PSU's Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics is a powerful and versatile major. You'll learn to solve problems, practice analytical thinking, and develop logical arguments. The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Portland State University is a tight-knit community centered around supporting students.
We Offer:
- A variety of classes with more than 50 upper-division courses per year to choose from
- Small classes taught by faculty who bring their unique expertise into the classroom
- Interconnected learning between mathematics, statistics and mathematics education, and their many applications
- Personalized faculty advising to guide you in developing your very own plan of study
- Scholarships to ensure you have the support you need to succeed
- Opportunities to do research with our expert faculty as part of the honors track
Math majors go on to jobs ranging from education to software development. A bachelor's degree in math from Portland State University will give you skills you'll use for the rest of your life.
About the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics
The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics is composed of 33 faculty and an average of 36 graduate teaching and research assistants and 16 adjuncts, 500 undergraduate students and 100+ graduate students were enrolled in our programs. Department is dedicated to excellence in research and teaching in mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education. Guided by the mission of Portland State University and by the principles of disciplinary excellence and cross-disciplinary engagement. We are particularly committed to building expertise and providing leadership in such areas as applied and computational mathematics and statistics and mathematics education.
View Bachelor’s or Minor in Mathematics Learning Outcomes
Our program is flexible, you can pursue the areas of math that best meet your interests and career goals. Students choose a focus from five distinct areas:
- applied mathematics
- graduate school preparation
- statistics
- high school teaching
- actuarial sciences
Our expert faculty are active in researcher in the following topics:
- algebra and discrete mathematics
- analysis
- computational mathematics
- dynamical systems
- differential equations and control
- mathematics education
- mathematical physics
- statistics and applied probability
- topology and geometry
Our computer lab has mathematical and statistical software to use in your courses. You will get to compete for a spot in PSU's CO-OP. The CO-OP is a program that combines classroom study with six to 12 months of paid, practical work experience. Portland, Oregon-area employers participating in the program requested math and statistics majors. Participation in the CO-OP could lead to a job with the employer after graduation and give you a competitive edge in today's job market. Our diverse campus is in the center of downtown Portland, Oregon, one of the most vibrant cities on the West Coast.
Our department has strong relationships with OHSU and local companies. Portland companies visit campus eager to recruit math majors. Our graduates are sought after in a variety of fields, including:
- education
- computer science
- social sciences
- business administration
- economics
- biological sciences
You can pair the major or minor with pre-medicine, pre-law, and pre-teacher education. Many math majors go on to graduate studies in mathematics, statistics, engineering, economics, finance, and computer science.
With a bachelor's degree in mathematics from PSU, you'll be in high demand for a variety of jobs. Employers know that success in mathematics requires strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills.
There is a high demand for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors. Since math and statistics are central to the STEM field, our graduates land jobs in industry and government.
Portland State graduates have earned jobs in government, education, finance, and research, including:
- Statistics analyst
- Estimating and pricing specialist
- Software developer
- Institutional research officer
- Management analyst
- Engineering technician
- Risk analyst
- Organization survey analyst
- Insurance examiner
- Financial representative
PSU's program will prepare you to be a strong candidate for graduate, medical, or law school. Math majors are competitive medical school applicants and earn high scores on the LSAT and GMAT exams.