SHU Redesigns Math Studies Dept.

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University’s mathematics department will initiate improved programs in the fall semester, dividing its major into three tracks: traditional, actuarial science and data science.

The traditional track, which resembles the current math major, includes core courses in calculus, linear algebra, analysis and abstract algebra. “This track will suit students who want to teach math at the high school level, have prospects for graduate school, or who simply want broad-based mathematical knowledge that can open doors to a variety of careers,” said Jason Molitierno, mathematics department chair. 

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 study calculus, linear algebra, theoretical and applied math, probability, statistics, accounting, finance and actuarial mathematics, in preparation for their first three actuarial exams. Coinciding with this  new track, the mathematics department and the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology are applying for inclusion on the Society of Actuaries UCAP-IC list.

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 calculus, linear algebra, statistics, theoretical and applied math, computer programming, data structures, financial analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.  

“Actuarial science and data science are hot fields, and we’re offering these tracks to ensure that students who want to pursue these careers are well prepared to succeed,” Molitierno said. “As we enter a new decade, these updates in the math major make our offerings more pertinent to workplace needs. We see the new math major as a dynamic curriculum that will prepare students well for their chosen careers.”

PHOTO: Math Professor and Chair Jason Molitierno, Ph.D., teaches a mathematical statistics class at the Martire Center for the Liberal Arts. Photo by Tracy Deer-Mirek 2/20/20

 

About Sacred Heart University

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 385 Colleges–2020 Edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best 252 Business Schools–2019 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater. www.sacredheart.edu

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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