Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

What is Math?

Mathematics is a language and methodology for classifying, studying, and predicting patterns: patterns of quantity, of structure, change, of logic. Mathematics typically encompasses applied mathematics and computational mathematics.

What does a mathematician do?

Above all else, a mathematician is a problem solver, and as a mathematics major at South Dakota Mines, you will learn to be just that.

An applied mathematician uses mathematical theory and technique to critically analyze and solve problems in business, government, engineering, and the social sciences.

Mathematics is the most popular double major at Mines.

Research

As a math major at South Dakota Mines, you won’t have to wait to get involved in research. From the first-day students step on campus, they will have many opportunities to be involved in mathematical research, in collaborations with department faculty, and in interdisciplinary teams with faculty and students from other departments.

The primary research focus areas of our faculty are:

• Numerical linear algebra and multilinear algebra

• Non-parametric statistics, computational statistics, time series forecasting, and massive data streams

• Parameter estimation, decision theory, and non-parametric statistics

• Combinatorial matrix theory and graph theory

• Mathematical modeling, mathematical biology, applied math, and Bayesian statistics

• Finite geometry and non-associative algebras

• Complex analysis and formal power series theory

• Mathematical pedagogy and history

• Mathematics, history, and astronomy (particularly celestial mechanics)

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology was founded in 1885 to provide instruction in the region’s primary industry, which was mining. And now it includes so much more.

Over the years, South Dakota Mines evolved into a leading science and engineering university and is committed to excellence in science and engineering academics and research. We are working to develop the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers through STEM bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and all undergraduate engineering programs are also accredited through ABET.

We offer a rigorous academic experience at a reasonable cost, with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, cutting-edge research, and many student programs and organizations. By the time they graduate, 75-80% of our students have had hands-on, real-world experiences through internships, cooperative education, or research projects. Our graduate and undergraduate students have research opportunities in areas such as energy and environmental systems, underground science and engineering, and materials and manufacturing. A few research examples include energy storage, cold spray technology, biomedical applications, and even disrupting criminal networks.

You are always welcome to visit our beautiful campus, but in case you can’t make it in person, we offer a virtual tour on our website. We are nestled in the eastern slope of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Whether you prefer exploring the city or pursuing outdoor adventures, Rapid City and the Black Hills offer many options for you.

South Dakota Mines has been named one of the best engineering schools in the country for return on investment by College Factual for several years. In addition to rankings, there are many reasons to attend South Dakota Mines – great location, maximum value, personal attention and so much more.