Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics - STEM Designated

Applied mathematics is created in response to problems in science, engineering, and society. As an applied mathematician, you will be able to solve problems across career fields, using a variety of mathematical strategies. For example, constructing methods for multicriteria decision making requires discrete mathematics and statistics. Predicting how the financial markets will behave requires probability/statistics, analysis, and optimization. Analyzing how liquid flows around solids requires expertise in computational methods and analysis. With an applied mathematics background, you are prepared for careers in insurance, electronics and computer manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Illinois Tech's active learning approach is adept at preparing applied mathematics majors to use their skills to the fullest potential. The active learning approach requires teams of students from across disciplines to work together and solve problems, exposing students to a vast field of study.

Program Overview

Applied mathematics at Illinois Tech allows maximum flexibility, with strengths in contemporary applied topics. Our graduates work in a wide variety of career fields and they go to excellent graduate programs. Dual majors in mathematics and another field are common.

The applied mathematics programs at Illinois Tech are strong in contemporary topics to satisfy both intellectual pursuits and career preparation. Develop skills in logic and abstraction, and also learn advanced tools for analyzing modern problems.

• Stochastics (for financial mathematics, turbulent flows, climate change)
• Computational Mathematics (for fast, accurate algorithms)
• Applied Analysis (complex fluids and materials, multiscale analysis)
• Discrete Mathematics (networks, data reliability, statistical inference)
• Statistics (uncertainty quantification, nontraditional data)

A minor is required to complete the degree program, offering enough background to understand how to apply mathematics appropriately in another field. Be well prepared to enter the job market in business or government with a minor in computer science, business, or an engineering area.

Pursuing a dual major with applied mathematics is not uncommon, particularly when there is considerable overlap between requirements for the two programs, such as computer science, physics, and statistics.

Other attractions include:

• Personal attention and small class size
• A weekly departmental colloquium featuring experts from all over the world
• Several research seminars in which students and faculty discuss their latest research
• A vibrant and enthusiastic student community that supports four active student organizations: the IIT SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), IIT AWM (Association for Women in Mathematics), and IIT AMSTATS (Statistics) student chapters, and the Machine Learning Club
• The world-class city of Chicago

Program Specializations

• Applied Analysis
• Computational Mathematics
• Discrete Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Finance
• Stochastics

Why Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the country

As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).

We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.

Want some more great reasons?

• On top of our institutional scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
• We’re the #44 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
• 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
• The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $63,938

Located in the great global city of Chicago, Illinois Tech is a top-tier, nationally ranked, private research university with programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, design, science, business, human sciences, and law. As Chicago’s only comprehensive tech-focused university, Illinois Tech offers a bachelor of science, master of science, professional master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as certificates, in in-demand STEM fields and other areas of innovation. Options include in-person, hybrid, and online courses. Undergraduate students can take part in dual-degree and pre-med/pre-health programs, as well as Illinois Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program, which allows them to receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as few as five years.

Illinois Tech is the only university to offer all students the Elevate program. Elevate guarantees that students participate in hands-on experiences—internships, research, competitions, study away, career-focused short courses, and more—that empower them with the twenty-first-century skills that employers seek. Elevate also ensures students receive personalized academic and career mentorship from a team of advisers and are uniquely career-ready upon graduation.

Illinois Tech is ranked #1 in Illinois among private colleges for return on investment (after aid, PayScale) and is the #44 ranked best value school in the United States (U.S. News & World Report). Illinois Tech graduates achieve a 92.8% employment rate within six months of graduation (2021 class). Its alumni include the inventor of the cell phone, the pioneer of barcode technology, and the head scientist for Amazon Alexa, among other leaders.

Students enjoy studying and living on a historic campus just minutes from downtown Chicago, which offers networking, internship, and career opportunities. Less than a mile from Lake Michigan’s stunning beaches, Illinois Tech’s campus has been acclaimed as “one of America’s most beautiful college campuses.” Illinois Tech students come from more than 106 countries and all 50 states.