Are you interested in seeking a career as a logistician, operations research analysts, statistician, data scientist/analyst, or a software engineer? University of Providence’s (UP) Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics could be the perfect degree to help you launch your next career. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a balanced curriculum between foundational theory and applied contemporary skills, UP’s B.A. in Applied Mathematics degree prepares students to excel in a wide range of fields.
Why consider the B.A. in Applied Mathematics at University of Providence?
UP’s Applied Mathematics Program is strongly designed to equip students with universally transferable skills. With a curriculum encompassing calculus, computer programming, matrix theory, and probability and statistics, students are prepared with a solid and well-rounded foundation in key areas that rely on high-level quantitative and pattern-based reasoning.
As an applied mathematics major, students are introduced to distinctive applied math courses, such as game theory — a rapidly growing field with applications in economics, business, military strategy, and geopolitics. Through this course, students gain insights into rational decision-making and its real-world applications.
The B.A. in Applied Mathematics at UP is particularly distinctive for its customizable capability, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with theircareer interests. Students can select from a variety of applied math electives to specialize in diverse fields, such as business, healthcare, education, energy, gaming, and STEM, among others. In addition, students can choose to complete their math and computer courses either on-campus or online. For busy working professionals, the courses can be completed asynchronously online, while on-campus students benefit from a traditional live classroom setting. Overall, UP’s faculty is committed to accommodating each student’s needs and interests to foster academic success.
Program Overview
UP’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics degree is designed to build a robust and broad foundation in mathematics, statistics and computer science. This combination of subjects allows students to create, implement, evaluate and communicate complex mathematical models in a wide range of scholarly and industrial settings. The applied mathematics program serves as an excellent foundation for careers in science, research, computer programming, finance, business analytics or sports analytics. It offers students the essential knowledge and skills to develop quantitative models in real-world systems — from the motion of a projectile to the behavior of electrical circuits to predicting insurance payouts.
Applied math majors will learn basic proficiency in computer programming, gain knowledge in Linear Algebra/ Matrix Theory and tools for high-end statistics, data science, computer graphics, and engineering math. Students will also have access to UP’s Computational Lynx Lab, where they will master essential software, such as Octave/Matlab, Geogebra, Python, R, LaTeX, and Sage, using a command-line interface.
The applied mathematics program is ideal for students who did exceptionally well in high school mathematics, and have a passion for mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and logical analysis.
Concentrations & Minors within the Applied Mathematics Program
Within UP’s Applied Mathematics Program, students are able to select from three different concentrations and two minors. Each concentration is designed to best tailor each student’s interest and career aspirations, while the minors are designed to pair well with other University degrees and/or expand upon the applied mathematics degree.
Applied Mathematics Concentration
The applied mathematics concentration is ideal for students who are undecided about their post-graduation plans. This flexible concentration provides a broad overview of the field, allowing students to explore various industries related to applied mathematics. The general nature of the coursework offers students the opportunity to customize their upper-level electives based on their specific interests.
Data Science Concentration
Within the data science concentration, students receive specialized training in databases and the sequel (SQL) programming language, along with additional courses in data mining and machine learning (essential skills for modern data science). This concentration is ideal for students aiming for careers in data analytics or pursuing graduate studies in data science.
Pre-Data Analytics for Healthcare Concentration
As an accelerated concentration, the pre-data analytics for healthcare is offered in partnership with Touro University’s Master of Science in Data Analytics for Healthcare. This concentration is designed as a “3 + 2 model,” in which students can complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years of academic study. In the first three years, students complete 102 credits as full-time undergraduates at the UP campus. At the end of those three years, students are transferred to Touro’s M.S. in Data Analytics for Healthcare program to complete their fourth and final year of undergraduate school, while also commencing their graduate level coursework. In essence, the pre-data analytics for healthcare concentration is ideal for students seeking to fast-track their education and careers.
Mathematical Analysis Minor
The mathematical analysis minor focuses on undergraduate calculus, offering students a universally applicable foundation on the subject. Students can also select two electives to further enhance their mathematical education, with options ranging from probability and matrix theory to computer programming and game theory.
Statistics Minor
The statistics minor is intended to serve as a foundation for students who anticipate careers or graduate study involving research or data-driven decision-making in the fields of the natural or social sciences, medical, business, or sports analytics. Students minoring in statistics will acquire skills in logic, set theory and probability theory. This minor complements majors focused on statistical research methods, such as criminal justice, biology, psychology, exercise science, education or business administration.
Business & Finance Minor
The business and finance minor provides a competitive edge in the job market or in MBA programs. Students acquire a solid foundation in calculus and statistical methods to prepare them for the arenas of insurance, real estate and finance. The business and finance minor is ideal for students who have an ambition to work in high finance or insurance, for those who seek to understand loans and retirement planning for small business management, and/or anyone with entrepreneurial ambitions or interests in personal investing.
Career Opportunities with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics
A bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics exposes individuals to a wide range of career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a strong projection of employment for those with a degree background in mathematics. Some of those employment opportunities include:
- Statisticians
- Operations research analysts
- Data scientists
- Actuaries
- Software developers
- Financial managers
- Computer systems analysts
Additionally, there are numerous other career paths that require strong quantitative skills, including the national research labs (i.e., the department of energy, the department of defense, NSA, CIA, etc.), academic jobs, governmental agencies, marketing research firms, airlines, epidemiologists and more.
Ready to Start Your Career?
If you are aspiring to achieve a career with a mathematical component, such as a software developer, data scientist, business or sports analyst, or financial manager, consider University of Providence’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics degree.
UP’s B.A. in Applied Mathematics equips you with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving fields of big data science and AI. With a solid expertise in computer programming, probability and statistics, matrix theory, linear algebra, and calculus, you will be indispensable and well-suited to perform at a high capacity within your career!
Learn more about UP’s B.A. in Applied Mathematics here.
