Applied Mathematics (BS)
The B.S. program in Applied Mathematics shares many basic features with the B.S. program in Mathematics. The primary difference is that this program includes a strong interdisciplinary concentration in a related field. The applied concentration, which must be approved by a student’s adviser, should be structured to promote specific career or educational objectives.
Undergraduate research opportunities include:
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
- NC State Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Mathematics
- The Mathematical Biology Research Training Group
- Industrial Mathematical & Statistical Modeling (IMSM) Program by SAMSI
- Study abroad opportunities in applied mathematics
- SUM Club
For more information about this program visit our website.
Department of Mathematics
North Carolina State University
Campus Box 8205
Raleigh, NC 27695
Dr. Alina Duca
Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs in Mathematics
SAS Hall 2108B
919.515.1875
anduca@ncsu.edu
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation (verify requirement) 1 | 0 | |
| COS 100 | Science of Change | 0 |
| or E 115 | Introduction to Computing Environments | |
| Communication and Advanced Writing | ||
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 |
| Select one of the following Communication courses (Verify Requirement): 1 | 0 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Argumentation and Advocacy | ||
| Language, Communication, and Culture | ||
| Select one of the following Advanced Writing courses: | 3 | |
| Communication for Engineering and Technology | ||
| Communication for Business and Management | ||
| Communication for Science and Research | ||
| Analysis of Scientific and Technical Writing | ||
| Basic Mathematics | ||
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 2 | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III 5 | 4 |
| MA 225 | Foundations of Advanced Mathematics 5 | 3 |
| MA 341 | Applied Differential Equations I 5 | 3 |
| Basic Science 3 | ||
| Courses must be taken from two different disciplines | 8 | |
| Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| General Chemistry I for Students in Chemical Sciences and General Chemistry Laboratory I for Students in Chemical Sciences | ||
| Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity | ||
| Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
| Additional GEP Natural Sciences | 4 | |
| Select one of the following three options for the Statistics requirement: 4 | 6 | |
| Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory and Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II | ||
| Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I and Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II | ||
| Select one of the following Introduction to Programming courses: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Computing: Python | ||
| Introduction to Computing - MATLAB | ||
| Introduction to Computing - Java | ||
| Computer-Based Modeling for Industrial Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Programming (Math) | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing | ||
| Statistical Programming | ||
| Advanced Mathematics 5, 6 | ||
| MA 402 | Mathematics of Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MA 405 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MA 407 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors | 3 |
| MA 425 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3 |
| Select one of the following Methods of Applied Math Electives: | 3 | |
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics II | ||
| Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I | ||
| Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I | ||
| Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I | ||
| Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I | ||
| Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I | ||
| Math Electives 5 | 9 | |
| Select one of the following three options for the Major Paper Requirement | 1 | |
| Reading in Honors Mathematics | ||
| Major Paper in Mathematics | ||
| Independent Research in Mathematics | ||
| In-Depth Co-Requirement (Verify Requirement) | ||
| Major Electives | ||
| Applied Electives | 15 | |
Applied electives are courses intended for students looking to deepen their expertise and apply mathematical concepts across various interdisciplinary fields. This category consists of 15 credit hours, with a minimum of 9 hours of advanced 300-level courses or above, ensuring students engage with complex, real-world problems through a mathematical lens. Students should consider these electives as foundational components for their career paths, choosing courses that resonate with their academic interests. These classes may or may not all be mathematics courses. The selection should focus on leveraging advanced mathematical tools, encouraging a hands-on approach to learning and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to use Advised Elective credits to pursue a minor or a second major. Students are encouraged to collaborate with their academic advisors and/or the Undergraduate Program Director to develop a well-defined plan that aligns with their goals, ensuring a cohesive elective path directly aligned with their long-term goals after graduation. Sample plans can be found at: https://math.sciences.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-programs/applied-mathematics/ | ||
| GEP Courses | ||
| GEP Humanities | 6 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 6 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | |
| GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 5 | |
| GEP Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement) | ||
| GEP Foundations of American Democracy (verify requirement) | ||
| World Language Proficiency (verify requirement) | ||
| Free Electives 7 | ||
| Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- *
Minimum 2.0 math GPA required for graduation.
- 1
The Orientation and Communication verify requirements are satisfied by some General Education Program courses which could potentially double count.
- 2
MA 141 and MA 241 must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- 3
At most one grade below a C- is permitted in Basic Science Electives (CH, PY, BIO). The Statistics and programming requirements must be satisfied with a letter grade of C- or better.
- 4
(ST 370 with MA 421) or (ST 370 with ST 421) will be accepted for students transferring into the Mathematics major having already taken ST 370.
- 5
At most one letter grade of D +/- is permitted in Math Elective courses. No grades of D +/- are permitted in required math courses (MA141, MA241, MA242, MA225, MA341, MA402, MA405, MA407, MA425).
- 6
No more than 6 total credits each from undergraduate research (MA 491), independent study (MA 499), or credit by examination may be used to meet program requirements (credit from AP exams or transfer credits is not included under this restriction). Also, students must complete at least one-half of the required mathematics credit hours (21) at NC State University.
- 7
Students are encouraged to use Free Electives credits to pursue a minor or second major. Free electives courses cannot be CH 100, CH 111, CSC 226, ECE 220, MA 101, MA 107, MA 108, MA 111, MA 121, MA 131, MA 231, PY 131, PY 211, PY 212, ENG 100. 100-level World Language Courses (WL*) can be used if not satisfying the language proficiency requirement.
Math Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 325 | Introduction to Applied Mathematics | 3 |
| MA 326 | Mathematical Foundations of Data Science I | 3 |
| MA 335 | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| LOG 335 | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| MA 351 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models | 3 |
| MA 401 | Applied Differential Equations II | 3 |
| MA 404 | Mathematical Foundations of Data Science II | 3 |
| MA 408 | Foundations of Euclidean Geometry | 3 |
| MA 410 | Theory of Numbers | 3 |
| MA 412 | Long-Term Actuarial Models | 3 |
| ST 412 | Long-Term Actuarial Models | 3 |
| MA 413 | Short-Term Actuarial Models | 3 |
| ST 413 | Short-Term Actuarial Models | 3 |
| MA 414 | Foundations of Cryptography | 3 |
| CSC 414 | Foundations of Cryptography | 3 |
| MA 416 | Introduction to Combinatorics | 3 |
| CSC 416 | Introduction to Combinatorics | 3 |
| MA 421 | Introduction to Probability | 3 |
| MA 426 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3 |
| MA 427 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| CSC 427 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| MA 428 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| CSC 428 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| MA 432 | Mathematical Models in Life Sciences | 3 |
| MA 437 | Applications of Algebra | 3 |
| MA 450 | Methods of Applied Mathematics I | 3 |
| MA 451 | Methods of Applied Mathematics II | 3 |
| MA 491 | Reading in Honors Mathematics | 1-3 |
| MA 501 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists I | 3 |
| MA 504 | Introduction to Mathematical Programming | 3 |
| OR 504 | Introduction to Mathematical Programming | 3 |
| MA 505 | Linear Programming | 3 |
| ISE 505 | Linear Programming | 3 |
| OR 505 | Linear Programming | 3 |
| MA 513 | Introduction To Complex Variables | 3 |
| MA 514 | Foundations of Cryptography | 3 |
| CSC 514 | Foundations of Cryptography | 3 |
| MA 515 | Analysis I | 3 |
| MA 518 | Geometry of Curves and Surfaces | 3 |
| MA 520 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MA 521 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 |
| MA 522 | Computer Algebra | 3 |
| MA 523 | Linear Transformations and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| MA 524 | Combinatorics I | 3 |
| MA 526 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3 |
| MA 528 | Options and Derivatives Pricing | 3 |
| FIM 528 | Options and Derivatives Pricing | 3 |
| ECG 528 | Options and Derivatives Pricing | 3 |
| MBA 528 | Options and Derivatives Pricing | 3 |
| MA 531 | Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I | 3 |
| E 531 | Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I | 3 |
| OR 531 | Dynamic Systems and Multivariable Control I | 3 |
| MA 532 | Ordinary Differential Equations I | 3 |
| MA 534 | Introduction To Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MA 537 | Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos | 3 |
| MA 540 | Uncertainty Quantification for Physical and Biological Models | 3 |
| MA 542 | Convex Optimization Methods in Data Science | 3 |
| MA 544 | Computer Experiments In Mathematical Probability | 3 |
| MA 546 | Probability and Stochastic Processes I | 3 |
| ST 546 | Probability and Stochastic Processes I | 3 |
| MA 547 | Stochastic Calculus for Finance | 3 |
| MA 548 | Monte Carlo Methods for Financial Math | 3 |
| FIM 548 | Monte Carlo Methods for Financial Math | 3 |
| MA 549 | Financial Risk Analysis | 3 |
| FIM 549 | Financial Risk Analysis | 3 |
| MA 551 | Introduction to Topology | 3 |
| MA 555 | Introduction to Manifold Theory | 3 |
| MA 561 | Set Theory and Foundations Of Mathematics | 3 |
| MA 565 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| CSC 565 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| OR 565 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| MA 573 | Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I | 3 |
| BMA 573 | Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I | 3 |
| MA 574 | Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes II | 3 |
| BMA 574 | Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes II | 3 |
| MA 580 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| CSC 580 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| MA 583 | Introduction to Parallel Computing | 3 |
| CSC 583 | Introduction to Parallel Computing | 3 |
| MA 584 | Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Difference Methods | 3 |
| MA 587 | Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Element Method | 3 |
In-Depth Co-Req (Verify Requirement)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA 325 & MA 341 | Introduction to Applied Mathematics and Applied Differential Equations I | 0 |
| MA 326 & MA 404 | Mathematical Foundations of Data Science I and Mathematical Foundations of Data Science II | 0 |
| or MA 402 | Mathematics of Scientific Computing | |
| MA 341 & MA 401 | Applied Differential Equations I and Applied Differential Equations II | 0 |
| or MA 501 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists I | |
| MA 341 & MA 432 | Applied Differential Equations I and Mathematical Models in Life Sciences | 0 |
| MA 401 & MA 450 | Applied Differential Equations II and Methods of Applied Mathematics I | 0 |
| or MA 451 | Methods of Applied Mathematics II | |
| MA 326 & MA 404 | Mathematical Foundations of Data Science I and Mathematical Foundations of Data Science II | 3 |
| MA 407 & MA 437 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors and Applications of Algebra | 0 |
| or MA 521 | Abstract Algebra I | |
| MA 405 & MA 520 | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Linear Algebra | 0 |
| or MA 523 | Linear Transformations and Matrix Theory | |
| MA 407 & MA 414 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors and Foundations of Cryptography | 0 |
| or CSC 414 | Foundations of Cryptography | |
| MA 407 & MA 521 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors and Abstract Algebra I | 0 |
| MA 407 & MA 514 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors and Foundations of Cryptography | 0 |
| or CSC 514 | Foundations of Cryptography | |
| MA 408 & MA 518 | Foundations of Euclidean Geometry and Geometry of Curves and Surfaces | 0 |
| MA 410 & MA 416 | Theory of Numbers and Introduction to Combinatorics | 0 |
| MA 412 & MA 413 | Long-Term Actuarial Models and Short-Term Actuarial Models | 0 |
| MA 416 & MA 524 | Introduction to Combinatorics and Combinatorics I | 0 |
| MA 421 & MA 412 | Introduction to Probability and Long-Term Actuarial Models | 0 |
| or MA 413 | Short-Term Actuarial Models | |
| MA 425 & MA 426 | Mathematical Analysis I and Mathematical Analysis II | 0 |
| or MA 526 | Mathematical Analysis II | |
| MA 425 & MA 513 | Mathematical Analysis I and Introduction To Complex Variables | 0 |
| or MA 515 | Analysis I | |
| MA 427 & MA 428 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I and Introduction to Numerical Analysis II | 0 |
| MA 450 & MA 451 | Methods of Applied Mathematics I and Methods of Applied Mathematics II | 0 |
| MA 515 & MA 551 | Analysis I and Introduction to Topology | 0 |
| MA 532 & MA 534 | Ordinary Differential Equations I and Introduction To Partial Differential Equations | 0 |
| MA 546 & MA 547 | Probability and Stochastic Processes I and Stochastic Calculus for Finance | 0 |
| MA 548 & MA 549 | Monte Carlo Methods for Financial Math and Financial Risk Analysis | 0 |
| MA 573 & MA 574 | Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes I and Mathematical Modeling of Physical and Biological Processes II | 0 |
| MA 580 & MA 583 | Numerical Analysis I and Introduction to Parallel Computing | 0 |
| MA 584 & MA 587 | Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Difference Methods and Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Element Method | 0 |
Semester Sequence
This is a sample.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| COS 100 | Science of Change 1 | 2 |
| MA 141 | Calculus I 2 | 4 |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| GEP Natural Sciences 3 | 4 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 2 | 4 |
| PY 205 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I 3 | 3 |
| PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 2 | 1 |
| COM 292 | Language, Communication, and Culture 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MA 242 | Calculus III 5 | 4 |
| MA 225 | Foundations of Advanced Mathematics 5 | 3 |
| Introduction to Programming Elective 3 | 3 | |
| BIO 181 | Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 3 | 4 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MA 341 | Applied Differential Equations I 5 | 3 |
| MA 405 | Introduction to Linear Algebra 5 | 3 |
| ST 371 | Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory 3, 4 | 3 |
| Applied Electives | 3 | |
| Free Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MA 407 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors 5 | 3 |
| Methods of Applied Math Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Applied Elective | 3 | |
| Advanced Writing/Speaking Elective | 3 | |
| ST 372 | Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression 3, 4 | 3 |
| MA 494 | Major Paper in Mathematics | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MA 402 | Mathematics of Scientific Computing 5 | 3 |
| Advanced Mathematics Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Applied Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Advanced Mathematics Elective 5 | 6 | |
| Applied Electives | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Advanced Mathematics Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Applied Elective | 6 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Electives 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- *
Minimum 2.0 major GPA required for graduation.
- 1
The Orientation and Communication verify requirements are satisfied by some General Education Program courses which could potentially double count.
- 2
MA 141 and MA 241 must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- 3
At most one grade below a C- is permitted in Basic Science Electives (CH, PY, BIO). The Statistics and programming requirements must be satisfied with a letter grade of C- or better.
- 4
(ST 370 with MA 421) or (ST 370 with ST 421) will be accepted for students transferring into the Mathematics major having already taken ST 370.
- 5
At most one letter grade of D +/- is permitted in Math Elective courses. No grades of D +/- are permitted in required math courses (MA141, MA241, MA242, MA225, MA341, MA402, MA405, MA407, MA425).
- 6
No more than 6 total credits each from undergraduate research (MA 491), independent study (MA 499), or credit by examination may be used to meet program requirements (credit from AP exams or transfer credits is not included under this restriction). Also, students must complete at least one-half of the required mathematics credit hours (21) at NC State University.
- 7
Students are encouraged to use Free Electives credits to pursue a minor or second major. Free electives courses cannot be CH 100, CH 111, CSC 226, ECE 220, MA 101, MA 107, MA 108, MA 111, MA 121, MA 131, MA 231, PY 131, PY 211, PY 212, ENG 100. 100-level World Language Courses (WL*) can be used if not satisfying the language proficiency requirement.
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