Applied Mathematics

Home Department: Mathematics

Department Head:

Leszek Gawarecki, Ph.D.
Room 2-100A AB, 810-762-9557
math@kettering.edu

Program Overview

Mathematics is the universal language of engineering, science, and management. Students majoring in Applied Mathematics at Kettering University select a concentration in Actuarial Science, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Applied Statistics or Mathematical Biology.  The degree is very flexible in serving the interests of business and industry, preparing the student for a wide variety of careers.  The degree also provides a sound preparation for graduate study. Kettering graduates in Applied Mathematics appreciate their broad-based education because it enables them to work easily with engineers, managers, and scientists. They can contribute to team approaches to problem solving.

Students with concentrations in Actuarial Science will study mathematical and statistical methods of certain actuarial models and the application of those models to insurance and other financial risks.  Courses include the early stage of the actuarial exams (P, FM and MLC). The actuarial science concentration provides excellent preparation for the student interested in starting a career in the actuarial profession. It is a leading undergraduate level actuarial program by the standards of the Society of Actuaries. Actuaries are professionals who use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to analyze financial consequences of risk.

Students with concentrations in Applied and Computational Mathematics will study classical and modern mathematical topics related to scientific and engineering disciplines. Courses are included that emphasize the modeling of physical systems from theoretical and practical perspectives as well as practical scientific computations. The student will also complete an application sequence of engineering, science, or computer science courses related to the special interests of the student.

Students with concentrations in Applied Statistics will study modern statistical methods related to the acquisition, organization, analysis, and interpretation of data. Courses are included that emphasize theory and application of probability, statistics, and mathematical modeling.

Students with concentrations in Mathematical Biology will study mathematical and statistical methods related to the modeling of complex biological systems. Theoretical and numerical methods of solution will be applied to ordinary and partial differential equations and systems of equations arising in General and Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Ecology.

The curriculum for Applied Mathematics includes core mathematics courses that are common to all concentrations.  These courses make up about one quarter of the total credits in the program.  Considerable emphasis is placed on additional core courses in science, management and humanities.

Applied Mathematics students interact regularly with engineering and science departments through core and other required courses appropriate to the concentrations in applied and computational mathematics, applied statistics and mathematical biology.  A substantial number of electives provides flexibility for greater breadth or depth of study in mathematics or its applications.

In addition to the major in Applied Mathematics, there are available minors in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Applied Statistics.  Because of the strong mathematical content of Kettering’s other degree programs, it is possible for many students to complete one of these minors with a modest amount of additional course work. 

Program Educational Objectives

The Mathematics Program Faculty have established the following Program Educational Objectives:

• Provide its students with a broad, fundamental understanding of foundational, mathematical and computational concepts.
• Provide the skills to use mathematics in modeling and solving real problems of mathematics, science, engineering, commerce and industry.
• Provide productive employees to science, engineering, commerce, and industry and ensure the relevance of the Applied Mathematics program through interaction with employers.

Applied Mathematics Program Curriculum Requirements

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

Representative Program

Actuarial Science Concentration

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

Applied and Computational Mathematics Concentration

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

The student will develop an engineering applications or computer science sequence with the assistance of an academic advisor.  The following are examples of a possible CS-sequence, EE-sequence, IME-sequence, MECH-sequence, and PHYS sequence.

Applied Statistics Concentration

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

Mathematical Biology Concentration

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161