In Short
Applied Mathematics is the study of mathematics that is often used in other technical disciplines such as chemistry, biology, engineering, physics, economics and computer science.
- Develop effective thinking and communication skills
- Learn to link applications and theory
- Learn to use technological tools
- Develop mathematical independence and experience open-ended inquiry
Program Overview
Students who complete the concentration in applied mathematics will have a strong mathematical background and an emphasis in a second field, and will be able to integrate the mathematics within that field.
The concentration in applied mathematics is comprised of at least 57 credit hours in three main areas: mathematics courses, non-math courses and a minor in another department.
Required Minor in Another Department
A core aspect in applied math is knowledge of another field. The student must also minor in one of the following areas: computer science, psychology, biology, chemistry, economics, geography/earth science or a minor approved by the Mathematics Department. Note: Many of the courses in the minor can be counted toward the liberal arts and sciences (LA&S) courses.
Experiential Opportunities
Internships
Study Abroad
Curriculum and Other Information
- BA, Applied Mathematics Concentration, Mathematics - Program information from the University Catalog.
- BS, Applied Mathematics Concentration, Mathematics - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Four-Year Plans of Study - Required and elective courses for program completion.
Develop effective thinking and communication skills.
- state problems carefully, articulate assumptions, understand the importance of precise definition, and reason logically to conclusions;
- identify and model essential features of a complex situation, modify models as necessary for tractability, and draw useful conclusions;
- deduce general principles from particular instances;
- use and compare analytical, visual, and numerical perspectives in exploring mathematics;
- assess the correctness of solutions, create and explore examples, carry out mathematical experiments, and devise and test conjectures;
- recognize and make mathematically rigorous arguments
- read mathematics with understanding;
- communicate mathematical ideas clearly and coherently both verbally and in writing to audiences of varying mathematical sophistication;
- approach mathematical problems with curiosity and creativity and persist in the face of difficulties;
- work creatively and self-sufficiently with mathematics
Learn to link applications and theory.
- Mathematics students should encounter a range of contemporary applications that motivate and illustrate the ideas they are studying
- learn to apply mathematical ideas to problems in those areas.
- Students should come to see mathematical theory as useful and enlightening in both pure and applied contexts.
Learn to use technological tools.
- Mathematical sciences major programs should teach students to use technology effectively, both as a tool for solving problems
- Mathematical sciences major programs should teach students to use technology effectively, as an aid to exploring mathematical ideas.
- Use of technology should occur with increasing sophistication throughout a major curriculum.
Develop mathematical independence and experience open-ended inquiry.
- A mathematical sciences major should be structured to move students beyond the carefully choreographed mathematical experiences of the classroom.
- A major curriculum should gradually prepare students to pursue open-ended questions
- to speak and write about mathematics with increasing depth and sophistication.