Program Details
Mathematical Sciences with concentration in Applied Mathematics, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The curriculum in mathematical sciences promotes understanding of the mathematical sciences and their structures, uses and relationships to other disciplines. To this end, the scholarly growth of the faculty and students in the mathematical sciences is nurtured through study, research and a high standard of teaching. The curriculum provides a sound foundation for the student seeking to enter a career with a technological orientation or for the student who wishes to pursue graduate study in applied mathematics, biomathematics, mathematics, operations research, statistics, teaching mathematics in secondary schools or related fields. A Bachelor of Science is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research. In the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences can choose a concentration of applied mathematics, which focuses on the analytical and computational techniques necessary to solve many of today’s problems. These methods traditionally had been applied in such areas as chemistry and physics, but now are applied in many other areas.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following: Solve mathematical problems Solve and interpret mathematical problems which originate from applications outside of mathematics Use technology to solve and/or explore mathematics problems Write mathematics (not including mathematical proofs) clearly, concisely and correctly Write mathematical proofs clearly, concisely and correctly Read and comprehend mathematical works Collaborate in projects Make effective presentations to demonstrate their understanding of mathematical ideas Write prose about mathematics Use appropriate mathematical methods to investigate mathematical models of real-world problems
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | This major takes students into the underpinnings of the mathematics they have master so far, for example looking at how calculus and algebra are possible. You will also have the opportunity to apply mathematics to areas in physical and biological sciences, to build computational tools for exploring complex systems and/or prepare for a career in education. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The B.S. in Mathematical Sciences requires a minimum of 120 credits. Along with the general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences and the undergraduate degree requirements, students are required to take core courses and fulfill specific requirements for the degree. Based on the results of the Mathematics Placement Test, students may be required to take MATH 151. No more than one course in mathematics (MATH) at the 100 level can count for the general requirements toward the degree. Credit for 100-level mathematical sciences courses cannot be applied toward the mathematical sciences courses required for the major in mathematical sciences. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Coming in with a solid foundation in Calculus I and II will help you jump into more interesting math courses at VCU. If possible, taking electives in some of the other foundation courses will provide even more flexibility: Multivariable Calculus (Calculus III), Linear Algebra, Differential Equations.
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Math majors can take classes in pure math, teacher prep, mathematical biology, discrete math (graph theory and combinatorics), computational and applied math, logic and set theory, topology and geometry. We rotate various electives every semester. Undergraduates have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants, attend seminars and colloquium with outside speakers, and do summer research with faculty. We have an accelerated master's degree program as well as a PhD program with statistical sciences. We often have double majors with physics and engineering students. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Our graduates find careers in a wide variety of industries: pharmaceutical, government research labs, consulting, business, finance, and education. Many also go on to graduate school to pursuant to research or higher education positions. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Mathematics or Science is recommended for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Mathematics or Science is recommended for this major. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Hollins University | BA in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BS in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science - Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Science: Mathematics Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Major in Computational and Applied Mathematics, Concentration in Biology and Life Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Major in Computational and Applied Mathematics, Concentration in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Major in Computational and Applied Mathematics, Concentration in Electrical Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Major in Computational and Applied Mathematics, Concentration in Physics and Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Major in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Major in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Music, Concentration in Creative Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Music, Concentration in Music Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Music in Music, Major in Music, Concentration in Pre-Certification Choral | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Music in Music, Major in Music, Concentration in Composition | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Music in Music, Major in Music, Concentration in Pre-Certification Instrumental | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Music in Music, Major in Music, Concentration in Performance (Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, Keyboard, Strings, Voice) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Statistics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Mathematics: General Mathematics BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Mathematics: Mathematics Education BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Major in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Mathematics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Mathematics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Mathematics (Applied) - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Mathematics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Applied Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Mathematics (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Mathematics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Applied Mathematics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Mathematics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | B.S. in Mathematics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
15-2099.01 | Bioinformatics Technicians | Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2041.01 | Biostatisticians | Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.01 | Business Intelligence Analysts | Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2051.02 | Clinical Data Managers | Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
15-2051.00 | Data Scientists | Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-2099.00 | Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | All mathematical scientists not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
25-1022.00 | Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-2021.00 | Mathematicians | Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-2041.00 | Statisticians | Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
