What is Applied math: Definition and 154 Discussions

Applied mathematics is the application of mathematical methods by different fields such as physics, engineering, medicine, biology, finance, business, computer science, and industry. Thus, applied mathematics is a combination of mathematical science and specialized knowledge. The term "applied mathematics" also describes the professional specialty in which mathematicians work on practical problems by formulating and studying mathematical models.
In the past, practical applications have motivated the development of mathematical theories, which then became the subject of study in pure mathematics where abstract concepts are studied for their own sake. The activity of applied mathematics is thus intimately connected with research in pure mathematics.

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  1. EternusVia

    Programs Graduate Programs for an Applied Math major?

    Hi everyone, I'm currently an Applied Mathematics major at a local university. I have finished two years. I'm trying to decide if I want finish my applied math degree or transfer and take up electrical engineering at a different school. On the one hand, finishing my applied math degree...
  2. A

    Is majoring in Applied Math or Statistics more employable?

    I'm debating between majoring in Applied Math or Statistics ( which at the hands on school I'm going to attend, really should be called "applied statistics"). I am required to choose an emphasis for both majors, which i will choose computer science for either. Which major is going to be more...
  3. S

    Applied Math with economics and some programming

    ...so am I screwed in getting a job? For my programming, I learned Python and C++ very well (they're fun). I loved probability. I'm one semester away from finishing. My Math GPA was a bit over 3, but my overall GPA stinks (around 2.6...I hated humanities and I started as a sociology...
  4. T

    Programs New Applied Math Degree (CS Track)

    Hello everyone, I am a senior at a university in Florida. I am currently majoring in Asian Studies and minoring in Applied Math. I am going to graduate this upcoming fall semester, but I am still interested in finishing the Applied Math minor that I started with a new degree that is going to be...
  5. A

    Programs Economics or Applied Math major with better job propsects?

    I'm debating between applied math and economics major. Which has better job prospects?
  6. A

    Is a B.S in applied math employable?

    A little background about myself: I was admitted as Biochemical engineering major at UCD out of high school. I had no confidence in my mathematical ability at the time, but i applied for engineering because i believed I wouldn't be employable otherwise, which I still believe to this day...
  7. T

    Difference in BS and MS Applied Math

    Hello everyone. I'm majoring in applied math and physics and was considering going for a MS in math and later if I can a PhD in physics. I'm not sure if I should pursue a MS in applied or pure math because I will be getting a BS in applied math. I'm not sure what would be the difference...
  8. T

    Career Guidance for Applied Math Ph.D.

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  9. D

    Computer Science with Pure Math or Applied Math?

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  10. N

    Programs What major is best for a career in finance on Wall Street: Applied Math or Econ?

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  11. N

    Schools Best colleges for Applied Math?

    I'm a rising senior and I am looking to finalize the colleges I am applying to. Right now I plan on majoring in Applied Mathematics, probably with a minor in Econ. I'm an Indiana resident, so obviously I'm leaning towards IU and Purdue just in terms of cost. But my parents would love to move...
  12. T

    What jobs can you get with a Bachelors in Applied Math

    So, I am majoring in Applied Mathematics at Fresno Pacific University and was just wondering what sorts of jobs I could get with my major. My school career services is kind of useless to be honest and I've already talked to them... I was just wondering what you all thought? I have always wanted...
  13. T

    Is an Undergraduate in Applied Math with a Masters in Engineering good

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  14. P

    Programs Physics and Applied Math Double Major?

    Hi all! To keep this short(ish), if in the same time frame I could obtain a master's in physics, would it be better to instead get a double major in physics and applied math while taking 5+ graduate courses in physics? The more I think about how applied math interests me, and how useful I think...
  15. J

    Applied Math or Computer Science?

    Hello everyone. Most likely, I will soon be transferring to NJIT and majoring in applied physics. NJIT offers double major programs in applied physics and either applied math or computer science. If I had to pick one out of pure interest, I would probably go with applied math; however, computer...
  16. D

    Applied Math undergrad to pure math grad school?

    The best instate college in my state for mathematics is Georgia Tech. However, it does not have a pure mathematics degree. Can I still go to grad school for pure mathematics as an applied math major? Will it prepare me for pure mathematics?
  17. R

    Schools Types of Applied Math Grad School?

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  18. G

    Possible careers for applied math majors

    I am from Australia and I'm a freshman in Uni (applied math major and minor in computer science) I have no Idea of what I want to do in the future, so I figured to do a math degree because I like the applications of it. I am very interested to work for defence, but I have no Idea of what...
  19. R

    Programs Deciding between Applied Math and Math as my second Major?

    I'm a computer science major. I plan to double in math, but, for a computer science major, would I be better off studying applied math? Right now, I'm not doing as well in my Honors Calculus III course as I have in earlier math classes. (I have a B.) It isn't like anything I did in high...
  20. A

    Math Applied Math PhD Industry Job Prospects

    Hi guys, I'm about to finish my Bachelor's in Mathematics and Statistics and am currently applying to PhD programs in Applied Math/Scientific Computing. My research interests are in PDEs, Numerical Analysis, and Fluid Dynamics. However, I am a little hesitant about proceeding because I'm...
  21. B

    Programs Can a Pure Math undergrad get into an Applied Math PhD program?

    I want to get my undergraduate in Pure math (I've taken and will take some additional CS courses). My question is, would I still be a competitive candidate for a PhD program in computational biology? (mathematical modelling of biological/behavioral/social systems) or should I really get my...
  22. G

    Math Applied math vs. statistics PhD - job prospects

    Applied math vs. statistics PhD -- job prospects I'm a math major considering pursuit of a PhD in applied math or stats when I graduate. I'm trying to ascertain the job prospects in these fields. Can anyone provide some information on how readily jobs are available in industry and academia in...
  23. D

    Stats / Applied Math programs to consider?

    I'll offer a digest version of my earlier post that appeals to shorter attention spans. I'm considering the pursuit of a graduate degree in statistics. My CV in a nutshell: Math Major: 3.6 GPA (in major) GRE: 159 V / 167 Q Research experience: Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS)...
  24. jbrussell93

    Applied Math vs Computational Science and Engineering (CSE)

    I'm a biological engineering major who is starting to lean more towards mathematics. More specifically, I'm interested in mathematical modeling and applying these models to biological systems, geosystems, ecology, etc (mainly scientific problems). I will be minoring in math in order to...
  25. jbrussell93

    Bioengineering -> applied math?

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  26. D

    B.S. Applied Math to Pure Math Grad?

    Hello, I've been pursuing a second bachelor's degree part-time for a while now at a Group III school. I just found out, somewhat unexpectedly, that I might be able to transfer to Georgia Tech (a Group I school) with relative ease to complete my degree as a full-time student. GT is...
  27. L

    Engineering Computational Science MS to Engineering OR Applied Math?

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  28. T

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering Major. Good idea to double major in Applied Math?

    I'm having a bit of a dilemna. I'm currently a senior in Mechanical Engineering and will finish in about 1.5 years. I always feel that ME alone might not be as useful and wish to expand my knowledge in Physics or Mathematics. I'm equally passionate of both, and have thought about minoring in one...
  29. T

    Programs Taking Topology vs. another major for an applied math student

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  30. C

    Programs Are programming skills required to get into an Applied Math PhD school?

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  31. W

    Programs Aspiring Aerospace Engineer BS ME minor applied math?

    I am currently in school for an undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in aerospace (i.e. Aerodynamics instead of fluid dynamics, propulsion instead of applied thermo, and some aerospace electives). I have hopes after to work for an aviation company such as Boeing...
  32. L

    Programs Important classes for an applied math major?

    Good afternoon! I will begin taking upper division mathematics in the fall, and I definitely wish to obtain a Master's right after undergrad, and as for PhD, I'm a bit iffy if I want one (I'll save that for another post in a couple years ^.^) Anyway, I have 4 electives where I get to choose what...
  33. P

    Programs Useful CS classes for an Applied Math major

    I have to take any 3 CS electives for my Computational Mathematics major. I'm thinking about Algorithms, AI, and Database Systems. I can take more if I want to. Are there any particularly useful CS classes? I don't really have a career in mind right now.
  34. 2

    Great Applied Math Books for Mechanics w/Calc & Diff EQ Knowledge

    I have completed Calc 1 - 3 Diff EQ and Linear Algebra and have a degree in Mechanical Eng. I have some free time this summer and am looking for suggestions on a book that deals with applied math at a level somewhat above the courses I have listed. I would like to be challenged and have to...
  35. P

    Applied or Pure Math: Which is More Beneficial for a Chemistry Major?

    I'm just starting out right now as a math and chemistry major. Should I choose applied or pure math as my concentration? I've been told that applied math will help me with chem, and I agree. However, I also feel comfortable with the theoretical side of things, and it's a large part of what draws...
  36. G

    Measure Theory and Applied Math

    I am starting graduate school in applied math in the fall and am trying to decide if measure theory is necessary or important in terms of applied math and if so, what ares of applied math? I have taken two basic real analysis courses through multiple integrals, etc. and would like to focus on...
  37. R

    Physics Exploring Career Paths for Applied Math & Quantum Mechanics Majors

    I'm a 2nd year physics major thinking about switching to applied math with a concentration in quantum mechanics. I was wondering if anyone knew any possible career paths that could arise from this degree, and also if a career in a more econ/finance/business related field would be a viable...
  38. H

    Programs BS Applied Math+CS Minor+MFE vs. BS Applied Math+PhD Applied Math

    I'm still debating my paths of 1) a B. S. in Applied Mathematics with a minor in something computer related (heavily programming-focused, but I don't think I can take something like software engineering as a minor and I don't think I can handle a double major of mathematics and engineering...
  39. MathWarrior

    MATLAB Bachelor's Applied Math - Should I buy MATLAB?

    I just was wondering, I am getting my bachelors in Applied Mathematics. Currently in differential equations, we use MATLAB quite a bit in this class. I know I will likely be taking 2-3 more classes where we use MATLAB should I buy a student copy? Would it have the features needed for undergrad...
  40. R

    Second BS in Eng or MS in Applied Math

    I started this topic in the career guidance thread but realized this is probably the thread where it should be. After graduating with my BS in Kinesiology I realized that I did not want to pursue a career in the field, they were too people oriented and not stimulating enough. So I'm at a...
  41. P

    Choosing Between Math and Applied Math: A Physics Major's Perspective

    I'm a physics major, but I want to do a dual major in either Math or Applied math. Basically the requirements are almost the same, except applied math requires one less and two more courses than the math major. I'd be taking the same electives either way (ODE, PDE, Linear Algebra, complex...
  42. D

    Any Applied Math Graduates here?

    Hello, I'm looking for some people who received their bachelor's in Applied Mathematics to answer a few questions. Any responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
  43. P

    Applied math problem - Law of Mass Action

    Homework Statement 3.3. The equations below come from applying the Law of Mass Action to two reactions. X' = aXY, Y' = bYZ + cZ, Z' = dYZ + eZ. (a) Find the two reactions and determine how the coefficients a, b, c, d are related to each other, if at all. Assume a, b, c, d, e are nonzero, but...
  44. D

    Engineering Engineering or Applied Math for Grad School

    I'm a mechanical engineering and math double major in my last year of undergrad and planning on going to grad school next year. My question: Given that I want to work in industry/the private sector after grad school, how do masters degrees in applied mathematics stack up to masters degrees in...
  45. T

    Programs Which applied math phd program to apply to?

    Hi guys, I am trying to figure out what Applied Math PhD programs I should I apply to this fall. My main interests are in computational science, specifically numerical methods and stochastic methods. My profile is as follow: Undergrad: big state school, solid reputation in math Major...
  46. S

    Math Will I be able to get a job with just an applied math BS?

    I am quite certain I will not be going for a PhD, and after doing some research most job postings seem to be looking for PhD's in math. I am in my second year doing this applied mathematics degree, (It is actually even more focused "Computational Mathematics") but if my job prospects are...
  47. D

    What are some tips for understanding and applying higher level math concepts?

    Hello all, I'm a guy who's bad at maths. I intended to study something easy - like law, history and the like. But I made a last second decision and chose to study something more useful - applied maths in my case. What I'd like to know, is what math subjects should I improve at (if I don't want...
  48. B

    How much is (upper div) linear algebra and algebra needed for an applied math?

    Hello, I'm doing a bit of course planning right now. I'm majoring in applied math, and I'm just wondering if upper division linear algebra and abstract algebra is needed to be competent as an applied mathematician (graduate school bound possibly)? Here are the course descriptions. Algebra is...
  49. A

    Programs Should I Double Major in CS and Applied Math?

    Hi, Just a bit of background first: I'm going to be a sophomore this upcoming school year and my current major is Computer Science. I intend to apply to graduate school for a PhD in CS. However, I've become really interested in getting a double major in Applied and Computational Math as well...
  50. A

    Requirements for Applied Math Grad. Programs

    Hello everyone, I am an undergrad double majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics. I want to say, up front, that I cannot really see myself ever pursuing a degree in pure math. I expect (at least, for now this is the case -- who knows what the future actually holds), that I will stay...
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