Applied Mathematics

Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences

Department of Mathematics and Physics

Chair: Mark A. Branson, Ph.D.

Description

The applied mathematics major provides students with an array of courses that build mathematical skills. Students graduate with a solid background in mathematics and statistics and the ability to use data to solve problems in various disciplines. Critical and analytic thinking skills make applied mathematics majors highly employable in government, the private sector, and education.

In addition to their core mathematics coursework, students choose a track which allows them to pursue their mathematical interests in a particular field. These tracks are actuarial mathematics, which prepares students to work towards careers as actuaries in insurance, financial, and government careers; business mathematics, which prepares students to work in financial, managerial, and business analysis careers; scientific mathematics, which prepares students to work in pharmaceutical, medical, and scientific careers; and interdisciplinary mathematics, which prepares students to work in educational and more general mathematical careers.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, graduates will be able to:

  1. Solve problems individually and collaboratively using mathematical techniques.
  2. Support and justify results using mathematical reasoning, logic, and proof.
  3. Construct, analyze, and interpret mathematical and statistical models.
  4. Use technology to investigate and solve mathematical problems.
  5. Communicate mathematics clearly in both written and oral formats.
  6. Exhibit behaviors consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. The lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all courses listed in the catalog under "Program Requirements" for the major, including both courses in the major and SEE courses required by the major. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to take a science or math course* unless they earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses.

A student must maintain a science and math GPA of 2.0 or better in each semester in order to remain in good standing within the major. Grades are reviewed each semester and students are notified in writing of their academic status in the major, as appropriate:

  • Probation: The student who earns a science and math GPA less than 2.0 in one semester will be notified, in writing, by the Department Chair that they are on probation in the Fine School of the Sciences. Students who are on probation will be required to meet regularly with their Success Coach/Academic Advisor for at least one full semester after being put on probation.
  • Dismissal: The student who earns a science and math GPA less than 2.0 for a second semester will be notified, in writing, by the Department Chair that they are dismissed from the applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, or environmental science major.

* Science and mathematics courses are defined as courses with the designation: BIO, BIOCH, BME, CHEM, ENV, FSCI, MATH, PHYS, or SCI. 

Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE). Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements:

FYS 100First Year Seminar

1 credit

MATH 220Calculus I

4 credits

MATH 221Calculus II

4 credits

MATH 222Calculus III

4 credits

MATH 312Mathematical Statistics I

3 credits

MATH 313Mathematical Statistics II

3 credits

MATH 326Linear Algebra

3 credits

MATH 418Mathematical Modeling

3 credits

MATH 425Scientific Computer Programming

3 credits

MATH 470Capstone Internship

3 credits

or

MATH 471Capstone Internship

6 credits

MATH 475Capstone Seminar

3 credits

3 MATH electives

Note: Students choosing the 6-credit Capstone Internship (MATH 471) can take one less MATH elective course.

Complete the requirements for the Actuarial Track, Business Track, Scientific Track, or Interdisciplinary Track.

Actuarial Track:

All major requirements and the following electives:

ACC 140Financial Accounting

3 credits

ACC 141Managerial Accounting

3 credits

EC 201Principles of Macroeconomics

3 credits

EC 202Principles of Microeconomics

3 credits

FIN 300Principles of Finance

3 credits

MATH 342Time Series Analysis

3 credits

MATH 420Actuarial Mathematics

3 credits

Business Track:

All major requirements and the following electives:

ACC 140Financial Accounting

3 credits

or

MGT 204Principles of Management

3 credits

or

MKT 206Principles of Marketing

3 credits

EC 201Principles of Macroeconomics

3 credits

MATH 442Numerical Analysis

3 credits

2 Business electives in ACC, EC, FMER, INBUS, IS, MGT, and/or MKT

1 MATH elective (at 200 level or above)

Interdisciplinary Track:

All major requirements and the following electives:

MATH 301Mathematical Structures

3 credits

MATH 321Introduction to Differential Equations

3 credits

MATH 442Numerical Analysis

3 credits

PHYS 215General Physics I with Calculus

4 credits

PHYS 216General Physics II with Calculus

4 credits

1 MATH elective (at 200 level or above)

Scientific Track:

All major requirements and the following electives:

Choose 1 sequence: CHEMISTRY or BIOLOGY

CHEM 114General Chemistry I with Problem Solving

3 credits

or

CHEM 115General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHEM 115LGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory

1 credit

CHEM 116General Chemistry II

3 credits

CHEM 116LGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory

1 credit

or

BIO 112Principles of General Biology

3 credits

or

BIO 113General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics

3 credits

BIO 113LGeneral Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics

1 credit

BIO 114General Biology II: Structure and Function of Organisms

3 credits

BIO 114LGeneral Biology II Laboratory: Structure and Function of Organisms

1 credit

MATH 321Introduction to Differential Equations

3 credits

MATH 442Numerical Analysis

3 credits

2 Science electives in BIO, BIOCH, CHEM, ENV, and/or PHYS

Suggested Course Sequence

2023-24 SCS APMATH Actuarial Track

2023-24 SCS APMATH Business Track

2023-24 SCS APMATH Interdiscipinary Track

2023-24 SCS APMATH Scientific Track

Minor in Mathematics

A minor in Mathematics is available. The minor in Mathematics requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a MATH prefix. Courses ineligible for the Mathematics minor include all courses at the 000 and 100 level and MATH 205 and 206: Mathematics for Educators I and II.

Please see the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Physics for further information regarding this minor. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.

Other Options

Mathematics and Physics Department Honors Requirements: Eligible students majoring in applied mathematics may elect to pursue honors within the Department of Mathematics and Physics. The intention to pursue Mathematics and Physics Department Honors must be declared before the start of their last semester before graduation. To declare the intent to pursue department honors, a student must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and a plan to finish the honors requirements outlined below.

Students graduating with Mathematics and Physics Department honors will have this distinction noted on their official university transcript. In order to graduate with department honors, the following requirements must be met:

Completion of a combination of two experiences in one or both of the following categories and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at graduation:

  • Research experience approved by the department.
  • 300-400 level MATH elective that is not being used to fulfill a degree or track requirements in the major.

BS/MAT Option: The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in applied mathematics who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. For more information on this program please see the Stevenson University Graduate Catalog and the Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog.

Course Descriptions

See Applied Mathematics Course Descriptions