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Applied Math

If you concentrate on the branch called applied math, your career opportunities are endless. Because the study of mathematics enhances critical thinking and empowers you with an ability to reason both inductively and deductively, it provides a strong background, one sought after by employers. You will be needed to

(a)
understand a problem and a potential solution,

(b)
identify the mathematical aspects of the problem,

(c)
do the mathematical analysis, and

(d)
interpret and communicate the results.

People who have concentrated on mathematics in college are now working in all areas of the government, including the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Commerce. In addition, you will find former math majors in such diverse areas as architectural, surveying, and engineering services, cryptology, robotics, and thermal and structural analysis. Professionals also find that mathematics is necessary to establish frameworks for analyzing problems in biology, ecology, and geology, as well as in the study of demographics.

Such diversity in career opportunities necessitates diversity in course work. The following four sections list suggested courses for those of you interested in emphasizing computers, business, and engineering-related subjects. There are also descriptions of typical jobs in these areas. However, don't forget that a graduate degree in applied mathematics (see Section 5.2.1) can also be extremely valuable for these same careers.





Roger Zierau
Thu Sep 17 13:19:12 CDT 1998