Applied Mathematics

Faculty: 

Stephen Muir, Ph.D. 

When one examines the job areas in which the largest amount of growth is expected over the next decade, the area of applied mathematics is quite notable.   The ability to employ sophisticated mathematical tools and reasoning has become increasingly important in a number of seemingly different areas: prediction and rational decision making in finance, insurance, business, economic, and military strategy; sports analytics; bio- and social science research; weather and climate modeling; 3D computer graphics and animation; artificial intelligence for  myriad applications ranging from manipulation of social media users, to smarter video games, to self-driving cars.  Consequently, an increasing number of professions need to employ the skills of individuals with a strong background in core tools of applied mathematics.  The applied mathematics major at the University of Providence is designed to guide motivated students step-by-step through the process of building a deep and broad foundation of core knowledge and skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to enable the student to create, implement, evaluate, and communicate complex mathematical models in a wide range of scholarly and industrial applications.  

The Applied Mathematics Major can be the first step for a wide variety of attractive careers in diverse fields such as statistics, engineering, data science, analytics, operations research, or actuarial science, to name a few. 

The Applied Mathematics Data Science Concentration can serve as preparation for entry level analytics jobs, or further study in data science, analytics, or related fields. It also includes the two courses focused on actuarial exam preparation, and therefore it could also be a pathway to an actuarial career. 

The Applied Mathematics Major – Pre-Data Analytics for Health Care Concentration is offered in partnership with Touro University’s MS in Data Analytics for Health Care to offer the completion of both degrees in an accelerated timeframe of only 5 years. To complete the program on time, students will satisfy 102 credits of UP requirements in the first 3 years, be in good academic standing, and apply for UP graduation at the end of their third year. At that point they can move on to Touro’s MS program in Data Analytics for Health Care, and then transfer back to UP the credits earned during their first year of graduate school to finish their BA in Applied Mathematics with UP.

Applied Mathematics Major - Common Learning Outcomes

  • A1. Proficiency with conceptual, analytical, and computational methods in calculus and calculus-based modeling.
  • A2. General capability with programming syntax and structures that are relevant in computational mathematics and data science.
  • A3. Build a thorough foundation in probability theory.
  • A4. With a deep understanding of the connection between algebraic and graphical representations, be able to curate and prepare visual representations of both theoretical objects/relationships and empirical data for the purposes of intuition building, visual analysis, and communication of results.
  • A5. Gain extensive practice applying, combining, and innovating with problem solving strategies for both pure and applied problems, including problems for which specifically similar examples have not been provided.
  • A6. Develop and refine confident fluency in matrix algebra with theoretical rigor and familiarity with applications to scientific and economic modeling, statistical and data analysis applications, and vectorized coding.
  • A7. Build a toolbox of relevant statistical inference methods that is well-integrated into the foundation of probability theory.
  • A8. With capstone coursework or undergraduate research, focus foundational studies around a concrete area of career or academic aspiration in contemporary applied mathematics.

Applied Mathematics Concentration - Specific Learning Outcomes

  • AM1. Be comfortable with the use of ordinary differential equations in scientific, economic, and financial modeling, and demonstrate mastery of foundational analytical and computational solution methods.
  • AM2. Gain familiarity with principles of real analysis and their connections with and applications to methods of numerical analysis.

Data Science Concentration - Specific Learning Outcomes

  • DS1. Build and practice with a mathematical toolbox for strategic/rational decision making problems, using selected tools of probability and statistics, game theory, financial analysis, and machine learning.
  • DS2. Develop rigorous expertise with the mathematical theory of interest and its common financial applications.
  • DS3. Develop sufficient programming skills to allow examination of large data sets for patterns in the data.
  • DS4: Develop skills with database management systems to allow for design of data organizations.
  • DS5: Develop skills with database management systems to allow for extraction, formatting, and presentation of information.

Minor Learning Outcomes:

  • Calculus Minor: A1, A4, A5, and AM1
  • Statistics Minor: A1, A3, A4, A5, and A7
  • Pre-Data Analytics Minor: A2, A4

Degree Requirements

Applied Mathematics (B.A.)

CPS 161ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING3
CPS 165ADVANCED PROGRAMMING3
CPS 301PHYS DES & IMPLM DATA MGMT SYS3
MTH 177DISCRETE MATHEMATICS3
MTH 241CALCULUS I4
MTH 242CALCULUS II4
MTH 243CALCULUS III4
MTH 300LINEAR ALGEBRA3
MTH 311MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I - PROBABILITY THEORY3
MTH 400LINEAR ALGEBRA II3
Specialized Concentration24-30
Total Credits Required:57-63

Specialized Concentrations

Applied Mathematics Concentration

Upper Division Applied Math Core
CPS 403PRINCIPLES OF MACHINE LEARNING3
MTH 252STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES3
or MTH 312 MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS II - STATISTICAL INFERENCE
MTH 351DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS3
MTH 421MATHEMATICAL & NUMERICAL ANAYSIS3
Electives6
Choose from the following:
STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES
MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS II - STATISTICAL INFERENCE *
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS *
SPECIAL TOPICS - MATH
REAL ANALYSIS I *
REAL ANALYSIS II *
MODERN ALGEBRA *
GAME THEORY
SENIOR THESIS
Total Credits Required:18

Data Science Concentration

ACC 201PRIN OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING3
BUS 400FINANCIAL ANALYSIS3
CPS 302DATABASE PROGRAMMING3
CPS 345DATA MINING3
CPS 403PRINCIPLES OF MACHINE LEARNING3
MTH 252STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES3
MTH 365FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS3
MTH 406GAME THEORY3
Total Credits Required:24

Pre- Data Analytics for Healthcare Concentration

CPS 302DATABASE PROGRAMMING3
MTH 252STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES3
Approved upper division applied math courses, which should be comprised of graduate courses transferred in reverse from Touro's Data Analytics for Healthcare MS.18
Total Credits Required:24

Financial Mathematics Minor

MTH 106CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS3
MTH 241CALCULUS I4
MTH 242CALCULUS II4
MTH 365FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS *3
Total Credits Required:14

Statistics Minor

Theoretical foundations and applied methods.  Intended to make more competitive and well-rounded students going into graduate study and research-oriented careers in natural and social sciences.

MTH 177DISCRETE MATHEMATICS3
MTH 241CALCULUS I4
MTH 242CALCULUS II4
MTH 252STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES3
MTH 311MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I - PROBABILITY THEORY3
Total Credits Required:17

Pre- Data Analytics Minor

CPS 161ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING3
CPS 301PHYS DES & IMPLM DATA MGMT SYS3
MTH 110PRECALCULUS I4
MTH 177DISCRETE MATHEMATICS3
MTH 252STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES3
This minor may be added to any major to prepare students for graduate study in applied data analytics.

Calculus Minor

MTH 241CALCULUS I4
MTH 242CALCULUS II4
MTH 243CALCULUS III4
MTH 351DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS3
Electives:3
Choose from the following:
DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES
LINEAR ALGEBRA
MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I - PROBABILITY THEORY
MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS II - STATISTICAL INFERENCE *
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS *
SPECIAL TOPICS - MATH
LINEAR ALGEBRA II
REAL ANALYSIS I *
REAL ANALYSIS II *
MODERN ALGEBRA *
GAME THEORY
MATHEMATICAL & NUMERICAL ANAYSIS
Total Credits Required:18
*

Courses offered on demand in directed study format. 

Applied Mathematics Completion Plan

Plan Template: Biology, Health Professions 4 Year Plan
Description: Bachelor of Science
# of Terms: 8
Term Start: Fall Odd Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredits
MTH 110 PRECALCULUS I 4
CPS 161 ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING 3
 Credits7
Spring
CPS 165 ADVANCED PROGRAMMING 3
MTH 120 PRECALCULUS II 4
MTH 177 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS 3
 Credits10
Year 2
Fall
CPS 301 DATABASE SYSTEMS 3
MTH 241 CALCULUS I 4
 Credits7
Spring
CPS 302 DATABASE PROGRAMMING 3
MTH 242 CALCULUS II 4
MTH 311 MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I - PROBABILITY THEORY 3
 Credits10
Year 3
Fall
MTH 300 LINEAR ALGEBRA I 3
 Credits3
Spring
MTH 252 STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES 3
MTH 400 LINEAR ALGEBRA II 3
 Credits6
Year 4
Fall
MTH 243 CALCULUS III 4
 Credits4
 Total Credits Required:47
Term Start: Fall Even Year
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredits
CPS 161 ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING 3
MTH 110 PRECALCULUS I 4
 Credits7
Spring
CPS 165 ADVANCED PROGRAMMING 3
MTH 120 PRECALCULUS II 4
MTH 252 STAT METHODS FOR THE SCIENCES 3
 Credits10
Year 2
Fall
MTH 241 CALCULUS I 4
MTH 300 LINEAR ALGEBRA I 3
 Credits7
Spring
MTH 177 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS 3
MTH 242 CALCULUS II 4
MTH 400 LINEAR ALGEBRA II 3
 Credits10
Year 3
Fall
CPS 301 DATABASE SYSTEMS 3
MTH 243 CALCULUS III 4
 Credits7
Spring
CPS 302 DATABASE PROGRAMMING 3
MTH 311 MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I - PROBABILITY THEORY 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits Required:47
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