Applied Mathematics

What it’s about:

In the applied mathematics major, you receive a solid grounding in mathematic as well as professional training in your chosen areas of application. Possible application areas are computing and information science, operations research, systems engineering, control theory, and statistic.

What the study of this major is like:

As an applied mathematics major, you have two homes. You spend plenty of time studying math-in your third and fourth year, you will most likely take at least two math courses per semester. In addition, you’ll enroll in classes in the application areas you choose. By searching for connections between math and its application, you combine knowledge from your two bases. In a kind of conceptual loop, you apply abstract principles of math to your area of interest, and then translate functions of that application back into more general mathematics. For example, in a control theory course, you learn how to construct a feedback mechanism, such as a robot. In a math course, you explore the math behind the mechanism. Your task is to discover the link between what you’ve learned in the two courses.

The material in math courses and in many applications courses is presented in lecture formats. You are expected to spend considerable time outside class getting comfortable with the material. Some applications courses may involve laboratories or computer programming.

Although a Bachelor of Science degree prepares you to start a career, many professionals return for more specialized training by pursuing a master’s degree. Some colleges offer a five-year integrated program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics and a Master of Science degree in your chosen application area or in applied mathematics. Colleges may also have different mathematics requirements. No matter which technical field you go into, a strong mathematical background-one that teaches you to think abstractly and conceptually-is essential. Because technology changes so rapidly, specific engineering skills can soon become out-of-date. If you have a good grounding in math, though, you should be able to adapt to advances in technology.

Career options and trends:

Engineer*; statistician*; actuary; management consultant; financial mathematical analyst.

Demand is always strong for people who are strong in math. Traditionally, jobs requiring a math background have been found primarily in the technical and engineering field; but going forward the best career prospects are for those who can apply math to the life and medical sciences.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors