Close search

Applied Mathematics

School of Science and Engineering

apply  visit  request 

Mathematics and Statistics Department

(440) 826-5944, bstrunk@bw.edu

Share

OVERVIEW

Mathematicians excel in ingenuity, analysis and problem-solving. They're at the forefront of helping to solve some of the world's most complex issues. Baldwin Wallace's applied mathematics major is a STEM program that builds outstanding mathematical, computational and communication skills.

BW's applied mathematics major will teach you to apply creativity - and the theory you learn - to addressing challenges in the sciences, business, economics and other fields.

Comprehensive Applied Mathematics Major 


Our applied math major includes rigorous coursework, practical learning experiences, and a required internship that puts you alongside industry leaders for real-world learning and projects.

You'll gain the analytical, computational and technical skills used by today's mathematicians and take courses in a focused area of study - chemistry, biology, economics, physics, epidemiology or related discipline - that corresponds to your career interest.


Career Opportunities

The analytical ability and critical thinking skills of graduates with a bachelor of science in applied mathematics are in demand in many fields and settings. Proficiency of mathematics can be beneficial to careers in science (such as solving global challenges involving energy sources, climate change and public health) as well as operations research, business and technology. Government and private laboratories employ mathematicians to assist with the development of new technology. Career paths include:

  • Operations Research
  • Data Science
  • Actuarial Science
  • Statistics
  • Operations Analyst

Why You Should Major in Applied Mathematics

Want to make an impact in world by solving complex problems that affect millions of people? Then choose a career in applied mathematics. According to The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, mathematical and computational skills are at the center of solving some of the biggest global challenges.

State-of-the-Art STEM Center

BW's Knowlton Center provides students with innovative learning experiences in engineering, mathematics, computer science and physics that will enable them to explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling and simulation, robotics and optics while connecting with industry leaders.

Image of Knowlton Center

Employment of math occupations is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Mathematician is Top Profession

The job outlook for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to increase by 33 percent from 2019-29, according to U.S. Department of Labor.

Pure Math vs. Applied Math

Practical application is at the core of applied mathematics. It offers a concrete methodology for which modeling, predicting and explaining things in the real world can be done in an orderly manner. Pure math focuses on mathematical theory and is more broad-based. While there is significant overlap and both offer career-preparative benefits, the selection of one discipline over the other relates to an individual's career goals.

CURRICULUM

Courses in the applied mathematics major provide a broad and comprehensive foundation in mathematics. The curriculum also includes a focused study in an area of interest and computer science courses that build computational skills in programming in one or more languages.

A senior project and required internship offer outstanding opportunities to build real-world skills. You'll develop a portfolio showcasing projects that demonstrate both your technical and soft skill competencies. This will be an invaluable resource when applying for graduate school and/or employment.

What You'll Learn

Some of the many skills you'll gain as an applied math major are an ability to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of the following: relevant technical skills in numerical methods, statistics, understanding of the deductive structure of mathematics, coding in relevant programming languages, data visualization and developing models in a related area of interest.
  • Present mathematical models and technical analysis both orally and in writing.
  • Tailor oral and written presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Work in interdisciplinary environments, including the natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics, neuroscience, etc.), economics, computer science, engineering, business and other fields.
  • Work effectively as part of a team.

Related Fields of Study

Applied mathematics is an outstanding companion field of study. It supports and enhances the disciplines of science, business, computer science, economics and health sciences. Students interested in related programs of study may consider:

Course Catalog

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's applied mathematics major. You'll benefit from experiential learning initiatives like research, independent study, internships and co-curricular activities. Opportunities include:

Student Clubs & Organizations

Math Club

The Math Club's purpose is to stimulate interest in mathematics, serve the community and foster a community among students interested in mathematics.

Kappa Mu Epsilon

KME is a nationally-recognized mathematics honorary society. Students are invited to join based on their academic achievements.

Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in applied mathematics. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding annual, renewable scholarships of up to $5,000.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

At Baldwin Wallace, you'll experience personal and professional growth in a supportive community that challenges and inspires you to succeed. Alumni who majored in applied mathematics and pure mathematics report this major is what gave them a critical edge in the workplace in the core areas of analysis and problem solving.

photo of Joel KavarasJoel Kavaras '19 is a naturalist at Great Basin Institute in Reno, Nev. He is applying for doctoral programs in applied and pure mathematics while continuing research he started during his time at BW.

photo of Stephanie EglerStephanie Egler '18 a doctoral student at Case Western Reserve University pursuing a degree in pure mathematics. Her BW senior thesis was published in the Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal. Stephanie is thankful for the continued support from BW professors.

photo of Helen NguyenHelen Nguyen '18 is the youngest analyst in the business intelligence sector at American Greetings. The coding knowledge and critical thinking skills she gleaned from her program at BW helped her become a marketable candidate for multiple jobs.

photo of Sandra ZlojutroSandra Zlojutro '17 is client analyst and product education specialist at Qwickly, an educational software company in Cleveland. Sandra completed an internship with Qwickly as a junior, which paved the way for her employment after graduation.

photo of Devan MacDonaldDevan MacDonald '16 found employment with Progressive Corporation as a marketing process analyst immediately after his graduation from BW. He attributes this success to the supportive faculty who provided opportunities to develop his skills and pursue his interests.

Amy NowackiAmy Nowacki '02 is associate professor of medicine, epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University and associate staff biostatistician in the quantitative health sciences department at the Lerner Research Institute. From Saegertown, Pa., she holds an M.S. in mathematics and a Ph.D. in biostatistics.

FACULTY

Brent Strunk

Chair, Mathematics and Statistics Department
Ph.D., Purdue University

Brent Strunk

Lecturer of Mathematics
M.A., Mathematics, John Carroll University

Barbara Aylward

Laura Croyle

Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Ph.D., Mathematics, University of Kentucky

Laura Croyle

Chungsim Han

Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., Brandeis University

Chungsim Han

Aaron Montgomery

Coordinator, Data Science & Analytics
Ph.D., University of Oregon

Aaron Montgomery

Amy Nowacki

Lecturer
Ph.D., Biostatistics, Medical University of South Carolina

Amy Nowacki

Lecturer of Mathematics
M.S., Statistics, The Ohio State University

Sally Sikorski

Peggy Slavik

Associate Professor
Ph.D., Mathematics Education, Kent State University

Peggy Slavik

Full-Time Faculty

Brent Strunk
Chair, Mathematics and Statistics Department
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., Purdue University

David T. Calvis
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Michigan

Laura Croyle
Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Kentucky

Melissa Dennison
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Illinois

Chungsim Han
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., Brandeis University

Catherine Lane
Associate Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science
ED.D., University of Cincinnati

Maria Mathews
Instructor
Math Placement Administrator
M.A., The Ohio State University

Aaron Montgomery
Coordinator, Data Science & Analytics
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D., University of Oregon

Peggy Slavik
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Core Mathematics Coordinator
Ph.D., Kent State University

Adjunct Faculty

Barbara T. Aylward
Lecturer in Mathematics
M.A. Mathematics, John Carroll University

John Domanski
Lecturer in Mathematics
M.S.E.E., Cleveland State University

Amy Nowacki
Lecturer in Mathematics
Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina

Sally A. Sikorski
Lecturer in Mathematics
M.S., The Ohio State University

Christine Strunk
Lecturer in Mathematics
Ph.D., Purdue University