Go back
Math student Holly

Mathematics and Statistics

Our department features an effective learning environment with close interactions between students and our knowledgeable faculty in addition to opportunities for undergraduate research and internships.  Our students have options of a Mathematics major as well as concentrations within Actuarial Science, Data Science, Mathematics Education, or Statistics that prepare them for a variety of career possibilities or for graduate study in mathematics. 

Department of Mathematics & Statistics

Mission Statement

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to delivering excellent instruction in a student-centered environment to promote life-long learning and a deep understanding of theoretical and applied mathematics.  Our goal is to provide students with a foundational knowledge that prepares them for a wide range of mathematics-based careers or graduate programs.

Vision Statement

We will develop our students’ abstract and logical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and ability to apply quantitative techniques to solve real world problems.  This goal will be achieved through transformative experiences inside and outside of the classroom.

 

Degrees Offered

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics may choose from five concentrations: Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Statistics, Actuarial Science, and Data Science.  We also have three minors in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Applied Statistics

For more information on our B.S. Mathematics: Programs of Study
 

We offer several master's degree programs: both an M.S. and PSM degrees in Predictive Analytics and Mathematical Finance, and an M.S. in Mathematics Instruction

The study of mathematics enhances critical thinking skills and provides an excellent background for a career in most any field, including science, engineering, education, law, and medicine. Let the Mathematics faculty at Austin Peay help you prepare for the career of your choice!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APSUmath/

Student Spotlight

Mackenzie Carr
2023 Drane Award and Madame Governor Recipient


Mackenzie Award

Mackenzie Carr earned multiple prestigious awards before graduating in May 2023.  Mackenzie, who majored in mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science, received the Drane Award for her excellent character, scholarship, leadership, and service to APSU.  The Madame Governor Award was also bestowed on Mackenzie for her outstanding service and achievement.  Additionally, our department chose Mackenzie for the Nell Rayburn High Impact Practice Award after her participation in study abroad and internship programs.  Mackenize plans to follow these amazing achievement by beginning a career in Atlanta with Aetna, a CVS Health Company, as an Actuarial Analyst.

 

Gov Logo
Holly Carter
Alumni (2022), Operations Analyst

My four years in the math department at APSU were invaluable. I was supported by faculty who sincerely cared about my success. I didn’t know I could conduct research as a math major, but by the time I graduated, I had presented at prestigious conferences and won multiple research awards with Dr. Fox's help. There are not enough words to describe how great the math department at APSU is!
Gov Logo
Sara Grey
Alumni (2020), Current Graduate Student, Math Teacher at Rossview High School

Before transferring to APSU I had so much doubt in my ability to pursue a degree in Math. But everyone in this department has helped me build my confidence and made me feel like I'm on the right path! I know my academic success would not be possible without this encouraging community of professors and peers.
Gov Logo
Zane Celmer
Alumni (2019), Software Engineer

When I started at APSU, I was not a mathematics major. After spending some time withsome of the faculty and realizing I had a passion for mathematics, I decided to pursueit. The professors here genuinelycare about your success, and are willing to push you beyond the coursework if you have the desire to learn more.
Gov Logo
Kindyl King
Alumni (2018), Ph.D. Student at Purdue University

The research experience I have gained at APSU could not be matched by any other university. Austin Peay provided me multiple opportunities to do interesting research, to present my work at conferences, and to work with very knowledgeable professors to publish papers.
Gov Logo
Emily Teti
Alumni (2017), Postdoctoral Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory

I have been able to accomplish things at APSU that wouldn't have been possible without the overwhelming support of the math department, between the funding to study abroad and present research at conferences, writing countless letters of recommendation, and simply being a source of constant encouragement.
Gov Logo
Angeline Rinehart
Alumni (2020), Data Scientist at Ascension

I've been pushed out of my comfort zone and accomplished things I didn't previously think I could do through the constant support and encouragement from my professors and fellow students while here at APSU. I am confident that the knowledge and skills that I've acquired is preparing me for the next step of going to graduate school.
Gov Logo
Malori Hales
Alumni (2018), Data Analyst at Nissan

I can honestly say that studying mathematics has been such a wonderful and fulfilling experience so far. My professors and my peers in the Math department have made a huge impact on my success during my time at APSU.

 

What Will I Learn?

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics consists of either the Mathematics major or four different concentrations: Mathematics Education, Statistics, Actuarial Science, and Data Science.  See below for the core class requirements for the Mathematics major, which are required classes for all concentrations, or go to our Majors and Concentrations page for more information on further requirements for each concentration.

MATH 1910 - Calculus I 4
MATH 1920 - Calculus II 4
MATH 2110 - Calculus III 4
MATH 3010 - Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 3
MATH 3450 - Linear Algebra 3
MATH 4240 - Introduction to Probability 3
MATH 4450 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling 3
MATH 4810 - Senior Seminar 1
  25 hours

What Do Math Majors Do After Graduation?

Mathematics and Statistics majors go on to pursue many different career paths:

  • Actuary
  • Computer Programmer
  • Data Sciencetist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Government Statistician
  • High School or Middle School Math Teacher
  • Insurance Risk Manager
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Math Education Researcher
  • Math Professor at a University or Community College
  • NSA Intelligence Officer
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Sports Analytics Statistician
Where have APSU alumni gone?
HollyCarter
Meet Holly Carter

Holly Carter graduated in 2022 with a mathematics degree after having an excellent track record in undergraduate research.  This was highlighted by earning the department's Nell Rayburn High Impact Practice Award and a Patterson Prize for an oustanding student presentation at an MAA Southeast Section Conference. Holly worked on multiple research projects in the area of graph theory, and has submitted a research paper to be published in an undergraduate research journal.  Holly is now an Operations Analyst at Providence Consulting & Design in Gallatin.

Dejah
Meet Dejah Reed

Dejah Reed earned her degree in Mathematics from APSU in Spring 2022 along with a minor in Studio Art.  After gaining experience in the banking industry, Dejah is now a Data Research Analyst at S&P Global.  This is a Fortune 500 company who is a global leader in finanical information and analytics.

Tate Williams
Meet Tate Williams

Tate Williams completed his mathematics degree at APSU in 2022 with a concentration in actuarial science.  While at Austin Peay, he conducted undergraduate research within predictive analytics in baseball while working as an analytics intern for the APSU baseball team and two minor league baseball teams during summer breaks.  Tate is currently studying sports analytics at the graduate level at Syracuse University before combining to his passions of statistics and baseball into a career in baseball analytics.

EmilyTeti
Meet Emily Teti

Emily Teti completed her bachelor's degree at APSU in 2017 with an accomplished record that included participating in an REU at Virginia Tech, completing a summer abroad program in Budapest, and earning the Drane Award as the top graduating senior at APSU.  Emily is now Dr. Teti after recently completing her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at Florida Atlantic University, where she has studied machine learning and artificial intelligence.  Dr. Teti has since begun a three-year Post Doctoral Researcher postition at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.