About the Department
Research Focused
The Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science at the University of Idaho has an active research faculty, including participation in diverse interdisciplinary collaborations. Faculty members conduct research in 13 broad areas and collaborate with other researchers in the fields of agriculture, bioinformatics, business, ecology, epidemiology, genetics, psychology, and wildlife studies.
Graduate Programs
We offer three graduate degrees in mathematics (M.A.T., M.S., and Ph.D.) and one graduate degree in statistical science (M.S.), along with two graduate certificates (Data Science and Statistics). The M.A.T. in Mathematics degree and the M.S. in Statistical Science can both be completed online.
Undergraduate Programs
We offer a wide variety of undergraduate majors and minors, each having distinct objectives. Mathematics degree options include: General, Application-Computation, Applied-Modeling and Data Science, and Applied-Mathematical Biology. Statistics degree options include: General and Actuarial Science & Finance. In addition, many students pursue joint majors in other disciplines that utilize mathematics or statistical science, such as Physics, Computer Science, Accounting, Finance, and Psychology.
Centers
We are also assuming a leadership role in undergraduate education with the Polya Math Learning Center and the Statistical Consulting Center. Undergraduate courses such as Math 108, Math 143, Stat 153, Stat 251, and Stat 301 are taken by students throughout the university.
The Polya Math Learning Center opened in fall 2001 serving students in two courses. Today the Polya Center serves over 2,100 students per year in three courses. The center serves as a model of how to customize mathematics instruction so that students from a variety of backgrounds can be successful in their mathematics education.
The Statistical Assistance Center (SAC) provides drop-in help to students enrolled in our large undergraduate statistics courses (Stat 251, Stat 301, and Stat 431).
The Statistical Consulting Center (SCC) provides assistance to faculty, staff, and student researchers. Our faculty and graduate students in the consulting center have several hundred contacts per year and help fuel the university’s research engine.
Indebted to Our Friends
As you can see, a lot of exciting things are happening here at the University of Idaho. While the grant activities have helped the department to accomplish many of its goals, we remain indebted to our friends who have generously contributed to our development fund. With these gifts we have been able to do many important things to support student success.