Applied Mathematics (Purdue degree)

Offered by: Department of Mathematical Sciences This degree program is designed for students who want a broad foundation in applied and computational mathematics. Students with training in applied mathematics are employed in a wide variety of positions in business, industry, and government.

Why choose this program?

From day one as a math major, you'll receive the personal attention and support you need to be successful. As the term "mathematical sciences" correctly suggests, pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education coexist harmoniously within the department. Our students have the opportunity to work with award-winning faculty and often conduct research to expand knowledge in the mathematics as well as apply mathematical solutions to problems in other fields such as engineering, computer science and the life health sciences.

See Math undergraduate programs

What will you learn?

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences. Mathematics is the science of quantitative relationships using numbers and symbols. Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics and business problems. Mathematics is usually referred to as pure (theoretical and abstract) or applied (practical problem solving). Mathematics includes the following specialty areas: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and statistics.

This degree program is designed for students who want a broad foundation in applied and computational mathematics. Students with training in applied mathematics are employed in a wide variety of positions in business, industry, and government. This option is also good preparation for graduate study in fields closely related to mathematics such as computer science, statistics, and engineering.

What will you do?

The college graduate with a bachelor's degree in mathematics can qualify for a broad range of highly paid positions in business, government and secondary education. Banks, insurance companies, oil companies and companies in the computer and communication industries employ many mathematicians, as do almost every bureau and branch of the federal government. A bachelor's degree in mathematics can also lead to graduate study in mathematics or in a variety of other fields such as economics, computer science, medicine, engineering, business and law.

Students with training in applied mathematics are employed in business, industry and government. This option is also good preparation for graduate study in fields closely related to mathematics such as computer science, statistics and engineering.

Degree requirements

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at IUPUI offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mathematics from Purdue University, with a concentration in Applied Mathematics. A total of 120 credit hours is required to complete the degree. General requirements include courses in Core Communication, Analytical Reasoning, Cultural Understanding, Life and Physical Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences. The department also requires students to choose a secondary area of concentration outside of the department. The secondary area of concentration consists of at least 18 credit hours and includes at least 3 courses beyond the introductory level.

There is no single semester-by-semester plan of study for any of the options because flexibility is encouraged within the various programs. However, a sample program plan of study is provided below that shows one possible sequence. Variations from the sample plan of study should be made in consultation with the student's advisor. Because of the complexity of the requirements, and because certain courses are not offered every semester, it is important that each student consult the assigned advisor as soon as possible in order to proceed through a proper plan of study. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 is required in all mathematics courses that count toward the major.

Requirements vary depending on a student's date of enrollment. Details of all undergraduate degree requirements can be found in the IUPUI Bulletin.

Students enrolling in the School of Science in or after August 2012:

Bulletin | Download Checksheet or Plan of Study

Capstone Experience

Students will apply what they have learned in a capstone experience through an internship or a specialized seminar course.

Research

An exciting feature of the mathematics bachelor's degree program is undergraduate research. Our students have opportunities for research in mathematics as well as computer science, physics and the life health sciences in partnership with other disciplines within the School of Science as well as with partners across campus, including the School of Medicine. Students who participate in undergraduate research may work one-on-one with world-renowned faculty and often receive financial support. Research students benefit from personal attention, excellent academic and career advising and the opportunity to explore mathematics outside of the classroom. Learn more about our unprecedented research opportunities.

“I think a lot of these kids need good mentors, people who can help them overcome their fears and really look at a way to help them relate math to their everyday life."

Caris Daily Mathematics, Undergraduate