Students in a mathematics classroom

Mathematics

Learn to apply equations and other math principles to any field you can imagine. Aided by the guidance of knowledgeable professors and exciting internships, you'll be prepared to succeed in whatever career path you pursue.

Why Study Mathematics?

As a mathematics major at USD, you'll be trained to explore the most difficult questions of our time through a combination of computer science, math and physics courses that are highly sought after by employers. As more companies seek to hire statisticians and actuaries, our program makes you even more marketable by combining your math education with any of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.

Explore the answers to questions yet to be asked as a mathematics major at USD.


Degrees & Offerings

Mathematics (B.S.)

Bachelor’s
  Vermillion Main Campus

As a mathematics major, you can study a wide range of math-related topics that apply to every field, from the sciences to education and the arts. Our students collaborate and conduct research with our Ph.D. faculty, who are recognized internationally for their work. As a math major at USD, you will enjoy small class sizes taught directly by our faculty, rather than graduate students.

Mathematics

Minor
  Vermillion Main Campus

As a mathematics minor, you can choose from courses in both traditional mathematics and the growing field of statistics, making you a more well-rounded student in majors like physics, education, earth sciences, business administration and more.

Mathematics Composite

Minor
  Vermillion Main Campus

A composite minor of both statistics and pure mathematics will help you develop analytical thinking skills that will benefit you in any industry. This program is a great complement to a variety of majors, including physics, mathematical sciences, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering and more.

Mathematics (B.S./M.A. or M.S.)

Accelerated Program
  Vermillion Main Campus

If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.

View Admissions Requirements

Program Details

Undergraduate

College

Department

Contact

Admissions

Known For Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

Student Opportunities

As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.

The real-world experiences you gain through internships will equip you with valuable skills that will set you apart after graduation.

Mathematics students benefit greatly from summer research and internship opportunities. Students have interned and completed research projects at companies like Wells Blue Bunny and Allegiant Air and at universities like the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the University of Minnesota and Texas A&M.

USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The Math Club and USD's chapter of Phi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society, will keep you busy with social events, guest speakers and off-campus trips.

Explore Student Organizations

USD offers a range of scholarships for students, including scholarships specifically for mathematics majors. The Department of Mathematical Sciences strives to recognize and reward outstanding students for their accomplishments and potential through scholarships and travel funding.

Learn More

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education. Our renowned faculty will help you understand the wide field of mathematics and how it impacts our everyday lives.
Picture of arms and hands working on a math paper with several calculators on the table

Mathematical Sciences

Our renowned faculty will help you understand the wide field of mathematics and how it impacts our everyday lives.

FACULTY & STAFF

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and scholarship in the areas of statistics, algebra, analysis, biomathematical modeling and more.

Bio Image for Faculty Member Clark Bennett

Clark Bennett

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Catalin Georgescu

Catalin Georgescu

Chair-Mathematical Sciences

Specialty

Dynamical Systems, Geometric Group Theory.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kyle Greywall

Kyle Greywall

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Nan Jiang

Nan Jiang

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Angela Keith

Angela Keith

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Shannon Kortan

Shannon Kortan

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Ramiro Lafuente-Rodriguez

Ramiro Lafuente-Rodriguez

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Yuhlong Lio

Yuhlong Lio

Professor

Specialty

Mathematics: Stochastic Processes, Reliability, Industrial Mathematics, and more.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kristen Maxon

Kristen Maxon

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sally Schmidt

Sally Schmidt

Instructor, Dir-Math Emporium
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sandra Shumaker

Sandra Shumaker

Instructor

Specialty

Finite Math and Survey of Calculus
Bio Image for Faculty Member Nicholas Wulf

Nicholas Wulf

Instructor
Several Communications students sitting at a conference table working together

Network Toward a Dream Career 

A popular organization for math majors, the Math Club sponsors social events, guest speakers and field trips. In past years, students have visited IBM, the EROS Data Center, Control Data and other fascinating places.

Speaker at the Symposium on Data Harnessing

Attend Cutting-Edge Conferences 

Math students at USD have several opportunities to expand their knowledge during the year. The Symposium on Data Harnessing explores opportunities for better analysis, modeling and prediction using artificial intelligence, machine learning and supercomputing. The symposium also explores data harnessing in big data, applying it to fields like health care, business and more.

The Math on the Northern Plains Undergraduate Conference is open to all undergraduate and graduate students and faculty to attend. As many as 19 schools participate and all undergraduates are welcome to give a short talk on a math-related topic.

Surprisingly Affordable

USD offers low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, as well as scholarships, financial aid and employment opportunities to help make your education even more affordable.

Undergraduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees. 

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Scholarships

USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.



Alum Success Story

Success story Stephanie Jensen smiling.
I am a data scientist at a global Fortune 500 company. My time at USD has prepared me well not only in my technical skill set, but also to work across disciplines and overcome obstacles and solve problems in a creative, persistent, and fast manner.

Stephanie Jensen

Ph.D., Materials Chemistry '16
B.S., Mathematics and Chemistry '11

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