusing on developing students as leaders
Born to run
June 20, 2024
![The Atlantic logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/the-atlantic.png)
Former professional athletes have advantages in running for political office, UC’s David Niven tells The Atlantic. Niven, an associate professor in the School of Public and International Affairs, teaches a course on sports and politics.
UC student crowned Miss Ohio: 'I feel like I've been floating'
June 17, 2024
![Cincinnati Enquirer logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/enquirer-dark.png)
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science student Stephanie Finoti was crowned Miss Ohio and will compete in the Miss America scholarship pageant this winter.
Lab Safety Institute, UC team up for summit
June 13, 2024
![Fox19 Now logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wxix-dark.png)
UC College of Arts and Sciences Dean James Mack talks to Fox19 about how UC is helping teachers make labs safer for their K-12 students.
Grad student credits UC with supporting Ivy League journey
June 12, 2024
In 2022, Disha Ray completed her Bachelor's in Honours History in India. With her sights set on a master's degree, Ray looked at options overseas to find a fit for her next stage of education at a high-level institute. That search led her to UC, where she found what she was looking for.
Joro spiders are heading up the coast
June 11, 2024
![Everyday Health logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/everyday-health.png)
UC biologist George Uetz talks to Everyday Health about the spread of invasive Joro spiders across the United States. Though they are big, they are harmless, he said.