Applied Math

Latest review
Enjoyment 3.7Career 3.53.6Overall3.7Enjoyment3.5Career

Difficulty

Demanding

Share of students at each rating

What makes this major demanding?

Worth it?

81% would recommend it

Recommend

“Wouldn't recommend for most people unless you enjoy theory/abstract concepts. Slight emphasis on some applicable skills by incorporating cs/eng courses in curriculum is nice. In lower divs, curves are usually generous, so score higher than the average and you'll be fine.”

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Anonymous studentFreshman
Recommend
Don’t recommend

“… Faculty are knowledgeable, but support can be limited outside of class. It’s rewarding if you enjoy rigorous academics, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those looking for a lighter workload. I wish I had known how theoretical some courses would be. …”

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Anonymous studentGraduated
Don’t recommend

1–2 of 3

Students’ starting certainty

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Also majoring in Chemistry

“Department at ivies are comparatively stronger than here at Emory”

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Anonymous studentSophomore
4.0
Also majoring in Economics

“I wish people knew that math majors starts back from when students are very young. You have to gain the foundational understanding in math before learning college math.”

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Anonymous studentFreshman
4.0

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Student paths

How students switch into and out of Applied Math

Switching in

33%of current students switched in (3 of 9 answers to this question)

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Came from

Share of switchers
  • Economics and Mathematics
  • Industrial Engineering
Applied Math

Went to

Share of leavers

What you will study and do

Curriculum and careers

Applied Math focuses on the use of mathematical methods and models to solve real-world problems in various industries, including technology, finance, and engineering. Students gain skills in complex problem-solving, data analysis, and computational techniques.

Core course themes

Linear Algebra

Covers vector spaces, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors, essential for mathematical modeling.

Differential Equations

Explores methods to solve ordinary and partial differential equations used in scientific modeling.

Probability and Statistics

Introduces probability theory and statistical methods crucial for data analysis and decision making.

Numerical Analysis

Focuses on algorithms for numerical solutions to mathematical problems, emphasizing error analysis and approximation.

Optimization

Studies techniques for finding the best solutions under given constraints, applicable in operations research and management.

Complex Variables

Examines functions of a complex variable, including integration and series, useful in engineering and physics applications.

Common roles

  • Data Analyst
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Software Developer

Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.

Applied Math by school

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Student reviews

21 reviews

Difficulty & workloadMixed

The math classes at CMU are very challenging - even the most fundamental courses have huge workloads and harsh grading. I constantly felt overwhelmed by the amount of work, although that's partly because I was taking a lot of classes. But overall I learned a lot.

Anonymous studentSophomore
Difficulty
4.0/5
Workload
5.0/5
Jul 2025
Courses & teachingMixed

I did take graduate level courses because the undergrad courses lack rigor in my opinion, but the grad courses are splendid and have on par rigor with other schools

Anonymous studentJunior
Math
5.0/5
Writing
4.0/5
Apr 2026
Courses & teachingPositive

If you're a quant person, this will not be a boring major! Rigorous proof-based maths courses will sharpen your analytical thinking and a specialized applied field in financial mathematics is very helpful in job aspect.

Anonymous studentGraduated
Math
5.0/5
Writing
1.0/5
Jan 2026
Courses & teachingMixed

Studying Applied Mathematics at USC has been both challenging and rewarding. The program is highly quantitative and pushes you to think critically and abstractly while also connecting theory to real-world applications. You’ll take core classes in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations early on, and then move into advanced topics like probability theory, numerical analysis, and optimization.

Anonymous studentJunior
Math
5.0/5
Writing
2.0/5
Oct 2025
Difficulty & workloadMixed

chose Applied Math for its versatility and strong foundation in problem-solving. While the major offers flexibility and broad career prospects in tech, finance, and research, the coursework is extremely demanding. Many classes are proof-heavy and require a strong math background. Faculty are knowledgeable, but support can be limited outside of class. It’s rewarding if you enjoy rigorous academics, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those looking for a lighter workload. I wish I had known how theoretical some courses would be. Applied Math has shaped my thinking, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Anonymous studentGraduated
Difficulty
5.0/5
Workload
5.0/5
Jul 2025
Courses & teachingPositive

Math at UT as a freshman is pretty simple since. I have only taken linear algebra, differential equations, discrete and probability, most of the stuff are pretty easy and is an A guarantee if you are willing to spend time in it. Math environment at UT is also pretty chill. You could meet a lot of people who study math and went to fields in many different careers.

Anonymous studentFreshman
Math
5.0/5
Writing
3.0/5
Jul 2025
Courses & teachingMixed

Wouldn't recommend for most people unless you enjoy theory/abstract concepts. Slight emphasis on some applicable skills by incorporating cs/eng courses in curriculum is nice. In lower divs, curves are usually generous, so score higher than the average and you'll be fine.

Anonymous studentFreshman
Math
5.0/5
Writing
3.0/5
Jul 2025
Courses & teachingPositive

Technically, I am not majoring in Applied Math but instead Applied Math & Statistics. It is a joint major with the Math and Data Science departments and it is a great mix of coding, stats, data science, and applied/discrete maths.

Switched from Data Science

Tucker Sampson · JuniorApplied Math
Math
5.0/5
Writing
2.0/5
Sep 2026
Courses & teachingPositive

As a sophomore in Applied Math, I love how the major blends theory with real-world problem solving. The courses are challenging but rewarding, especially when you see math modeling actual phenomena. Be ready for lots of programming and collaboration—it’s not just pencil and paper! Definitely recommend if you enjoy logical thinking and want versatile career options.

Anonymous studentSophomore
Math
5.0/5
Writing
2.0/5
Oct 2025
Enjoyment & fitPositive

Applied math is a very fun major if you don’t enjoy reading but love theory. You have to do lots of problems but everything makes sense at the end of the day.

Anonymous studentJunior
Enjoyment
5.0/5
Oct 2025
Careers & next stepsPositive

Though there is a TON of math within the curriculum, this opens many doors especially if you minor in computer science or plan to break into the tech sector.

Anonymous studentJunior
Career
5.0/5
Nov 2025

Math major is very hard and time consuming. And unlike high school, where u only focus on calculations, a lot of emphasis is placed on logic and thinking

Switched from Economics and Mathematics · Also majoring in Statistics

  • Interested in Finance & consulting · Tech & software +4
  • Unsure about grad school
Anonymous studentJunior
3.7avg
Oct 2026

Department at ivies are comparatively stronger than here at Emory

Also majoring in Chemistry

  • Interested in Finance & consulting · Business +5
  • Unsure about grad school
Anonymous studentSophomore
3.7avg
Oct 2026

I wish people knew that math majors starts back from when students are very young. You have to gain the foundational understanding in math before learning college math.

Also majoring in Economics

  • Interested in Finance & consulting · Tech & software +1
  • Unsure about grad school
Anonymous studentFreshman
3.6avg
Oct 2026
Enjoyment & fitPositive

It's challenging but satisfying, if you enjoy critical thinking and real world applications you'll enjoy amath.

Anonymous studentSophomore
Enjoyment
4.0/5
Apr 2026
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