Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics

Applied mathematics is the mathematics that is created in response to problems in science, engineering, and society. Applied mathematicians work on a wide variety of topics such as how to construct methods for multicriteria decision making (requiring discrete mathematics and statistics), predicting how the financial markets will behave (requiring probability/statistics, analysis, optimization), and analyzing how liquid flows around solids (requiring expertise in computational methods and analysis). Students with an applied mathematics background are prepared for careers in the insurance industry, electronics and computer manufacturers, logistics companies, pharmaceutical firms, etc.

Career Information: Career information from SIAM. An interesting article in CNN Financial News on the increasing popularity of applied mathematics careers. Information about the mathematics profession from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The American Mathematical Society has a site with career information for (non-academic) mathematicians compiled by the AMS, SIAM and the MAA. The Mathematical Association of America has career information here, and also lists examples of how mathematics is used in the workplace.

The foci of the B.S. program at IIT are in four areas of modern applied mathematics: applied analysis, computational mathematics, discrete applied mathematics, and stochastic analysis. Because the program allows maximum flexibility, the students majoring in Applied Mathematics will have ample opportunity to assemble a portfolio of courses that will satisfy his/her intellectual needs and career preparation. A minor is required and consists of five related courses in an area outside of Applied Mathematics. With a minor in computer science, business, or one of the engineering areas, for example, the student will be well prepared to enter the job market in business or government. Students will also be prepared to continue in graduate school in mathematics.

Download Applied Mathematics Program Information from 2006-2008 IIT Undergraduate Bulletin (.pdf)

Download Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Handbook (.pdf) (updated April 4, 2007)

It is worth noting that which upper-level courses are fundamental to study in the respective areas:

• MATH 400 (Real Analysis), required,
• MATH 402 (Complex Analysis), required,
• MATH 405 (Iteration and Chaos),
• MATH 461 (Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems),
• MATH 478 (Numerical Methods for Differential Equations),
• MATH 486 (Mathematical Modeling I),
• MATH 488 (Ordinary Differential Equations),
• MATH 489 (Partial Differential Equations).

• MATH 350 (Introduction to Computational Mathematics), required,
• MATH 435 (Linear Optimization),
• MATH 477 (Numerical Linear Algebra),
• MATH 478 (Numerical Methods for Differential Equations),
• MATH 488 (Ordinary Differential Equations).

• MATH 332 (Matrices), required,
• MATH 405 (Iteration and Chaos),
• MATH 410 (Number Theory),
• MATH 430 (Applied Algebra), required: 430 or 454,
• MATH 435 (Linear Optimization),
• MATH 453 (Combinatorics),
• MATH 454 (Graph Theory), required: 430 or 454.

• MATH 453 (Combinatorics),
• MATH 475 (Probability), required,
• MATH 476 (Statistics),
• MATH 481 (Introduction to Stochastic Processes),
• MATH 483 (Design and Analysis of Experiments),
• MATH 485 (Introduction to Mathematical Finance),
• MATH 486 (Mathematical Modeling I).

A sample program of study is given below. Note that this is only a guideline and each student should work closely with an advisor to craft an appropriate program of study.

B.S. in Applied Mathematics Sample Program of Study