Nearly every scientific and engineering field needs applied math to make advances. Applied mathematicians team up with all types of experimentalists to accelerate research by predicting unexpected outcomes of experiments, bridging theories among disciplines, and testing hypotheses not easily tested in a laboratory. In our close-knit community, faculty, postdocs, and students work together to apply math to challenging problems in the world around us, collaborating with counterparts in virtually all science and engineering departments at Northwestern, as well as in universities and laboratories throughout the world.
The bachelor of science in applied mathematics provides students with the knowledge necessary to apply mathematical ideas and techniques to a wide array of needs that arise in engineering or science. Our students graduate with a background suitable for employment in industry or for moving on to graduate study in either mathematics (pure or applied) or an engineering field, including computer science and operations research.
The basics at-a-glance
Students must complete 48 courses, including required courses in mathematics, engineering, and science; and core applied math major courses. 4 concentration area courses, 2 technical electives, and 5 unrestricted electives allow students to tailor the program to their area of interest.
Comprised of two integrated course sequences, Engineering Analysis and Design Thinking and Communication (DTC), our innovative first-year curriculum provides students with the fundamentals of a successful engineering education, and lets them experience real engineering early in their undergraduate careers.
Many applied math students pursue dual degrees with another engineering discipline or through dual bachelor’s degree programs with other Northwestern schools. This establishes a solid foundation for graduate studies in applied math or other chosen disciplines, and can be excellent preparation and credentials for careers that require a high level of math sophistication.
The program offers students the option to concentrate in one of the following broadly defined areas:
McCormick’s Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree.
Supplement your degree with programs and experiences that prepare you for the next step in your education and career.
Students in applied math who are interested in finance, consulting, or business management often pursue an certificate from Kellogg to supplement their degree, choosing from either the Financial Economics Certificate or the Managerial Analytics Certificate. Other special programs and certificates are also available to undergraduate students.
Students who conduct research in applied mathematics are incorporated into research groups comprised of faculty, post-graduate researchers, and students from both applied math and various engineering and science disciplines. Projects are necessarily cross-disciplinary and apply to practical engineering and scientific topics.
The Cooperative Engineering Education Program allows students to receive up to 18 months of engineering experience in industry while they pursue a degree in a highly-ranked program. Students also seek out internship opportunities and receive comprehensive career preparation support.
Where do we go from here?
Students who earn a bachelor of science in applied mathematics are well prepared to function as professional mathematicians, excel in graduate study, or apply their knowledge in other areas such as engineering, science, finance, business management, law, technology, or medicine.
While at Northwestern, our students benefit from professional development opportunities that prepare them for the next step in their careers. They have access to internships and extensive career placement resources via both Northwestern Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement.
Where our alumni work in industry
Where our alumni attend graduate school
We encourage you to visit our campus and learn about the Northwestern Engineering first hand.
