Master mathematical and statistical sciences at Clemson University

The School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Clemson University is distinguished for its dedication to academic excellence. Its 55 tenured or tenure-track professors, 40 teaching-focused faculty, 10 post-doctoral fellows, and over 130 graduate students from various backgrounds are advancing original research in mathematical sciences and working with academic and industry partners to spread its impact onto society.

This “high seminary of learning” is an ideal place for anyone seeking to capitalise on the world’s growing reliance on data-driven decision-making. From education and energy to finance and supply chain, these sectors are scrambling for talent in the fields of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment demand for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow much faster than for many other occupations.

Harnessing mathematics for real-world impact

Located in Upstate South Carolina, the school has a unique advantage: a network of industry leaders from various industries (genetics, engineering, and more) and expert faculty members eager to support their fellow Tigers. They provide in-depth training across many disciplines, including pure mathematics, applied mathematics, operations research, and statistics. The programmes are designed to align with industry needs, ensuring you are prepped for high-demand roles that offer career satisfaction and competitive salaries.

The Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences helps students build a foundation in modern algebra, analysis, computational mathematics, operations research (optimisation), statistics, and stochastics, while allowing them to gain in depth knowledge in an area of their choosing. Beyond mastering technical skills, you’ll hone soft skills by joining research projects, publishing your findings, and giving presentations.

If you’re interested in big data and analysis, there’s the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics too. Both master’s programmes prepare students to advance their careers or pursue further study.

Take Stella Self, who earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematical sciences. “My studies at Clemson prepared me well for academia by providing a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics,” she says. “I took diverse courses, including analysis, linear algebra, and stochastic processes, which enhanced my statistical skills. Collaborating on research in fields like urban planning and veterinary medicine was invaluable for my current role at the intersection of statistics, clinical medicine, and public health.”

After graduating from Clemson, Self joined the University of South Carolina as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Biostatistics. Source: Clemson University

Meanwhile, the PhD in Mathematical Sciences programme is all about shaping future academic and industry leaders in this dynamic field. PhD graduates become specialists in their focus areas, gain expertise across various mathematical disciplines, and learn how to teach and guide future mathematical scientists.

For example, PhD graduate Qijun He credits his success as a well-rounded researcher to the “breadth and depth of mathematical and statistical sciences topics and supportive faculty and staff members” at Clemson University. As a research scientist at the Biocomplexity Institute of the University of Virginia, He works with mathematics, statistics, computer science, biology, and pathology professionals to tackle complex issues, like detecting new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) variants.

Chase Joyner is another PhD graduate from Clemson University. His research focused on high dimensional regression techniques for complex data. Today, he’s a data scientist at Teladoc Health, a telehealth company delivering virtual healthcare to members nationwide. Here, he implements machine learning models and runs experimental designs to understand how members behave, using the results to guide business partners towards higher engagement rates.

“Clemson equipped me with statistical modelling knowledge, cross-departmental collaboration, and extensive coding skills, all backed by a strong mathematical foundation,” he says.

Joyner uses machine learning models and runs experiments to drive higher engagement rates for his business partners. Source: Clemson University

A great way to join their ranks is to join the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences’s master’s and PhD programmes. Applying is free, with no GRE scores required. Plus, you will receive support through competitive teaching assistantships, helping you make the most of your time at this R1 research university. The R1 designation is given to universities with the highest level of research activity.

To keep that momentum going, the Division of Research offers plenty of funding options to empower faculty and students to participate in research projects that will shape the future. Past successful projects include the faculty using AI and machine learning to solve major issues like designing personalised cancer treatments and developing/validating digital twins of engineering systems (e.g., automobiles, diesel engines, wind turbines, etc.).

Faculty research areas in the school span the spectrum of the mathematical sciences; e.g., algebra, analysis, computational math, operations research (optimisation), statistics, and stochastics. This allows for the natural creation of unique research groups. For example, the cryptography group tackles issues in post-quantum cryptography, public key systems, and cryptanalysis while exploring differential privacy, distributed computing, and blockchain technology. The computational mathematics group focuses on adaptive mesh refinement, large-scale parallelisation, and finite element methods to model complex systems like ocean currents or the magma flowing through the Earth’s mantle. In mathematical biology, faculty and students study population dynamics, infectious diseases, biochemical networks, and systems biology. Using tools such as graph theory and numerical analysis, they address various biological challenges, providing essential training for future careers in research and industry.

In these research groups and beyond, Clemson is dedicated to delivering the best student experience. Students have a second family on campus and a community that welcomes them from day one. “Clemson’s welcoming and collaborative environment is something I have carried with me in my career,” says PhD in Mathematical Sciences graduate Kara Stasikelis, who now works at Fifth Third Bank.

While at Clemson, Stasikelis focused her studies on Algebra and Combinatorics. But thanks to the extensive training and support she received, she gained the competence and confidence to transition into a career as a Data Science manager after graduation. “Knowing when to ask for help and having professors and peers be available was priceless,” she says.

Apply to the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences today.