Applied Mathematics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied Mathematics bridges theoretical concepts with real-world problem-solving across science, engineering, economics, and technology. This program equips students with advanced quantitative reasoning and modeling skills to analyze complex systems and drive innovation in diverse industries.
- Mathematical Modeling: Developing precise representations of physical, biological, or economic systems using equations and algorithms to predict behavior and optimize outcomes.
- Numerical Analysis: Designing and analyzing computational methods for solving mathematical problems that lack closed-form solutions, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency.
- Optimization Theory: Applying mathematical techniques to identify the best possible solutions under given constraints, critical in logistics, finance, and engineering design.
- Differential Equations: Studying equations involving rates of change to model dynamic processes in physics, population dynamics, and control systems.
- Probability and Statistics: Leveraging statistical frameworks and probabilistic models to interpret data, assess risk, and support decision-making in uncertain environments.
- Computational Mathematics: Integrating programming and algorithmic development with mathematical theory to solve large-scale problems in simulation and data analysis.
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, Mathematicians and Data Scientists. 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 390,010 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 $64,930 in Delaware to $158,142 in California—a 144% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 390,010 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 19 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 University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (83 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (38 graduates), Stanford University (35 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (11 graduates), and Utah Valley University (UVU) (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 221 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
83 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
38 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Stanford University |
Bachelor's
|
35 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Post-Master's
|
5 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Bucknell University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Lewisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | bucknell.edu |
| Azusa Pacific University (APU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Azusa, California | Private | apu.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Whitworth University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Spokane, Washington | Private | whitworth.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Berea College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Berea, Kentucky | Private | berea.edu |
| Thomas College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Waterville, Maine | Private | thomas.edu |
| Fresno Pacific University (FPU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Fresno, California | Private | fresno.edu |
| Lesley University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | lesley.edu |
| Belmont University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | belmont.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 Mathematicians earn around $121,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $158,142 compared to $64,930 in Delaware. Approximately 390,010 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 19 accredited institutions offer Applied Mathematics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (83 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (38 graduates), and Stanford University (35 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 decreased over the past decade, rising from 299 in 2010 to a peak of 232 in 2020, before declining slightly to 221 in 2023-24. This represents a 26% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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, Mathematicians, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 390,010 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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