BS in Mathematical Sciences - Applied Mathematics

What is an Applied Mathematics Degree?

Applied Mathematics is a rigorous math program focusing on the theory and application of mathematics to other disciplines such as engineering and the sciences. Mathematics is applied to solve problems such as underground water pollution, traffic jams, inflation, unemployment, and climate change.

Students seeking a BS in Applied Mathematics get a strong mathematics foundation, combined with the study of advanced topics including partial differential equations, modeling, computational math, calculus, and operations research. Whether you want to study the intricacies of discrete mathematics, design neural networks, or develop a better web search algorithm, an applied mathematics degree from Florida Tech prepares you for a variety of professional mathematics careers with strong salary potential.

Gain Practical Experience

Because graduates with an applied mathematics degree are typically employed in scientific, engineering, business, or government environments, applying a mathematics background to the analysis and solution of real-world problems is a valuable educational tool. Research projects in applied math at Florida Tech vary from real-life challenges, which you might find in a job, to theoretical problems that involve proving theorems and developing new theories. In addition, several computational projects are available for numerical solutions and simulations of complicated real-life problems. Students have an opportunity to undertake collaborative research with a peer or professor or work independently on a topic of their choosing. The result is practical experience that is perfect for a job search portfolio or as preparation for a graduate or doctoral program.

Why Pursue an Applied Mathematics Degree at Florida Tech?

There are many reasons to choose Florida Tech as your applied mathematics university. Florida Tech offers students the tools and resources that you expect to find at a larger university, but at a private college in a smaller, more intimate setting. One of the great benefits of Florida Tech is that it teaches math application in areas such as engineering, the physical and life sciences, environmental science, social science, and business—so that when you graduate, careers in all these fields could be open to you. Careers in mathematics are some of the highest-paying, most available jobs for graduates.

Internationally Recognized Faculty, and Personalized Attention

The classes at Florida Tech are small, with fewer than 50 undergraduate students in the program. This small faculty-to-student ratio creates a close-knit academic community and intensive faculty interaction that you will not find at a large university.

The professors in the math department have doctoral degrees, and they (not grad students) teach all classes. They are engaged in meaningful research currently being studied in the field, including stochastic finance, partial differential equations, finite elements, parallel computing, hyperbolic systems, and critical point theory. Professors are always available for advising students, and often counsel the same groups of students through their entire applied mathematics degree.

Located in the Heart of Florida’s High-tech Corridor

Florida Tech is the perfect place for an applied mathematics degree. The 130-acre campus is located on the Space Coast (so named because of the presence of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral just north of us), minutes away from the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America.

The area has the fifth largest high-tech workforce in the country, with more than 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations located nearby. This workforce also provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities.

Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches, and a short trip to the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs, and social activities.

Build Lasting Professional Relationships through Campus Organizations

Beyond the classroom, applied mathematics degree majors build leadership and professional experience through exciting internships and participation in academic organizations like the American Mathematical Society, the Society of Actuaries, the Student Astronomical Society, the student government, and over 100 other student organizations. The student chapter of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics is dedicated to bringing together mathematics, technology, and science to inspire cooperative efforts to fix many of the world's biggest problems.

Infinity Math Club is a student-run group that brings together students of all disciplines to learn more about mathematics and discover new ways of looking at the field. The club holds regular meetings to discuss different projects and theories in math. Being part of a club is an excellent way to network and learn about internships, research projects, and applied mathematics jobs.

How Will a Mathematical Sciences Degree Prepare Me for the Future?

Peerless Study and Internship Opportunities

Applied mathematics internships are available to Florida Tech students from many different government agencies and industries, including:

• The National Security Administration
• NASA
• Homeland Security
• Scripps Oceanographic Institute

These internships provide opportunities for our students to use the skills they've learned in their coursework to develop solutions for complicated real-life problems they'll encounter in applied mathematics jobs.

Superb Undergraduate Faculty-Led Research Opportunities

All students are also urged to participate in research on many topics, including operations research, applied statistics, mathematical modeling, and methods of nonlinear analysis. In their senior year, mathematics students complete a capstone research experience designed to prepare them for graduate school and the careers of the future.

Some of the real-world problems undertaken by student researchers include:

• Underground water pollution
• Traffic jams
• Vehicle aerodynamics
• Rising inflation rates
• Hurricane path prediction

Florida Tech students also work alongside faculty in high-tech faculty research teams. By involving themselves in original research endeavors, our students are better able to conduct research after graduating college and in applied mathematics jobs. Current areas of interest noted by mathematics professors include:

• Mutation rates
• Infectious diseases
• Medical imaging
• Modeling
• Coral bleaching
• Tumor growth modeling