Mathematics
WVU Tech's Mathematics degree prepares students for employment in business, industry and government while providing the foundation for continued studies in mathematics.
Students train for a variety of careers and are encouraged to supplement their studies in mathematics with courses from engineering, science or business.
Profile
Maegen Shults
Professor
Miss S. is a newcomer to the WVU Tech math department, and she brings with her a passion for teaching the field she loves. She sees number in everything – in the classroom, in nature and even on the field when she’s playing competitive softball.
“I love that math is everywhere and that, with every student I meet, I can find math in one of their interests. I love the way math can be applied to almost any topic and how the pieces fit together. And more than anything, I love to see that ‘light bulb’ moment when a student finally sees these things too.”
Dr. J.T. Hird
Professor
Dr. Hird is an expert in Leibniz algebra, and when he’s not teaching his students algebra and calculus, he’s helping them navigate the digital world. He’s the advisor to Gaming at Tech and the Golden Bear Esports Clubs – and he’s an avid video gamer and self-described “super Star Wars nerd.”
Dr. Hird’s popularity comes from the fact that he can break math down in a way that’s accessible to everyone. “The one thing I hope my students will never forget is that math really isn’t as scary as some people think. I always tell my classes ‘when in doubt, try an easier problem.’ Most of the time, that scary, crazy math question is just a simple problem in disguise.”
Career Profile
Our graduates have been employed in state government, financial groups and insurance companies.
We also provide our graduates with the foundation for graduate education in mathematics or related fields. Many of our graduates have continued their graduate studies in universities throughout the nation.
Careers
Graduates with a four-year degree in mathematics often find work in positions such as:
- Math professor
- Math teacher
- Actuarial analyst
- Statistician
- Research scientist
- Inventory
strategist
THINGS YOU'LL LEARN
Rigorous training in analysis, algebra, topology/geometry and applied mathematics, plus computer science and physics basics.
Discrete Mathematics
Learn about permutations, combinations, binominal theorem, inclusion-exclusion formula, recurrence relations, generating functions, elementary graph theory (connectivity, paths, circuits, trees, vertex and edge coloring, graph algorithms) matching theory and discrete optimization.
Probability and Statistics
Explore samples spaces; probability, definition and elementary properties; random variables, expectation; special distributions; estimation; hypothesis testing; and linear regression.
Topology
This course is an introduction to metric and topological spaces. Topics include: continuity, convergence, separation, compactness and connectedness.
