Students often question the relevance of math, and teachers hear it all too often. At WilmU, however, those in the Applied Mathematics program discover math as a key to success.
Diane Bansbach, chair of the Math Department in the College of Education and Liberal Arts
The ability to problem-solve and analyze data drives innovation and progress in today’s world effectively and efficiently.
In a 2023 Forbes article, researcher Nicole Janssen writes, “The ability to leverage and act on data has become a powerful differentiator in today’s business environment.” Over the past several years, supply chain shortages have become a global challenge. Similarly, as Janssen adds, “There is a lack of human ingenuity around data science.”
Hence, there is a need for applied mathematicians, who use mathematical tools and techniques to identify and solve real-world problems using data.
The new Wilmington University Applied Mathematics Program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to become successful applied mathematicians in their chosen careers. The curriculum emphasizes applications to real-world projects, including topics like minimizing waste, maximizing efficiency, modeling real-world phenomena, cost analysis, network flow, graph theory, and cryptography.
Students select one of two concentrations: Data Visualization, which includes applied predictive modeling, forecasting, data mining, data visualization, and machine learning; and Programming, which focuses on programming, data warehousing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. They conclude their studies with either an internship or experiential learning opportunity. They also develop their professional portfolios and networks.
WilmU course developer Michal Ramos designed Calculus 3 and Linear Algebra for the program, which uses a project-based learning (PBL) approach, which, she says, “enriches the student experience by emphasizing real-world applications, fostering critical thinking, and promoting collaboration. Through hands-on projects, students develop practical skills, take ownership of their learning, and gain insights into diverse career paths within applied mathematics.” Ramos adds that the PBL approach also enhances motivation and engagement and prepares students for success in the dynamic and interdisciplinary math field.
Fatih Genc
After earning an associate degree in Information Technology and Networking at Delaware Technical Community College, Fatih Genc transferred to WilmU and has been excelling in his studies. “Mathematics has always been my passion, so I wanted to continue studying a math-related major,” he says. “I discovered that WilmU had a great Applied Mathematics program, aligning perfectly with my academic goals.”
Another transfer student, Sydney Adamcik, is studying entirely online and also doing well. “I was mostly worried about having a sufficient support system,” he says. “Thankfully, my professors have been extremely communicative, helpful, and supportive. I couldn’t be more grateful to finish the last years of my degree with WilmU in the Applied Mathematics program.”
Sydney Adamcik
Applied mathematicians are like the engineers and mechanics of the data world. They design, build, and maintain the systems and methods that enable data to be collected, analyzed, presented, and understood. They work with various data types, such as numerical, textual, visual, or audio. The professionals also apply multiple methods, such as statistics, machine learning, optimization, forecasting, or cryptography, to extract meaningful insights and solutions.
The experts then communicate their findings and recommendations to decision-makers and stake-holders using clear and compelling visualizations, reports, or presentations.
So, yes, math is undeniably valuable and critical in today’s world, and applied mathematics is a versatile and valuable discipline that can be used in any domain or industry, according to indeed.com. Whether it’s health care, social science, environmental science, education, finance, manufacturing, research — or any other field — applied mathematics can help improve the quality, efficiency, and impact of the products, services, and processes these industries provide.
They can also help discover new opportunities, challenges, and trends and provide evidence-based guidance and support for strategic planning and action.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for applied mathematicians from 2022–2032 is excellent, and it is growing at a rate of 30%, much faster than average. The mathematicians are compensated well, with a median annual salary of nearly $100,000.
Since mathematicians develop skills in problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, deductive reasoning, analytical thinking, making predictions, and pattern recognition, their roles can also include research analyst, financial analyst, data scientist, data engineer, programmer, web developer, and software developer.
Whichever career they choose, Wilmington University students can apply their problem-solving and analytical skills to situations and data sets naturally occurring in industry. Students who graduate from the Applied Mathematics Program will be ready to pursue a rewarding career in our data-driven world.