Applied Mathematics, BS

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics (345001BS)

More on the Applied Mathematics major

Do a Google search for “What is mathematics” and you will find such descriptions as: “the abstract science of number, quantity, and space. Mathematics may be studied in its own right (pure mathematics), or as it is applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering (applied mathematics).”  In our modern world, it is hard to think of many things that we interact with on a daily basis (computers, the internet, or even your cell phone) that do not involve numbers, quantity, or space in some way. This is the reason that of all the STEM fields, arguably the most applicable and generic is that of Mathematics. This makes it one of the most useful fields you could study in order to be prepared for today’s (and tomorrow’s) jobs.

The program here at UA allows you to explore a mix of mathematical topics ranging across the spectrum of mathematical focus areas so that you can gain the expertise you need to succeed in today’s jobs, whether you want to analyze data for Google, work on cybersecurity for the NSA, or be part of an interdisciplinary team solving problems at the cutting edge of science or engineering. The great strength of mathematics is that new applications needed for tomorrow’s jobs are built on the same mathematical concepts you will be learning in your degree program today, and so mathematicians are one of the most employable groups of graduates, with one of the highest self-reported levels of job satisfaction.

Our BS in Applied Mathematics provides a core of mathematics courses that prepare you for in-depth study of mathematical concepts and their applications, while the later courses allow the flexibility for you to tailor your program to your specific areas of interest (both in and out of mathematics).

Our accelerated BS/MS program allows you to earn a BS in Applied Mathematics as well as a Master’s degree in just 5 years, decreasing both your investment of time and tuition dollars when compared to more traditional paths to earning these degrees.

The following information has official approval of The Department of Mathematics and The College of Engineering and Polymer Science, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.

Three year accelerated option: for first time students who have earned credits for at least the first year of courses. Credits can be earned through qualifying scores on appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) exams or through College Credit Plus Program (CCP) courses. Credits for qualifying AP scores or CCP courses are determined by the appropriate academic department. Departments may assign varied course credit, depending on the student’s score on an AP exam or grade in a CCP course. Students may also receive credit by examination or via placement tests, where appropriate.

Requirements

Summary

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Bachelor's degrees require a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation.

Note: A 2.0 GPA in all MATH courses is required for graduation. 

General Education Courses

Applied Mathematics Core

Complete one of the following three focus areas

Focus Area 1 - Computational Science and Mathematical Analysis

Focus Area 2 - Mathematical Data Science 

Focus Area 3 - Foundations

Applied Mathematics Electives

Note:

• A minimum of 14 credits of MATH, CPSC, & STAT must be taken at The University of Akron.
• The courses MATH 135 Mathematics for Everyday Life, MATH 140 Mathematics for Early/Middle Teachers 1, MATH 145 Algebra for Calculus, MATH 149 Precalculus Mathematics; STAT 250 Statistics for Everyday Life, STAT 260 Basic Statistics-STAT 262 Introductory Statistics II, and most CPSC courses do not meet these degree requirements.
• Please see the Graduate Bulletin for BS/MS program information.

Recommended Sequences

Computational Science and Mathematical Analysis

Mathematical Data Science 

¹

This course is required for students completing the Mathematical Data Science Focus Area.  While this class is not required for students in other Focus Areas, the program recommends that all students take it as one of their General Electives to meet the minimum 120 credits required for the degree.

²

While this class is not required, the program recommends that all students take it as one of their General Electives to meet the minimum 120 credits required for the degree.

³

It is recommended that the upper-level applied electives for the Mathematical Data Science focus area be in Statistics or Economics.

Foundations

¹

This course is required for students completing the Mathematical Data Science Focus Area.  While this class is not required for students in other Focus Areas, the program recommends that all students take it as one of their General Electives to meet the minimum 120 credits required for the degree.

²

While this class is not required, the program recommends that all students take it as one of their General Electives to meet the minimum 120 credits required for the degree.