Mathematical Sciences – Statistics and Data Science Concentration – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BA)
Study Statistics and Data Science at the University of Montana
Learn how to use data to solve real-world problems. The Statistics and Data Science concentration of the bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences focuses on collecting, analyzing and interpreting data — preparing you for some of today’s fastest growing careers.
If you are interested in working with data, our Statistics and Data Science program is the place to be. We offer our students exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, undergraduate research and more. We also offer a certificate in big data analytics that prepares you for high-demand jobs in data science.
estimated average salary of data scientist in 2023
math majors to math faculty at UM
scholarships and awards offered each year to undergraduates in the math program
Other degree options for mathematical sciences at UM
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Applied Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Mathematics Education
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – Pure Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science (Combined Major)
Minor in Mathematics Education
Big Data Analytics Certificate
What can you do with a statistics and data science degree?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematician and statistician jobs will grow by 33% over the next decade, making these among the fastest growing jobs in the nation. But that’s only one path you can take with a major in statistics and data science. Statistics and data science are used almost everywhere, and graduates of this program pursue careers in technology and innovation, finance, public health, data analytics, applied research and more.
Statistics and data science jobs
What can you do with a degree in statistics and data science? Jobs in math with an emphasis in statistics and data science include:
- Data scientist
- Statistician
- Biostatistician
- Data analyst
- Actuary
- Financial analyst
- Mathematician
- Research analyst
- Economist
Statistics and data science salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average salary of a data scientist in 2023 was $108,020. In 2023, statisticians earned an average salary of $104,860. Other salaries for jobs in math that involve statistics and data science include:
- Actuary: $120,000
- Financial analyst: $99,890
- Economist: $108,350
Alumni Success Story: Kayla Irish
“Our world now is all about data, every single choice we make and action we take is a data point. But what’s more interesting to me is what we do with that data. And a lot of those answers come from history because it can inform us about groups of people having power over the behavior of other groups of people. What we are capable of when it comes to data is worth being concerned about.”
- Kayla Irish, Class of 2022, double major in data science/math and history
Experiential learning in the statistics and data science major
Gain real-world experience that will prepare you to hit the ground running when you graduate. We offer a variety of opportunities for math majors to engage in hands-on learning — such as internships with local and national businesses.
We also offer exciting opportunities to work with professors on cutting-edge research in the area of public health.
Many of our students help organize large outreach events for middle and high school students, like our annual Math Day and the MCTM Math Contest.
Research Spotlight
Statistics Professor Jon Graham is director of the Data and Modeling Core that supports UM’s Center for Population Health Research and provides opportunities for students interested in data science and statistics. Researchers are currently investigating the effects of PM2.5 from wildfires on birth outcomes and children’s respiratory health; factors that lead to low vaccination rates; rural disparities in health care; food insecurity among Native Americans; aging issues in rural areas; and the lack of access to health care in rural areas.
Career development in the applied math major
At the University of Montana, there are many ways to get involved, develop your professional network and connect with potential job opportunities.
You’ll get to know many of our instructors and their research areas in our Undergraduate Math Seminar — which also includes presentations by organizations interested in hiring statistics and data science majors. From there, you’ll find many more opportunities for career development through internships and undergraduate research.
Our math majors are a tight-knit group, frequently meeting and talking shop in our student lounge or in the Math Learning Center — a great place to get help as you start on your math degree, or work as a tutor. Our mathematics department also features a collaborative research space, the Undergraduate Study Lounge, where students discuss and work on undergraduate research projects.
Scholarships for math majors
Each year the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Montana awards about $23,000 to continuing undergraduate math majors. Learn more about scholarships and awards in the mathematics program.
Statistics and Data Science degree requirements
The curriculum for bachelor’s in mathematics with a concentration in statistics and data science provides a solid foundation in probability and statistics, data processing and analytics using specialized software, such as R and Python. Required courses for the concentration in Statistics and Data Science cover topics such as data science analytics, probability theory and statistical methods.