Minors and Certificates

A minor in mathematics, statistics or actuarial science can strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills while complementing a wide range of majors. These programs are a natural fit for students in scientific and technical fields, but they also pair well with majors such as business, education, foreign languages and music. You'll build quantitative reasoning and technical skills that are valuable in many careers and graduate programs.

Our minors offer flexible pathways in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, mathematics education and actuarial science. Learn more about our bachelor's degree program.

For more information, contact:

• Alastair Fletcher (general mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics): afletcher@niu.edu, 815-753-0566.
• Renee Olsen (secondary mathematics education): rolsen2@niu.edu, 815-753-5390.

Programs of Study

We offer five minor options:

• General mathematics: For students with a strong interest in mathematics. If your major is computer science with an emphasis in theoretical computer science, you'll automatically complete the coursework for this minor.
• Applied mathematics: Designed for students interested in mathematical applications in science, engineering and related technical fields.
• Secondary mathematics education: Intended for students pursuing educator licensure in another area who also wish to earn an endorsement to teach mathematics in grades 9-12.
• Statistics: Provides preparation in probability, statistical methods and data analysis through coursework in calculus and upper-level statistics.
• Actuarial science: Combines coursework in accounting, finance and data analysis to prepare students for careers involving risk assessment, financial modeling and business analytics.

We also offer a new undergradute certificate in data science foundations. 

Planning Your Minor

Most mathematics and statistics minors begin with the first calculus course, MATH 229. Due to prerequisites, you'll typically complete courses sequentially rather than concurrently. We encourage you to speak with an advisor early and begin the calculus sequence by your sophomore year.

View complete course requirements for the mathematical sciences minors.

Social Sciences and Business Majors

If you're majoring in the social sciences or business, you're required to take either MATH 211 or MATH 229. Since you may not receive credit for both courses, we encourage you to take MATH 229 if you're considering a mathematics or statistics minor and have the ability to do so.

Future Teachers

It's possible to minor in mathematics and complete the requirements for an endorsement to teach mathematics at an appropriate level if you have a valid teaching certificate. However, teaching mathematics in grades 9-12 requires approximately the equivalent of a mathematics major. Learn more about educator licensure in mathematics.