Academic Catalog

2024-2025

Mathematics and Statistics

Department website: http://www.odu.edu/math

Gordon Melrose, Chair
Robert Strozak, Chief Departmental Advisor

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs of study that lead to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.  A student can earn the degree by completing a major in Applied Mathematics, a major in Statistics/Biostatistics, a major in Actuarial Mathematics, or a major in Big Data Analytics.  Students can also earn a degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a major in Secondary Mathematics Education (6-12), which is intended for those who wish to pursue a career in teaching mathematics at the high school level and leads to teaching licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The applied mathematics major is intended for students wishing to pursue graduate work in mathematics or otherwise obtain employment in a mathematics field. Similarly, the statistics/biostatistics major is intended for those who wish to pursue graduate work in statistics or otherwise obtain employment in a statistics-related field, especially biostatistics.

The actuarial mathematics major is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue an actuarial field, pursue graduate work in financial mathematics, or employment in a mathematics or statistics-related field. 

The big data analytics major is designed for students wishing to pursue one of the many jobs that require solving important large-scale problems in applied science, engineering, business, industry and government as well as pursue graduate work in big data analytics. 

Teaching licensure can also be added to any of the majors above, which automatically fulfills the University’s upper-division general education requirement under Option C.  A double major within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics will not satisfy the University’s upper-division general education requirement under option A  except for a double major in applied mathematics and statistics/biostatistics.  

The requirements of each major along with the professional education courses needed for teacher licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia are listed in the section for each major.  All students earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics have to successfully complete the mathematics core course requirements.

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement credit is awarded to students who earn qualifying scores on AP and IB subject examinations.  See the equivalency charts on the ODU website: https://www.odu.edu/academics/academic-records/score-analysis/ap-ib.