The program offers options in discrete mathematics, dynamical systems, and scientific computing. Students will complete a thesis, which includes the presentation of original ideas and solutions to a specific mathematical problem. The proposal for the thesis work and the results must be presented and defended before the advisory committee.

To view the a more detailed list of courses for this program, click here.
Rochester Institute of Technology College of Science

Three degree options available with different course selection; discrete mathematics, dynamical systems, and scientific computing.

Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics, and business problems. The work of mathematicians falls into two broad classes — theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. These classes, however, often overlap. Applied mathematicians start with a practical problem, envision its separate elements, and then reduce the elements to mathematical variables. They often use computers to analyze relationships among the variables, and they solve complex problems by developing models with alternative solutions.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook)

For jobs in applied mathematics, training in the field in which mathematics will be used is very important. Mathematics is used extensively in physics, actuarial science, statistics, engineering, and operations research. Computer science, business and industrial management, economics, finance, chemistry, geology, life sciences, and behavioral sciences are likewise dependent on applied mathematics. Mathematicians also should have substantial knowledge of computer programming, because most complex mathematical computation and much mathematical modeling are done on a computer.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics O.O.H.)

Employment of mathematicians is expected to grow much faster than the average. However, keen competition for jobs is expected. Employment of mathematicians is expected to increase by 16 percent during the 2010–20 decade. Advancements in technology usually lead to expanding applications of mathematics, and more workers with knowledge of mathematics will be required in the future.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics O.O.H.)

Average               Range

Co-op:  $18.00$15.00-$37.00 MS:$60,181         $46,000-$75,000

The ideas of applied mathematics pervade several applications in a variety of businesses and industries as well as government. Sophisticated mathematical tools are increasingly used to develop new models, modify existing ones, and analyze system performance. This includes applications of mathematics to problems in management science, biology, portfolio planning, facilities planning, control of dynamic systems, and design of composite materials. The goal is to find computable solutions to real-world problems arising from these types of situations.

Most often the work involving applied mathematics is done by persons whose titles are other than “mathematician” such as Engineer, Economist, Analyst (e.g. Operations Research), Physicist, Cryptanalyst (codes), Actuary, Teacher, Market Researcher, and Financial Advisor.

Bausch & Lomb inc.; Booz, Allen, Hamilton; Center for Army Analysis; Gleason Works; Global Crossing Telecommunications Inc.; Hewlett-Packard; Institute for Defense Analyses; LMI; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Los Alamos National Laboratory; Microsoft Corporation; NASA; National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; National Security Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics; Thomson Reuters; University of Rochester Medical Center; US Census Bureau, and Xerox Corp.