Program Overview

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Mathematics: Applied Emphasis

Overview

A focus on applied mathematics prepares you to enter the job market with an undergraduate degree or to attend graduate school for science or engineering. Applied mathematicians use mathematical models to solve complex problems. Students earning a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with an Applied Mathematics emphasis engage in interdisciplinary study with core mathematics courses and a minor that is independent of the Department of Mathematics. They master a variety of mathematical problem-solving methods. Upon graduation, students are primed to apply their quantitative and computational knowledge and logical thinking skills across industries like engineering, technology, natural science, manufacturing, business and government. Others choose to further their education in science or engineering graduate studies, taking on challenging research projects.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply computational methods; Math majors should be able to apply computational methods and mathematical concepts to analyze scientific problems
• Apply mathematical models to current problems; Math majors should be able to critically evaluate and extend selected mathematical models in the current scientific literature.
• Create valid proofs; Students should be able to identify an appropriate proof strategy and almost always able to create a correct proof using multiple strategies as appropriate.
• Define Terms Precisely; Precision is essential in mathematics, and a crucial skill for math majors is to learn to define mathematical terms precisely.
• Effective communication of results; Math majors should be able to effectively communicate results to non-specialized audiences in written and verbal form.
• Recognize valid arguments; Logical rigor is a critical component of mathematical argumentation. We expect math majors to develop the ability to recognize when arguments are valid, and identify logical gaps and flaws.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• MATH 422: Advanced Applied Analysis
• MATH 456: Applied Partial Differential Equations
• MATH 485: Mathematical Modeling

Career Fields

• Engineering
• Statistics
• Risk assessment
• Management
• Economics
• Institutional research
• Government research

Level of Math

Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

4th Semester Proficiency

Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction. 3. Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level. 4. Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department. 5. An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments 6. A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Science

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

2025, Mathematics: Applied Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

1st Semester

• MATH 122A Functions for Calculus
• MATH 122B First-Semester Calculus
• ENGL 101 - First Year Writing 1 (GE Foundation Composition)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Foundation Second Language (First Semester)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)

2nd Semester

• MATH 129 Calculus II
• Supporting Computer Science ex. CSC 110 Intro to Computer Programming I
• ENGL 102 - First Year Writing 2 (GE Foundation Composition)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Foundation Second Language (Second Semester)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• MATH 223 Vector Calculus
• MATH 313 Intro to Linear Algebra
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Foundation Second Language (Third Semester)

4th Semester

• MATH 323 Formal Math Reasong + Wrtg
• MATH 396L - required with MATH 323 in some cases
• MATH 355 Anls Ord Diff Equations
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Foundation Second Language (Fourth Semester)

Third Year

5th Semester

• MATH 422 Advanced Applied Analysis
• Applied Mathematics Emphasis Sequence Course ex. MATH 454 Ordinary Diff Equations & Stability Theory
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• Minor course

6th Semester

• Applied Mathematics Emphasis Sequence Course ex. MATH 456 Applied Partial Differential Equations
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
• Minor course
• General Elective
• General Elective
• General Elective

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• Applied Mathematics Emphasis Additional Course ex. MATH 475A Math. Princ. of Numerical Analysis
• Minor course
• Minor course
• General Elective
• General Elective

8th Semester

• Mathematical Modeling Course ex. MATH 485 Mathematical Modeling
• Minor course
• Minor course
• General Elective

About the Transfer Mapping Categories

Maps to One Requirement

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.

Can Map in Multiple Ways

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major. This means that the transfer course could meet any of the matching requirements but does not mean it fulfills all matching requirements.

Ask an Advisor

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.