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Program Overview
Applied Mathematics Bachelor of Science Degree
Overview
Solve real-world problems in GPS, manufacturing, encryption, and more with RIT’s applied mathematics bachelor’s degree.
Why Study Applied Mathematics at RIT
- Career Connections: The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts a career fair for students to connect with National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers.
- Jobs at Industry Leading Companies: Recent applied mathematics graduates employed at Google, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, JP Morgan Chase, and Northrop Grumman Corporation.
- Campus Community: Join PiRIT, a student club that fosters a community of students and faculty in mathematics and statistics.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.
- STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
What is Applied Mathematics?
Mathematicians use theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics, and business problems. Applied mathematics starts with a practical problem, envisions its separate elements, and then reduces the elements to mathematical variables. Applied mathematicians often use computers to analyze relationships among the variables, and they solve complex problems by developing models with alternative solutions.
RIT’s BS Applied Mathematics
RIT’s applied mathematics bachelor’s degree focuses on the study and solution of problems that can be mathematically analyzed across industrial fields and research disciplines. While studying applied mathematics, you will gain the knowledge and skills to collaborate on complex problems with scientists, engineers, computer specialists, and other analysts. Some areas in which you will practice applied mathematics include:
- Applied statistics
- Biology
- Business
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering
- Operations research
- Imaging science
Real-World Experiences in Applied Mathematics
In RIT’s applied mathematics bachelor’s degree, you’ll collaborate with a faculty researcher on a variety of projects in both applied and theoretical mathematics providing you with valuable exposure to real-world problems faced by America's top companies and research organizations. As a result, RIT undergraduates in mathematics are highly sought after for co-op positions.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work with researchers in the School of Mathematics and Statistics studying interesting problems in areas such as computational photonics, mathematical biology, microelectromechanical systems, and network analysis.
RIT’s science co-ops include cooperative education and internships, lab work, undergraduate research, and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in a professional setting, while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Furthering Your Education in Applied Mathematics
Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees
Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
- Applied Mathematics BS/Applied and Computational Mathematics MS: In this accelerated dual-degree program, you’ll first learn the foundations of mathematical analysis needed to solve the broad spectrum of complex problems that arise in industry and practice. With a strong background established, you’ll dive deep in mathematical models and methodologies with additional computational training during your master’s degree to create sophisticated mathematical tools for use in fields such as data analytics, engineering, biology, manufacturing, financial planning, and more.
- +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
Advanced Degrees in Mathematics
RIT’s School of Mathematics and Statistics introduces applied mathematics bachelor’s degree students to rigorous advanced applied mathematical and statistical methodology as a tool in the study of exciting problems in science, business, and industry. Many undergraduate students choose to continue their education with one of RIT's advanced degrees in mathematics, such as:
- Advanced Certificate in Applied Statistics
- MS in Applied Statistics
- MS in Applied and Computational Mathematics
- Ph.D. in Mathematical Modeling
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
- Actuarial Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Quality Assurance Inspector
- Software Engineer
- Senior Technician
- Forecast Analyst
- Systems Operations Engineer
Industries
- Biotech and Life Sciences
- Defense
- Government (Local, State, Federal)
- Insurance
- Internet and Software
- Investment Banking
- Telecommunications
Cooperative Education
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Science co-ops include a range of hands-on experiences, from co-ops and internships and work in labs to undergraduate research and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide the hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
National Labs Career Events and Recruiting
The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.
Curriculum
Applied Mathematics, BS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- CSCI-101: Principles of Computing (General Education)
- MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
- MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
- MATH-199: Mathematics and Statistics Seminar
- YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
- General Education – Elective
- General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
- General Education – Artistic Perspective
- General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective
- Second Year
- MATH-200: Discrete Mathematics and Introduction to Proofs
- MATH-231: Differential Equations
- MATH-251: Probability and Statistics I
- MATH-399: Mathematical Sciences Job Search Seminar
- STAT-257: Statistical Inference
- MATH-241: Linear Algebra
- General Education – Ethical Perspective
- General Education – Global Perspective
- General Education – Social Perspective
- General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
- Third Year
- MATH-431: Real Variables I
- Program Electives
- General Education – Immersion 1, 2
- Open Electives
- General Education – Elective
- Fourth Year
- MATH-411: Numerical Analysis
- MATH-421: Mathematical Modeling (WI-PR)
- MATH-441: Abstract Algebra I
- MATH-501: Experiential Learning Requirement in Mathematics
- General Education – Immersion 3
- General Education – Electives
- Program Elective
- Open Electives
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Applied Mathematics, BS degree/Applied and Computational Mathematics (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- CSCI-101: Principles of Computing (General Education)
- MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
- MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
- MATH-199: Mathematics and Statistics Seminar
- YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
- General Education – Elective
- General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
- General Education – Artistic Perspective
- General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective
- Second Year
- MATH-200: Discrete Mathematics and Introduction to Proofs
- MATH-231: Differential Equations
- MATH-251: Probability and Statistics
- MATH-399: Mathematical Sciences Job Search Seminar
- STAT-257: Statistical Inference
- MATH-221: Multivariable and Vector Calculus (General Education)
- MATH-241: Linear Algebra
- General Education – Ethical Perspective
- General Education – Global Perspective
- General Education – Social Perspective
- General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
- Third Year
- MATH-431: Real Variables I
- Program Electives
- General Education – Immersion 1, 2
- Open Electives
- General Education – Elective
- Fourth Year
- MATH-411: Numerical Analysis
- MATH-421: Mathematical Modeling (WI-PR)
- MATH-441: Abstract Algebra I
- MATH-501: Experiential Learning Requirement in Mathematics
- MATH-606: Graduate Seminar I
- MATH-607: Graduate Seminar II
- Math Graduate Core Electives
- General Education – Immersion 3
- General Education – Elective
- Open Electives
- Fifth Year
- MATH-790: Research and Thesis
- MATH Graduate Electives
Admissions and Financial Aid
First-Year Admission
First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies and/or history
- 4 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus ispreferred.
- 2-3 years of science is required and must include chemistryor physics; both arerecommended.
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:
- A minimum of precalculus is required. Calculus ispreferred.
- Chemistry or physics is required.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Faculty
- Michael Cromer
- Kara Maki
- Carl Lutzer
- Akhtar Khan
Research
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Many students join research teams and engage in research projects starting as early as their first year. Participation in applied mathematics research leads to the development of real-world skills, enhanced problem-solving techniques, and broader career opportunities. Our students have opportunities to travel to national conferences for presentations and also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts. Explore the variety of mathematics and statistics undergraduate research projects happening across the university.
