Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics at RWU moves beyond theory, using math and statistics to solve practical real-world problems in fields like chemistry, environmental science and scientific computing. With small class sizes and opportunities to co-author publications with faculty, our Applied Mathematics program will set you up for a successful career in business, engineering, health care, government and more.
The Applied Mathematics major prepares students for a variety of career opportunities. Just few examples are that many graduates find employment in the banking and investment sector, while others work for consulting, insurance, pharmaceutical, software and service companies; some of our students also go on to graduate or law school.
Several factors distinguish Roger Williams University from the competition. For starters, small class size means more personalized attention from our faculty members. Our students are involved on campus—as math tutors and as members of the Mathematics Honor Society. Unlike at other institutions, our talented students get to co-author math publications with our faculty. In fact, our students are currently working on the Numerical Solution of the Helmholtz Equation for the Pseudosphere, and Foundations of General Relativity and some speculations on the Einstein-Grossmann Collaboration.
Degree Requirements
To read more about our academic offerings, or to view full course descriptions, please refer to our University Catalog.
Student Learning Outcomes
Applied Mathematics majors at RWU are expected to have the ability to:
- Reason mathematically and learn the different areas of applied mathematical study and how at least some of them are applied in various fields
- Read applied mathematical texts and articles with understanding
- Solve interdisciplinary problems using applied mathematical tools
- Use appropriate technology successfully and solve large scale mathematical models that involve systems of matrices, differential equations or integral equations and solve large scale problems through optimization techniques
- Analyze problems and choose the correct technique from their repertoire to solve them, graphically, numerically and algebraically
- Make inferences and generalizations regarding the real life situations that the applied mathematics algorithms are used for
If you would like to find out more about what Applied Mathematics is useful for please look at SIAM's career brochure, or go to the career pages of AMS, MAA and SIAM.
A World of Mathematical Possibilities
Abigail Small, RWU Class of 2020After dabbling in general math coursework, Abigail Small discovered a passion for the real-world impact of applied mathematics. She’s diving deep into sophisticated computational math research into the mysterious workings of neurostimulation treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Read full story
Research Projects
- “The Libra Astronomica and Its Mathematics"
- "Detecting Underwater Objects through Scattering Theory; the Wiener-Hopf Integral Equation"
- "A Mathematical Approach to Assessing tDCS Efficacy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder"
- “Fixed Points in Affine Cipher”
- “The Foundations of General Relativity & Some Speculations on Einstein-Grossman Collaboration”
- "The Numerical Solution of the Helmholtz Equation via the Modified Galerkin Method for the Biconcave Disk ("Bloodcell"): the Mars Project"
Employers
(partial list)
- AT&T
- Boston Medical College
- Raytheon
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Fram Corporation
- HBO Company
Graduate Study
(partial list)
- Brown University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- Tufts
- Cornell University
- University of Wisconsin
- Boston College
- SUNY - Albany
- UMASS Amherst
- UNC Chapel Hill
RISE STEM Scholarship at RWU
RWU offers a scholarship opportunity for students interested in majoring in math, sciences, engineering, computer science or forensic science. Learn about the National Science Foundation RISE Scholars program, which recognizes, supports and empowers a group of academically talented students with financial need as they prepare to enter Research and Industry in Science and Engineering (RISE).
Learn About Health Professions Advising
Are you interested in a career in the health professions and want more information on developing your studies toward professional preparation? Visit Health Professions Advising for resources on how you can explore your options for health professions pathways.