UPEI puts math, stats, and computer science to work

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today the launch of the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences. The new School, and its related suite of majors, offers the region’s most comprehensive undergraduate programming in mathematics, computer science, and statistics.

The UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences was created based on the growing need for university graduates to be educated in developing sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques aligned for market needs; managing and extracting knowledge from unprecedented volumes of data; and integrating mathematical and statistical methods with powerful analytical software and technology tools.

UPEI will begin accepting applications immediately to the new UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences for students who want to begin their studies in September 2016.

“Guided by our university’s Strategic Plan, UPEI is committed to developing transformative programming that provides our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on learning which will enable them to reach their full potential in both the classroom and the community,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

“After strong consultation with educational, industry, and government partners, UPEI has created the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences with a focus on applied areas of mathematics, computing, and statistics,” added Abd-El-Aziz. “This exciting development will prepare our graduates to readily contribute to solving complex problems in data-intensive sectors—such as insurance, pension, investment planning, banking and finance, government service delivery, and supply chain-based organizations— that require highly quantified and analyzed decision making. The performance of these sectors impacts each of us in our daily lives, and contributes to growth of our region.”

“UPEI believes the growth of students with expertise in mathematical and computational sciences creates tremendous opportunities to benefit our students’ personal and professional development, the growth of industry within our region, and PEI’s overall education system,” says Dr. Gordon MacDonald, Interim Associate Dean of the new school and 2015 Atlantic Association of Universities Distinguished Teacher recipient. “The absence of such expertise impedes growth at all levels—from an individual’s potential to that of our communities.”

“I am very proud to be working with such a forward thinking leader as our President and with colleagues who put great effort into making a dream a reality,” said Dr. Debbie MacLellan, UPEI Dean of Science. “I look forward to continuing to work with this team as we make the new UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences the best in the country.”

Students enrolled in the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences gain a strong foundation in mathematics, computer sciences, and statistics in their first two years of study before developing expertise through a major in mathematics, computer science (specialization option in video game programming), statistics, actuarial science, analytics (specialization options in business analytics or data analytics), or financial mathematics in the last two years of their degree.

“I congratulate UPEI as this initiative is another example of post-secondary programming that will help strengthen our university and provide us with a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce,” said Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Richard Brown. “The explosion of data produced by the digital economy means that graduates will be in high demand and lead to countless and diverse career opportunities for them.”

More about the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences:

• Developed to address growing need for university graduates educated in: developing sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques aligned with market needs; managing and extracting knowledge from unprecedented volumes of data; integrating mathematical and statistical methods with powerful analytical software and technology tools; and creating technology needed to enable our world.
• The role of technology and data is ever-changing and rapidly evolving at an unprecedented rate; as a result, society needs more professionals capable of analyzing and interpreting sophisticated data so effective, responsible decisions can be made.
• Majors offered include: mathematics, computer science (specialization option in video game programming), statistics, actuarial science, analytics (specialization options in business analytics or data analytics), and financial mathematics.
• Graduates will pursue strong careers with insurance, pension, investment planning, banking and finance, supply chain-based and ‘big data’-intensive organizations, as well as in government, NGOs, education, and research—virtually any organization that has complex problems and challenges!
• Four-year degree program (which falls under a Bachelor of Science) begins September 2016.
• UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences is accepting applications NOW!