Applied Mathematics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied Mathematics equips students with advanced analytical and computational tools to tackle real-world challenges in science, engineering, and industry. This interdisciplinary field emphasizes the development and implementation of mathematical models and algorithms to solve complex, data-driven problems across diverse domains.
- Numerical Analysis: Techniques for approximating solutions to mathematical problems using computational algorithms, essential for simulations and large-scale calculations.
- Discrete Mathematics: The study of structures that are fundamentally discrete rather than continuous, forming the foundation for computer science and algorithm design.
- Operations Research: A methodological approach to decision-making using mathematical modeling, optimization, and statistical analysis to improve efficiency and performance.
- Optimization: The process of finding the best solution from a set of feasible alternatives, critical in resource allocation, logistics, and system design.
- Differential Equations: Mathematical equations that describe how quantities change, widely used to model dynamic systems in physics, engineering, and biology.
- Statistics: Methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data, enabling evidence-based conclusions and predictions in uncertain environments.
- Scientific Computation: The use of high-performance computing to solve complex mathematical problems arising in scientific research and engineering applications.
- Interdisciplinary Applications: Practical implementation of mathematical techniques in specialized fields such as climate modeling, biomedical engineering, financial systems, and advanced manufacturing.
Applied Mathematics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Applied Mathematics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Applied Mathematics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Actuaries and Mathematicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 448,150 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Actuaries 15-2011 | $125,770 | $75,240 - $206,430 | 28,340 | $60.47 |
| Mathematicians 15-2021 | $121,680 | $63,430 - $187,660 | 2,220 | $58.50 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1022 | $79,350 | $48,150 - $161,020 | 48,820 | N/A |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
Applied Mathematics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,955 in Louisiana to $148,929 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 448,150 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Applied Mathematics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 46 institutions offering Applied Mathematics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Applied Mathematics is found at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) (157 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (103 graduates), Stanford University (63 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (60 graduates), and Colorado School of Mines (52 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 824 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
157 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | harrisburgu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
103 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
63 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
60 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
52 | Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
42 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Bachelor's
|
41 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
34 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Bryant University |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Smithfield, Rhode Island | Private | bryant.edu |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) |
Master's
|
12 | Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania | Public | sru.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Master's
|
10 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Saint Mary's College of California |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Moraga, California | Private | stmarys-ca.edu |
| Saint Mary's College |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | saintmarys.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| St. John's University (SJU) |
Master's
|
5 | Queens, New York | Private | stjohns.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
5 | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Master's
|
5 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Willimantic, Connecticut | Public | easternct.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
|
3 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Klamath Falls, Oregon | Public | oit.edu |
| Shenandoah University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Winchester, Virginia | Private | su.edu |
| Shepherd University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Shepherdstown, West Virginia | Public | shepherd.edu |
| Emmanuel College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | emmanuel.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
2 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Portales, New Mexico | Public | enmu.edu |
| Siena College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Loudonville, New York | Private | siena.edu |
| Wittenberg University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Springfield, Ohio | Private | wittenberg.edu |
| Saint Michael's College (SMC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Colchester, Vermont | Private | smcvt.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| Louisiana Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Pineville, Louisiana | Private | lcuniversity.edu |
| Plymouth State University (PSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Plymouth, New Hampshire | Public | plymouth.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Master's
|
1 | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Old Westbury, New York | Private | nyit.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | sdsmt.edu |
| Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tacoma, Washington | Private | plu.edu |
| Lakeland University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Plymouth, Wisconsin | Private | lakeland.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Applied Mathematics programs
How much can I earn with a Applied Mathematics degree?
Salaries for Applied Mathematics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Actuaries earn around $125,770. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $148,929 compared to $75,955 in Louisiana. Approximately 448,150 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Applied Mathematics programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Applied Mathematics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) (157 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (103 graduates), and Stanford University (63 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Applied Mathematics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 49 in 2010 to a peak of 906 in 2020, before declining slightly to 824 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,582% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Applied Mathematics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Actuaries, and Mathematicians. Related occupations employ approximately 448,150 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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