Sacred Heart’s dynamic and flexible mathematics curriculum prepares students for a variety of career paths, including teaching, business, actuarial science, engineering, computing and data science.
At SHU, you’ll be taught by accomplished faculty members who are active experts in their field and whose primary focus is student learning. Small classes result in close working relationships with your faculty and fellow students. You’ll feel empowered as the robust analytical skills you develop enhance your ability to calculate, comprehend, and prove mathematical concepts. To this end, you will find a dynamic learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.
The close-knit community between the teachers and the students is rare to find at a school and I am forever grateful. The professors truly care about you and your success. I keep in touch with several of my professors and several of my classmates will be at my wedding. Getting my B.S. in math is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Traditional track suits students who want to teach math at the high school level, have prospects for graduate school, are interested in engineering (including the 3+2 engineering program), or who want broad-based mathematical knowledge that can open doors to a variety of careers.
The Actuarial Science track is for students who want to pursue a career as an actuary (professionals who manage and measure risk and uncertainty). Students will take courses in both mathematics and finance in preparation for their first three actuarial exams. Sacred Heart University is one of the few schools in the state recognized by the Society of Actuaries.
The Data Science track readies students for careers in computer science, business, statistics, data mining and big data, all of which are in demand. The curriculum will include traditional math courses as well as courses in computer programming, data structures, financial analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs make it easy for first-year students to move from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree.
Some programs need specific majors, but others are open to most fields of study. Apply as an incoming first-year student, and you can be accepted into both programs at once. Reach out to your admissions counselor to learn about your options.
Our mathematics major offers enough flexibility for students to double major in a variety of disciplines to enhance their career path. Many students double major in mathematics with a finance or economics degree to leverage a position in business. Others combine their mathematics majors with a degree in computer science, biology or chemistry.
SHU students interested in pursuing the 3+2 Engineering Program will spend three years at Sacred Heart to complete their mathematics major with a traditional track followed by two more years at one of our partner engineering schools, Columbia University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, to complete a bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil or industrial management engineering.
SHU offers mathematics majors the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in math and a Master of Arts in Teaching with initial teacher certification in secondary math in five years. Interested students must apply to the MAT during their sophomore year, should study the traditional track for the math major and choose geometry as one of their math major elective courses. Accepted students will start taking education courses during their undergraduate years and will participate in a school-based internship or residency during their graduate year.
Students interested in teaching in high-needs school districts are encouraged to apply for the NSF-funded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. The Noyce Scholarship program provides scholarships beginning with junior and senior years, as well as funding to complete their Master of Arts in Teaching. Students will have opportunities to participate in specially designed seminars, courses and field experiences specific to STEM education.
Sacred Heart mathematics majors have established careers in education, business, actuarial science, statistics, finance and many other fields. Others have continued their education in master’s and doctoral programs throughout the country.
Every year the mathematics department hosts an alumni night where several math major alumni from a variety of professions come back to talk about their career paths and how they are using their math degree. At this popular networking event, students have the opportunity to talk with our alumni and receive career advice.
A sampling of companies with whom our alumni have secured positions:
A sampling of graduate schools our alumni have attended:
Majoring in mathematics paves the way for you to advance your career through combined programs and advanced degree pathways.
