What is Applied Mathematics?

If you enjoy taking mathematics and aspire to use it to solve real-life problems, then earning a degree in applied mathematics may be the right major for you. Covering multiple subjects, students who earn a degree in applied mathematics leave college prepared for a career in a wide range of fields. Keep reading to learn more about applied mathematics, what the degree entails, and how you can pave a successful career path.

What is Applied Mathematics?

In the world of math, there are different paths students can take, whether that is choosing pure mathematics or applied mathematics. What is the difference between pure math vs. applied math? While “pure” math describes studying or working in the field of theoretical or abstract mathematics to further mathematical knowledge, applied mathematics is the application of mathematical methods in various fields, such as physics, computer science, engineering, business, biology, information technology, and much more.

No matter where applied mathematics majors find themselves in the workforce, they can expect to do one thing: problem-solve. Whether calculating how a disease might spread in populated areas or allocating an investment among various financial instruments, applied math majors can plan to configure solutions for various issues depending on their field and role. With this in mind, students will want to ensure they choose the right college and program that prepares them with solid mathematics education and skillset while offering valuable hands-on learning experiences. 

Required coursework

Designed for students who are interested in mathematics and real-world problem-solving, applied mathematics programs set students up for success as they begin their careers with a fulfilling and comprehensive curriculum. While the general education may vary based on each college and university, students can expect to receive a general education that offers core courses such as:

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Calculus II
• Computer science
• Data analytics
• Differential equations
• Game theory
• Mathematical proofs
• Numerical analysis
• Research methods
• Seminar
• Statistics

With the primary goal of finding solutions to problems that arise in various fields, applied mathematics requires knowledge of different mathematical methods and techniques. To ensure students can overcome the challenges of problem-solving, they can expect to learn techniques such as mathematical modeling and computational mathematics in their courses. With mathematical modeling, mathematicians create a mathematical representation to make predictions or provide new insight into a real-world scenario. For example, these models can help predict disease transmission rates, assist in policy and decision-making, or optimize economic growth. Similarly, computational mathematics uses math and computers to evaluate data, make predictions, and solve problems. Both of these techniques give applied mathematicians the power to understand better how the world works so they can find ways to improve it.

While these techniques may sound challenging, students have access to a wide variety of resources, one being the expert faculty they work alongside. For instance, students enrolled in North Central College’s applied mathematics program receive the support and guidance needed to stay on track, thanks to accessible professors and smaller class sizes. “We teach them how to think mathematically,” stated Matthew A. Pons, professor of mathematics at North Central College. “That means we teach them to consider multiple angles for a given problem/situation, to consider the tools they have at their disposal, or to explore new tools if they need to broaden their scope.” North Central College’s math faculty are also committed to helping students receive valuable hands-on learning experiences, whether that is attending local, regional, and national professional conferences or interning in the Naperville area or Chicago.