B.A. Mathematical Sciences (Data Analytics Option)

Introduction

The WKU Mathematical Sciences program with emphasis on Data Analytics is provides a sufficient background in Mathematics, Statistics and Data Analytics. Mathematics is essential for Data Analytics. Data Analytics, and its associated field, is one of the fastest growing employment opportunities in the world. The degree is structured to allow additional and elective courses electives in mathematics, business and computer science that enable the student to focus on a variety of further areas of interest. Students are strongly encouraged to take a minor in their applied field of interest such as Computer Science, Finance, Economics etc.

The Mathematical Sciences program is committed to developing students with a solid theoretical knowledge of Mathematical and Statistics concepts and nurturing them to work with a variety of more practical methods including predictive/prescriptive analytics, Big Data Computing, Applied Machine Learning, Statistical Data Mining and Data Visualization using programming environments such as R, MATLAB and Python.Many courses of the specialization end with a project that provide an opportunity to see how the material of the course is used in Data Analytics. In these project studentwill analyze the complex real-world problems arising in Data Science and learn to solve them through analysis of data with statistical software.

Major (Core) Required Courses 

Statistical Data Mining

Applied Machine Learning

Big Data Computing

Data Visualization

Numerical Analysis

Probability and Math Statistics

Applied Statistics

Foundations of Data Analysis

Regression Analysis

Differential Equations

Knowledge and Skills

  • Solid Foundation in Mathematics and Statistics skills such as calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistical analysis
  • Programming Proficiency in data science, such as Python and R
  • Data Handling and Preprocessing
  • Machine learning algorithms and models
  • Data Visualization, Database Management and Big Data Computing
  • Data Ethics and Privacy
  • Project Management and Communication Skills
  • Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
Career Prospects

The Data Analytics skills are in high demand (The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century) as the huge amount of data are generated by scientific, social activity and business from sensors, internet and other sources. Data Analytics experts are needed in virtually every job sector.

Graduates from the WKU Mathematical Sciences program prepare students for the emerging and high-growth fields of digital information and big data. This program will help prepare future Data Scientists to meet the demands of data driven industries, governmental agencies and labor market in financial sectors, health industry, social media and education. It provides a foundation for further graduate study and research.

Program Faculty