Applied Mathematics

Bachelor of Science Degree

Applied mathematics is a field that develops and employs a variety of mathematical methods and techniques in order to describe and predict the behavior of systems encountered in science and industry. For example, mathematical and numerical modeling allows engineers to simulate the behavior of many complex systems without having to construct expensive physical models. A degree in applied mathematics appeals to individuals who are interested in applying their mathematical and problem solving skills to real world problems.

There is a need nationally for individuals with rigorous training in applied mathematics, both in industrial and academic settings. Our graduates acquire the necessary mathematical skills to help meet this demand. We are one of three SUNY campuses offering a degree in Applied Mathematics.

People with training in applied mathematics obtain employment in fields as diverse as finance, aerospace, oil exploration and extraction, manufacturing, quality assurance, geology, the actuarial sciences, communications, and computing. They pursue careers in business, industry, government, and academia. Specific job categories include statistician, programmer analyst, cryptographer, reliability analyst, computer modeler, biological systems analyst, and financial analyst.

Depending upon future goals, students may structure their coursework with an emphasis on preparation for graduate school or for more immediate employment. Those who wish to further their study of mathematics may obtain a strong background in the more rigorous and abstract aspects of mathematics. Partial Differential Equations, Real Analysis, Vector and Tensor Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Mathematics are courses available for students with this interest. For those wishing to pursue careers immediately upon graduation, a rich background in those courses especially suitable to industry may be obtained. Courses supporting this area of study include Mathematical Modeling, Electromagnetism, Numerical Differential Equations, Numerical Linear Algebra, Numerical Computing, Statistics, and Probability.

Students may also work individually with faculty members to pursue special interests outside of our scheduled courses. Students have worked with faculty in areas including fractals and chaos, computational  holography, detection and estimation in radar systems, and graph theory.

Students are also encouraged to receive academic credit through our Applied Math internship. This provides interested students the opportunity to work with local companies, putting their mathematics skills to work in applied settings.

Degree Requirements Overview

  • Satisfactory completion of at least 124 semester hours of college-level work.
  • Achievement of at least a “C” cumulative grade point average in all coursework taken at SUNYIT.
  • Satisfactory completion of the Core Mathematics Courses with an average grade of “C” or higher.

B.S. in Applied Mathematics—124 total credits

Students shall satisfy the requirements listed below.

I. SUNY General Education Requirements (30 credits)

All SUNY students must satisfy the following requirements.

No fewer than 30 credits must be attained from the SUNY approved General Education Course List with the following provisions:

  • Mathematics (Calculus I MAT 151 recommended)
  • Basic Communication (ENG 101 or equivalent)

At least five (5) out of the following eight (8) SUNY General Education categories:

  • Natural Science (recommend PHY 201: Physics 1 w/lab, PHY 101 accepted)
  • Social Science 
  • American History
  • Western Civilization
  • Other World Civilization
  • Humanities
  • The Arts
  • Foreign Language

NOTE: You may take more than one course in a given category to complete this 30 credit hour requirement, but you must also satisfy the appropriate number of categories.

II. Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirements (no fewer than 30 credits) 

The New York State Education Department (SED) requires a student earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree to attain no fewer than 60 credits of combined SUNY General Education and Liberal Arts/Sciences courses. There may be overlap between courses meeting the SUNY General Education Requirements, SUNYIT Degree Requirements, Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirements, and Program courses; but a student may receive course credits only once even if multiple requirements are satisfied by a single course. The total number of combined credit hours must be no fewer than 60 credits.

SUNYIT degree requirements:

  • Natural Sciences – one course which may be a General Education Natural Science course (Physics I w/lab – PHY 201 (recommended) or PHY 101 (accepted))
  • Upper-Division Writing Course 

Specific requirements for BS in Applied Mathematics majors:

  • Natural Science – Physics I and Physics II (PHY 201 & PHY 202 (recommended) or PHY 101 & PHY 102 (accepted))
  • Computer Language (3-4 credits)
  • Computer Science course (3-4 credits)

Liberals Arts/Sciences Electives (remainder of credits)

III. Core Mathematics Coursework

  • MAT 151 Calculus I (Differential Calculus)
  • MAT 152 Calculus II (Integral Calculus)
  • MAT 253 Calculus III (Multivariate Calculus)
  • MAT 260 Ordinary Differential Equations and Series Solutions
  • MAT 340 Linear Algebra
  • MAT 370 Applied Probability
  • MAT 381 Modern Algebra
  • MAT 420 Complex Variables and Their Applications
  • MAT 425 Real Analysis

IV. Restricted Electives (3 courses from the following)

  • MAT 335 Mathematical Modeling
  • MAT 345 Introduction to Graph Theory
  • MAT 413 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
  • MAT 423 Vector and Tensor Calculus
  • MAT 430 Number Theory & Its Applications
  • MAT 450 Partial Differential Equations
  • MAT 460 Numerical Differential Equations
  • MAT 490 Special Topics in Mathematics
  • MAT 491 Independent Study
  • MAT 492 Applied Mathematics Internship
  • PHY 361 Intermediate Mechanics 
  • PHY 371 Electromagnetism
  • CS 420 Numerical Computing 

IV. Unrestricted Electives (remainder of credits)