by our College Data Analytics TeamContrary to the popular belief of bored high school students, math is useful in the real world! Applied Mathematics is the study of mathematical formulas and statistics that are used in everyday life.
The broad groundwork of mathematical skills you obtain from this major will be useful for a variety of careers. In addition to math classes, students will take statistics, computer science and physics. Some of the material you learn can be applied to engineering. Classes that you may take will be numerical analysis, optimization theory, calculus, computer science, differential equations, linear algebra, physics, numerical analysis, and systems design.
Concentrations in this major include: Computational Mathematics; Computational and Applied Mathematics; Financial Mathematics; and Mathematical Biology.
Applied Mathematics was the 78th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 11,107 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 5.8% increase in applied math degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 10,462.
This year's Best Applied Mathematics Schools ranking compares 127 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of applied math programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
If you have a knack for mathematics and an interest in learning more, study online to achieve your career goals at Southern New Hampshire University. Our mathematics degree can help you enhance your mathematical abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving in three areas: analysis, algebra and statistics.
BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Put mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems by studying applied mathematics with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
This is a great major for students who are passionate about math and ready to create mathematical models to answer difficult questions. Your courses will include lectures along with labs and computer-based classes. In order to be successful, you will need to think logically and critically. In labs, cooperative learning will take place. Working with your peers, listening to their perspectives and then adding your own input will be critical. You will develop your skills through collaborating with others.
Although math is your primary focus, writing skills will also be helpful. You will need to write clearly as you complete lab report and develop proofs. Students will learn to make connections between their classes as they use mathematical formulas and abstract concepts to form real-world solutions.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic applied mathematics program qualifications, to serve in some applied math careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are various different levels of applied math degrees. Applied Mathematics programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest applied math degree you can get. Different applied mathematics degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to applied math, with approximately 36.4% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to applied math tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 35.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 29.0% |
| Doctoral Degree | 20.8% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 6.3% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 5.5% |
About 57.2% of workers in careers related to applied math obtain at least master's degrees. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in applied mathematics careers have.
This of course varies depending on which applied math career you choose.
With strong mathematical skills, you will be prepared to work in a multitude of careers. Many graduates go into computer science and software development. Other career options are statistician, auditor, mathematician or actuary. You could also go into physics or engineering. Due to their practical knowledge, many graduates find work in the financial field as bankers, financial analysts or advisors. Some of these career options may require additional education.
Want a job when you graduate with your applied math degree? Applied Mathematics careers are expected to grow 11.8% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to applied mathematics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analysts | 328,200 | 10.8% |
| Financial Specialists | 149,000 | 9.6% |
| Mathematical Science Professors | 66,600 | 9.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Statisticians | 49,800 | 33.9% |
Recently graduated applied mathematics students earned an average of $59,929 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $28,025 to as high as $107,203. As you might expect, salaries for applied math graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for applied mathematics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers applied math grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Actuaries | $116,250 |
| Economists | $116,020 |
| Mathematicians | $104,870 |
| Financial Analysts | $100,990 |
With over 776 different applied math degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased applied math school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Applied Mathematics that might interest you.
Applied Mathematics is one of 4 different types of Mathematics & Statistics programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Applied Mathematics | 4,667 |
| Financial Mathematics | 4,612 |
| Computational & Applied Mathematics | 1,164 |
| Computational Mathematics | 383 |
| Other Applied Mathematics | 250 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30,202 |
| Statistics | 9,979 |
| Other Statistics | 644 |
| Applied Statistics | 464 |
Image Credit: By Steven G. Johnson under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
