BS in Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Find Solutions Through the Power of Numbers

"Crunching the numbers" to find solutions has come a long way since the days of pocket calculators and protractors. Today's innovative companies use cutting-edge computational technologies, predictive models and sophisticated algorithms to drive their strategies. Applied mathematics and statistics majors at Clarkson University learn how to use these in-demand skills to solve real-world problems in engineering, science and business.

Why Study Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Clarkson?

The main reason can be found in the name itself — "applied" is the operative word. Our program emphasizes how you can use quantitative skills, logic and math tools to develop solutions for a wide variety of industries.

At Clarkson, work with your classmates to tackle challenging concrete problems through math and statistics. Our flexible curriculum lets you specialize your skills toward a specific discipline, like business or engineering. Access additional hands-on learning opportunities by participating in faculty research projects or taking graduate classes as an undergraduate. And our Applied Mathematics and Statistics Class of 2023 had a 100 percent placement rate.

Whatever your goal, this is the right place to achieve it.

What You'll Learn

Our program focuses on applying mathematics and statistics to real-world situations. All of your classes are taught exclusively by faculty.

Available courses include:

Applied Linear Algebra
Bioinformatics
Calculus I, II and III
Computational Methods of Structural Analysis
Design of Experiments & Analysis of Data
Discrete Mathematics and Proof
Elementary Differential Equations
Game Theory & Economic Strategy
Introduction to Mathematical Modeling & Software
Introduction to Mathematical Research
Mathematical Modeling
Numerical & Engineering Computing
Numerical Methods
Probability & Statistics

Curriculum

The applied mathematics and statistics program consists of 44 credit hours in mathematics and statistics, 15 credit hours in science, and 15 credit hours in application electives. 27 credit hours are in free electives, which is enough to complete a minor or second major if you so choose.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Clarkson Common Experience

The following courses are required for all students, irrespective of their program of study. These courses are offered during the fall semester, with FY100 First-Year Seminar being required of only first-year students. Both FY100 and UNIV190 are typically taken during the fall semester of the first year at Clarkson.
FY100 First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
UNIV190 The Clarkson Seminar (3 credits)

Applied Mathematics and Statistics Core Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses:

Mathematics/Statistics

MA131 Calculus I
MA132 Calculus II
MA200 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling & Software
MA211 Discrete Mathematics and Proof
MA231 Calculus III
MA232 Elementary Differential Equations
MA339 Applied Linear Algebra
MA363 Mathematical Modeling
MA377 Numerical Methods
MA451 Introduction to Mathematical Research (2 credits) or MA453 Introduction to Mathematical Instruction (2 credits)
STAT 383 Probability & Statistics

Professional Experience

Students are required to complete the following Professional Experience:
MA499 Professional Experience (0 credits)

Applied Mathematics and Statistics Core Electives

Students must complete three of the following courses:

MA331 Fourier Series & Boundary Value Problems
MA332 Intermediate Differential Equations
STAT381 Probability
STAT382 Mathematical Statistics
STAT384 Advanced Applied Statistics

Students must complete five of the following courses:

BY314 Bioinformatics (4 credits)
CE420 Computational Methods of Structural Analysis
CE438 Introduction to the Finite Element Method
CH330 Transfer Process Fundamentals
CH490 Elementary Transport Phenomena
CM371 Physical Chemistry I
CM372 Physical Chemistry II
EC311 Introduction to Econometrics
EC350 Economic Principles & Engineering Economics
EC384 Game Theory & Economic Strategy
EE264 Introduction to Digital Design
EM333 Elements of Operations Research
ES220 Statistics
ES222 Strength of Materials
ES223 Rigid Body Dynamics
ES250 Electrical Science
ES260 Materials Science & Engineering I
ES330 Fluid Mechanics
ES340 Thermodynamics
ES400 Numerical & Engineering Computing
ES405 Design of Experiments & Analysis of Data
ME442 Engineering Analysis Using the Finite Element Method
ME443 Optimal Engineering
OM331 Operations & Supply Chain Management
PH221 Theoretical Mechanics I
PH231 Fundamentals of Modern Physics
PH323 Optics
PH325 Thermal Physics
PH331 Quantum Physics I
PH380 Electromagnetic Theory I
PH381 Electromagnetic Theory II
PH432 Quantum Physics I
PH451 Statistical Mechanics

Science Courses for Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Students must complete the following four courses:

CS141 Introduction to Computer Science I (4 credits)
PH131 Physics I (4 credits)
PH132 Physics II (4 credits)
Elective Biology (BY), Chemistry (CM), or Physics (PH) elective (3 credits)

Knowledge Area/University Course Electives

Students will have at least 15 credit hours available to use toward Knowledge Area and/or University Course electives to satisfy the Clarkson Common Experience requirements.

Free Electives

Students will have approximately 27 credit hours available to use toward courses of their choice.

Co-ops and Internships

Every Clarkson student is required to complete a Professional Experience before they graduate. Applied mathematics and statistics majors can practice and utilize skills that are in high demand, like using and interpreting data. In the past, students have interned at national research laboratories, research facilities around the world and in a wide range of industries.

For more information, visit our award-winning Career Center.

Undergraduate Research

Our 18 full-time faculty are actively involved in research — many in interdisciplinary settings such as Clarkson's Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Institute for STEM Education, our Mathematical Biology Team Science (MBioTS) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) or the Center for Complex Systems Science. Start working with them as early as your freshman year. Your projects may even qualify for academic credit.

Clubs and Organizations

Clarkson offers more than 200 student-run clubs and organizations. Many focus on engineering, computer programming and other areas where you can put your math skills to work. Or, you can just relax with a club sport or another activity.

See all clubs and organizations.

Minors

Computer Science

A minor in computer science is a natural fit for this major, given how often you use computational methods for complex problem-solving. Gain a strong foundation in programming. Grasp basic software engineering principles. Understand the design, analysis and implementation of data structures and algorithms. Learn more about the computer science minor.

Business

Complement your applied math and statistics knowledge with a minor in business to make yourself irresistible to employers. They value not only your quantitative skills but also your well-rounded understanding of what makes a business grow. Gain a foundation in major business functions like accounting, economics, finance and marketing. Learn more about the business minor.

Career Possibilities

Math produces a "Swiss army knife" skill set for the workforce. In recent years, graduates of Clarkson's applied mathematics and statistics program have gone on to work as mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries in industry and government.

You won't have to look hard: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for mathematicians and statisticians is expected to grow 31 percent by 2031.

Applied mathematics and statistics majors can be found in almost every field that deals with science, engineering, industry and technology. Companies look to hire people with the skills our students acquire to test prototypes, run simulations, create predictive models, assess risk and more.

Some common jobs might include:

Actuary
Analyst
Biostatistician
Cryptographer
Data scientist
Forecast analyst
Global pricing analyst
Risk strategist
Software engineer
Systems engineer

Recent Employers and Graduate Programs

Private industry seeks out our students, though many choose to go on to graduate programs. In recent years, our students have begun their careers with:

95 Percent Group LLC
Assured Information Security
BAE Systems
BPAS Actuarial and Pension Services, LLC
Lockheed Martin
Vincity Energy

They have also pursued graduate studies at:

The Ohio State University
University of Rochester
Clarkson University

Super Power

When you need a mega-dose of computing power to solve complex problems, turn to ACRES — our high-performance computing cluster. Short for Accelerating Computational Research for Engineering and Science, ACRES delivers 160 teraflops of solving speed.

Learn More About ACRES