Future Students

Academics

Mathematical Modeling

College of Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Mathematical Modeling
  Core and Option Courses
  Careers in Mathematical Modeling
  Salaries
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Campus Organizations and Activities
  Contact Information

Mathematical Modeling

Mathematical modeling, an option within the mathematics major, provides students with methods for analyzing problems in business, engineering, physics, social science, and biology. Because of the variety of applications, there are career opportunities for mathematical modelers at all levels of training, from bachelor’s degree to doctoral degree.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in mathematics with a mathematical modeling option
• Available at: Pullman

Core and Option Courses

In addition to the courses listed below, students must complete courses to meet University general education requirements and College of Sciences requirements, as well as a writing portfolio. NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

MATHEMATICS CORE COURSES (required for every math option except Secondary Math Teaching)
Cpt S 121—C Programming, or two of the following:
     • Cpt S 153—BASIC Programming
     • 203—FORTRAN
     • 251—C Programming
Math 171 & 172—Calculus I & II
Math 220—Introductory Linear Algebra
Math 273—Calculus III
Math 300—Mathematical Computing
Math 315—Differential Equations
Math 360—Probability and Statistics
     or 443—Applied Probability
Math 420—Linear Algebra
Math 398—Mathematical Snapshots
Math 421—Algebraic Structures
Math 401 & 402—Introduction to Analysis I & II
Physics 201—Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing
Four Math electives (consult with advisor)

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OPTION COURSES
Math 340—Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
Math 364—Principles of Optimization
     or 416—Simulation Methods
Math 415—Intermediate Differential Equations
Math 440—Applied Mathematics
Math 448—Numerical Analysis
Math 441—Applied Mathematics
     or 464—Operations Research and Game Theory
Math 423—Statistical Methods for Engineers and Scientists

Careers in Mathematical Modeling

Mathematical modelers are employed by:
• academic institutions
• business and industries—manufacturing, marketing, aerospace, agriculture and communications
• government and private laboratories, agencies and research centers—national research labs, naval research labs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Bell Laboratories

Salaries

Entry-level salaries of $30,000 are typical. As science and technology play an increasing role in society, applied mathematicians will continue to be in demand and be compensated accordingly.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• Students planning to major in mathematics at WSU should take four years of mathematics in high school through at least pre-calculus. Most mathematics majors begin with first or second semester calculus (Math 171 or 172).
• Many entry-level positions in mathematical modeling require exposure to natural sciences or engineering or a background in specialized subjects such as optimization or applied statistics.
• Other jobs at the entry level require training in mathematical computer applications.
• A minor in an applied area such as business administration, finance, biology, chemistry, engineering, economics, forestry, geology, or physics is recommended.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Endowed scholarships are available from the Department of Mathematics and the College of Sciences. A variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs, loans, grants, and scholarships are also available to assist qualified students with education costs.

Campus Organizations and Activities

• Math Club (a support group for math students that sponsors speakers, films, and other activities)
• Women in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (a group that offers support and enrichment programs)
• The Washington State University national math modeling team
• The national Putnam mathematics competition

Contact Information
Department of Mathematics
Washington State University
PO Box 643113
Pullman, WA 99164-3113
info@math.wsu.edu
509-335-3926
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Math lab facilities include 25 networked Linux computers with software for differential equations, linear algebra, and calculus, plus two PC labs containing 40 computers with math education software.
  • Students gain strong instruction in analysis/differential equations, computational math, discrete math, mathematical modeling, mathematics education, optimization, probability, and statistics.
  • Math majors assist faculty on research projects ranging from atmospheric science to genetics using the department's research-computing workstations.
  • The Owen Science and Engineering Library subscribes to more than 200 math journals, and there are 15,000 volumes in the math section of the library.
  • Our internship program places students at Boeing Corporation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and other national labs and businesses.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us