Applied Mathematics (B.S.)
Applied mathematicians develop and utilize mathematically rigorous methods, modeling insights, and computational algorithms to solve real-world problems for science, engineering, and society.
Applied mathematics is created in response to problems in science, engineering, and society. As an applied mathematician, you will be able to solve problems across career fields, using a variety of mathematical strategies. For example, constructing methods for multicriteria decision making requires discrete mathematics and statistics. Predicting how the financial markets will behave requires probability/statistics, analysis, and optimization. Analyzing how liquid flows around solids requires expertise in computational methods and analysis. Prepare for careers in insurance, electronics and computer manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and more with an applied mathematics background.
Illinois Tech's active learning approach is adept at preparing applied mathematics majors to use their skills to the fullest potential. The active learning approach requires teams of students from across disciplines to work together and solve problems, exposing students to a vast field of study.
Program Overview
Applied mathematics at Illinois Tech allows maximum flexibility, with strengths in contemporary applied topics. Our graduates work in a wide variety of career fields and they go to excellent graduate programs. Dual majors in mathematics and another field are common.
Career Opportunities
Prepare for work in financial and insurance companies as analysts, at computer companies as programmers and hardware developers, and in many different fields as researchers, as well as academia. Illinois Tech graduates have gone to excellent graduate schools in mathematics (pure, applied, and financial), physics, design, accounting, and M.B.A. programs. Additional areas of employment include:
- Actuary
- Statistician
- Federal government (multiple agencies and departments)
Admission to Illinois Tech is required to enroll in the B.S. in applied mathematics program. Consult your academic adviser to transfer into the program.
The applied mathematics programs at Illinois Tech are strong in contemporary topics to satisfy both intellectual pursuits and career preparation. Develop skills in logic and abstraction, and also learn advanced tools for analyzing modern problems.
- Stochastics (for financial mathematics, turbulent flows, climate change)
- Computational Mathematics (for fast, accurate algorithms)
- Applied Analysis (complex fluids and materials, multiscale analysis)
- Discrete Mathematics (networks, data reliability, statistical inference)
- Statistics (uncertainty quantification, nontraditional data)
A minor is required to complete the degree program, offering enough background to understand how to apply mathematics appropriately in another field. Be well prepared to enter the job market in business or government with a minor in computer science, business, or an engineering area.
Pursuing a dual major with applied mathematics is not uncommon, particularly when there is considerable overlap between requirements for the two programs, such as computer science, physics, and statistics.
Other attractions include:
- Personal attention and small class size
- A weekly departmental colloquium featuring experts from all over the world
- Several research seminars in which students and faculty discuss their latest research
- A vibrant and enthusiastic student community that supports four active student organizations: the IIT SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), IIT AWM (Association for Women in Mathematics), and IIT AMSTATS (Statistics) student chapters, and the Machine Learning Club
- The world-class city of Chicago
Program Specializations
- Applied Analysis
- Computational Mathematics
- Discrete Applied Mathematics
- Mathematical Finance
- Stochastics
Not what you're looking for? View all of Illinois Tech's programs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computation, and data science.