Overview
Students in the Applied Mathematics concentration will learn to apply and connect mathematical concepts and methods to various subjects to discover real-world solutions and make a global impact. Students work with faculty members to conduct research in areas such as a mathematical model for the potential of a Zika outbreak in Oʻahu, a mathematical model of the Dengue Outbreak in Hawaiʻi, and responding to the challenges of climate change by enhancing the opportunities for clean energy usage. Applied Mathematics will complete courses such as mathematical modeling, linear algebra, applied probability, and applied statistics.
The Applied Mathematics concentration falls under the Bachelor of Science in Natural Science, the first STEM degree offered at UH West Oʻahu.
Internships / Practicums
Student internship opportunities are available and may be sponsored by various organizations, including but not limited to the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). UH West O‘ahu students have participated in summer research programs or Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) such as Arizona State University’s Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute (MTBI) and Iowa Summer Institute for Research Education in Biostatistics (ISIREB). For more information on REU sites, please visit the American Mathematical Society REU List and the NSF REU List.
There are additional summer and semester programs available for students to perform research and travel to nationally renowned universities as well as to international countries. For details, please see the Mathematical Association of America website. UH West O‘ahu students have also experienced research opportunities in collaboration with faculty members at Nomilo Fishpond in Kauai and Mokauea Island, the site of O‘ahu’s last Hawaiian fishing village. Students have traveled with faculty and presented at national conferences in Washington, D.C., Knoxville, Tennessee, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Baltimore, Maryland.
Careers and Earning Potential
Students who concentrate in Applied Mathematics will develop a high level of proficiency in mathematical and computational knowledge through tools such as differential equations, probability, matrices, and computer programming. Upon completion of the BS-NSCI Applied Mathematics concentration, students will be well prepared to enter the workforce in areas such as data and statistical analysis, actuarial science, mathematical modeling and engineering, quantitative finance, epidemiology, and climate science.
A number of promising careers include research analyst, actuary, statistician, technician, data processor and analyst, computer programmer, and teacher. Potential employers include: federal agencies (Federal Bureau of Investigation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Security Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Resource Management Program, etc.), State and County government (Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Dept. of Health, Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, etc.), banks, insurance agencies, financial organizations, schools, and consulting firms. There is a wide range in earning potential depending on the selected career with entry-level annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $75,000.
For more information on careers and earning potential, visit the Hawaiʻi Career Explorer website.
