Applied Mathematics Academic Programs
Undergraduate
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, and more.
» More about Careers
Our graduates work in financial and insurance companies as analysts, computer companies as programmers and hardware developers, and in many different fields as researchers, as well as academia. They have have gone to excellent graduate schools in mathematics (pure, applied, & financial), physics, design, accounting, and M.B.A. programs.
To get an idea of what you can do with a degree in applied mathematics:
- "Thinking of a Career in Applied Mathematics?" and more from SIAM on Careers & Jobs
- An interesting article in CNN Financial News on the increasing popularity of applied mathematics careers, and one on the growing role of mathematics applications from the point of view of the business world.
- 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. (Also this and this.)
- The Mathematical Association of America has career information for members, lists examples of how mathematics is used in the workplace, and published the book 101 Careers in Mathematics (and their review).
- This Wall Street Journal article states the best careers use math extensively, based on a range of factors, from quality of worklife to salary to career prospects.
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries have some of the best jobs in the country according to CareerCast, a job-seeker assistance website.
For current IIT students looking into jobs, internships, or graduate school, there is specific/directed information here:
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, students majoring in Applied Mathematics have ample opportunity to assemble a portfolio of courses that will satisfy both 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 applied mathematics.
» Applied Mathematics Specializations
» Required Courses
| Credits | |
| Applied Mathematics Requirements MATH 100, 151, 152, 230, 251, 252, 332, 350 (or 471), 400, 402, (430 or 454), 475 Updated 4/2/07: 461 no longer required, (430 or 454) added | 41 |
| Applied Mathematics Electives* | 18 |
| Humanities and Social Science Requirements | 21 |
| Minor Subject Requirements 5 related courses from departments other than Applied Mathematics | 15 |
| Interprofessional Projects IPRO 397, 497 | 6 |
| Computer Science Requirement (CS 115 and 116) or (CS 105 and 201) | 4 |
| Science Requirement PHYS 123 | 4 |
| Science Electives | 10 |
| Free Electives | 9 |
| Total credit hours | 128 |
» Sample Program of Study
| 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Handbook
(updated December 2012)
IIT Undergraduate Bulletin
including official guidelines, which depend on when the student begins
For Undergraduates
The undergraduate experience in the applied mathematics typically goes far beyond just classes. Students participate in math contests, do research, attend conferences, eat pizza incessantly...
More for undergraduates »
Dual Degree: Bachelor / Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
A typical MS degree requires 2 years after the BS degree. This program can potentially reduce the time to an MS degree by up to at least one year for select students with sufficient AP or transfer credits.
More information on BS/MS Degree »