Program Overview

Applied Mathematics, B.S.

The Applied Mathematics, B.S. program at Whitworth University is designed to provide students with practical skills, knowledge, and specialties in their selected fields, including economics, finance, data science, and general applied math. This program produces highly effective professionals with the quantitative skills and expertise required in their areas of interest.

Why Major in Applied Mathematics at Whitworth?

Students majoring in applied mathematics at Whitworth have the opportunity to:

• Get to know their professors through research opportunities, study abroad programs, and department events
• Develop applied skills that will prepare them for a job in their major
• Learn to program computers and conduct research in different areas of applied mathematics
• Develop transferable skills that are important in many career fields and in life
• Challenge themselves to become critical thinkers through analysis, reasoning, evaluation, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Discover their career path through the Career & Vocation Seminar, visiting workplaces and exploring the array of options available
• Learn to work with data, analyzing it, extending patterns, and making logical arguments about its significance
• Have fun and build community with fellow students through clubs, service-learning opportunities, and social events
• Connect their faith with their learning, incorporating their worldview into classes

Faculty

The mathematics and computer science department at Whitworth University includes faculty members with various areas of expertise, such as:

• Associate Professor Diana Schepens, specializing in general applied math
• Professor Kent Jones, with areas of expertise in bioinformatics and computer engineering
• Associate Professor Martha Gady, specializing in math education and statistics
• Assistant Professor Kelsey Marcinko, with a favorite area of research in mathematical ecology and expertise in scientific computing and numerical methods

Career Opportunities

Graduates in applied math can pursue a wide variety of vocations within large corporations, financial sectors, and research teams. Many graduates find employment right away as financial analysts, specialists in firms, data scientists, or mathematicians. Others choose to attend graduate school to further their careers. Recent job placements include:

• Victoria Roberts, portfolio evaluation analyst, Fisher Investments, Camas, Wash.
• Joyce Merkel, foreign exchange trader and vice president, U.S. Bank, Chicago, Ill.
• Scott Mayfield, director of financial planning & analysis, Hawk Ridge Systems, Mountain View, Calif.

Graduate Studies

Recent graduates have furthered their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

• Claremont McKenna College
• Clemson University
• Colorado School of Mines
• Georgia State University
• Michigan State University
• North Carolina State University
• Northwestern University
• Oregon State University
• Portland State University
• University College of London
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Washington
• US Davis

Opportunities Outside the Classroom

Students can engage in various activities outside the classroom, such as:

• Tutoring fellow Whitworth students at the math homework hangout or working as a teaching assistant for a Calculus class
• Applying for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
• Participating in the national Putnam and Kryptos competitions
• Bringing textbooks to life through the Math History study abroad program, visiting places where famous mathematicians lived and worked in England and Germany

Tracks

The Applied Mathematics, B.S. program offers four tracks based on students' interests and career goals:

• Mathematical Economics
• Mathematical Finance
• Data Science
• General Track

Related Majors

Students can also explore related majors, including:

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Finance
• Economics