Considering a Major in Math or Stats?
You might be a Math major if…
- You enjoy puzzles such as Sudoku, Code Crackers, Rubik's Cube, Sokoban, Crosswords, Logic Puzzles, etc.
- You are an algebra wizard.
- You like to play games with complicated rules or strategies such as Go, Bridge, Set, Chess, Cribbage, Outbreak, Magic the Gathering, etc.
- You like discovering and describing patterns.
- You are a persistent problem-solver.
You might be a Statistics major if…
- You are curious and often ask "Why?"
- You like to use data to solve problems from a variety of subject areas.
- You like to communicate solutions that involve numerical evidence and beautiful visualizations.
- You are interested in how mathematical theory and data analysis are related.
- You like to use data to make sense of the world around you.
You might be a Math Education major if…
- You enjoy working through math problems and have the ability to communicate the subject matter.
- You enjoy coaching, working with students, and still love waking up hoping it is a snow day.
- You get excited about graphs.
- You choose to do your math homework first.
- Sometimes you do the even problems just for fun.
You might be a Data Science major if...
- You love drawing insights from big data.
- You enjoy working with unconventional data sources.
- You like to write code.
- You are interested in learning about a variety of data tools.
Opportunities After Graduation
Recent employers that have hired our undergraduates include
- IBM
- MoneyGram
- National Security Agency
- Minnesota Wild
- Mayo Clinic
- Target
- Optum.
Our undergraduates have gone on to attend top mathematics, statistics and biostatistics graduate programs across the nation including
- The University of Iowa
- University of Minnesota
- Iowa State University
- NC State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Washington-Seattle.
A nationwide teacher shortage in STEM fields means our secondary mathematics educations graduates are in high demand. Recent WSU graduates like Grant Gill have even been paid to student teach.
Average Annual Salaries for Minnesota in 2019
- Computer and mathematical occupations: $91,160
- Statisticians: $91,000
- Secondary school teachers: $64,960
A 2020 Glassdoor report rated "Data Scientist" as the #3 best job in America.