Major in Applied Mathematics
Program Overview
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Department Name
Mathematics
Department Chair Name
Department Assistant Name
Mickey Fray
What is an applied mathematics degree?
Students interested in applied mathematics are motivated by finding, exploring and explaining connections between mathematics and other disciplines, applying math to problems that arise in various areas such as science, business and industry, engineering or other fields. Students gain essential skills in programming and mathematical modeling and have the opportunity to apply these skills in other fields.
Why study applied mathematics at Furman?
As a private liberal arts and sciences university, Furman is dedicated to developing identity and purpose, agency and integrity, intellectual curiosity, and civic and global engagement in its students. You’ll work closely with respected faculty, gaining the opportunity to find unique connections between academic disciplines and your individual passions. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
How will you learn?
On campus, your studies will take you from the classroom to the lab, Mathematics Resource Center, Sanders Science Library and a host of other onsite resources. Your studies will also lead you from the campus to the community. The applied mathematics major enjoys a high participation rate in undergraduate research and internships, with many recent projects involving other disciplines such as biology, business, computer science, sports analytics, physics and earth and environmental science. Small class sizes result in individualized attention from faculty. You can also take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, for example, on the one-of-a-kind Math and the Mouse Study Away Experience program, which investigates the mathematical modeling that The Walt Disney Company uses to make their Florida theme parks and resorts run efficiently. Your work will include foundational courses, computer programming, mathematical modeling, proof-based mathematics and custom experiences based on your own academic interests.
Careers for applied mathematics majors
The study of applied mathematics builds skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, digital technology, and teamwork and collaboration, all critical tools to take into graduate school or the workplace.
Graduates with an applied mathematics degree have found success as:
- Business analysts
- Data analysts
- Operations research professionals
- Computer scientists
- Aerospace, biomedical, industrial/systems, civil or electrical engineers
- Lawyers
- Health care professionals
- Chemists
Applied mathematics courses: What will you study?
Sample courses include:
Statistics and Data Analysis in R
Mathematical Models and Applications
What our students say
“The applied mathematics major gave me key experience in research, modeling and programming that served as a solid foundation to build on in my engineering grad program. My job now draws directly on my experiences in creating mathematical models of real-world systems and evaluating their performance, skills I developed in my courses, my May Experience and my summer research experience.” - Zack Miller ’18
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Furman’s mathematics faculty represents decades of study and real-world expertise. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply. You can also reach out to the following faculty members in the Department of Mathematics who have expertise in applied mathematics.
FAQ
Applied mathematics builds an array of skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, teamwork and collaboration, as well as expertise in digital technology. Those are all vital skills to continue your studies in graduate school or enter the job market for a variety of occupations. Many applied mathematics graduates have gone on to thrive in fields like computer science, business analysis, data analysis, actuarial science, consulting, biostatistics, management science, chemistry, engineering, law and medicine.
On average, those with an applied mathematics B.S. earn $62,720 per year, according to Ziprecruiter although some annual salaries have been recorded as high as $148,500 or more.
The B.S. in applied mathematics at Furman is typically a four-year program.
Yes, the applied mathematics major is designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to use quantitative upper-level courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, economics and physics as part of the major. In fact, 69% of applied mathematics majors are double majors.