Idaho State University

What you'll study

This degree builds a strong foundation in core mathematical topics while emphasising computational tools and numerical methods. Core courses typically include calculus sequence, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and discrete mathematics. Computational and applied courses commonly offered are numerical analysis, scientific computing, mathematical modelling, numerical linear algebra, optimisation, probability and statistics, and algorithmic methods.

• Programming and tools: instruction in scientific programming languages and environments such as Python, MATLAB, and high‑performance computing concepts to implement numerical methods.
• Applied topics: courses in data analysis, computational modelling, simulation, and applied statistics to prepare students for interdisciplinary work.
• Electives and breadth: options allow study of topics such as cryptography, mathematical biology, partial differential equations, machine learning, or finance‑related mathematics.
• Capstone or project: a senior project or capstone course that requires students to solve an open‑ended problem using mathematical modelling and computational implementation, often in collaboration with faculty or external partners.
• Structure: the programme follows the standard Bachelor of Science format with required major credits and general education requirements; many students combine the major with minors in computer science, statistics, engineering or another applied field.

Entry requirements

Admissions follow Idaho State University undergraduate entry policies. Applicants should hold an accredited secondary school completion credential. Strong performance in secondary mathematics (algebra, geometry and precalculus or calculus where available) is expected. Prior exposure to calculus is advantageous and some programming experience is helpful but not mandatory.

• Typical preparation: successful completion of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and preferably calculus at secondary level.
• University requirements: standard undergraduate admission materials such as transcripts and any regional testing or placement information required by the university.
• Transfer students: college‑level calculus and linear algebra credits will be evaluated for transfer; consult the department for course equivalencies.
• Placement: incoming students may be placed into appropriate first‑year mathematics courses based on prior study or placement testing.

Career prospects

Graduates with a computational mathematics emphasis are prepared for careers that require quantitative reasoning and computational skills. Typical roles include data analyst, quantitative analyst, software or algorithms developer, computational scientist, simulation engineer, and roles in operations research or optimisation.

• Industry: technology companies, finance and insurance, engineering firms, and manufacturing use computational mathematicians for modelling, simulation and algorithm development.
• Government and labs: opportunities exist in national laboratories, research institutes and government agencies—Idaho State students often leverage regional connections for internships and projects.
• Further study: many graduates pursue graduate programmes in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering or data science, or professional qualifications such as actuarial exams.
• Skills employers value: strong analytical thinking, numerical and algorithmic competence, programming ability, and experience with data‑driven modelling.

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University provides a student‑centred environment with accessible faculty and opportunities for hands‑on, applied research. The mathematics department emphasises small class sizes and close mentoring, which helps students develop both theoretical understanding and computational proficiency.

• Proximity to regional research resources and national laboratory partnerships offers internship and collaborative research avenues for computational projects.
• Facilities include computing labs and software resources commonly used in scientific computing and data analysis.
• Strong advising and career services help students secure internships, co‑op placements and prepare for graduate study or employment.
• Flexibility to pair the mathematics major with complementary minors or certificates—such as computer science or statistics—so graduates can tailor their skill set to specific career goals.