Applied Mathematics | B.S.

 IU South Bend bridge to campusBachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Mathematics

4-Year Degree Plan

About the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics provides students comprehensive education in mathematical sciences. The quantitative curriculum prepares the students to solve complex and real world problems, and comprehend mathematical concepts. The program prepares the students for positions in industries, government, and/or postgraduate education in applied mathematics, statistics, or any related field.


Degree Requirements (120 cr.)
All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise designated.

Students receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics must complete the campuswide and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences general-education requirements. In addition, the following requirements must be met: all mathematics coursework required by the major must be completed with a grade of C– or higher.


General Education Curriculum

For a more detailed description of the IU South Bend general-education curriculum, including lists of approved courses.

All courses certified as meeting the campuswide general-education requirements are designated in the Schedule of Classes.


Campuswide Curriculum (33-39 cr.)
Fundamental Literacies (17 cr.)
  • Writing | ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1
  • Critical Thinking | Select one of the following:
  • PHIL-P 105 Critical Thinking
  • PHIL-P 110 Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHIL-P 150 Elementary Logic
  • Oral Communication | SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking
  • Visual Literacy | Select one of the following:
  • FINA-A 109 Ways of Seeing: Visual Literacy
  • JOUR-J 210 Visual Communication
  • Quantitative Reasoning | Fulfilled with required mathematics courses
  • Information Literacy (1 cr.) | COAS-Q 110 Introduction to Information Literacy (1 cr.) (should be taken with ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1)
  • Computer Literacy | CSCI-C 101 Computer Programming I (4 cr.)
Common Core Courses (12 cr.)

Complete one course from each of the following four areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes. At least one of the areas must be completed at the 300-level.

Contemporary Social Values (8 cr.)

Students must complete one course from each of the following three areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.


Additional Requirements
World Languages (0-6 cr.)

Attainment of beginning-level proficiency in a language other than English is required. This requirement can be met in one of two ways:

  • Successful completion of a second-semester language class, designated as 102 in the IU South Bend Bulletin. The number of years of high school language instruction typically determines into which semester a student may choose to enroll (0-1 years = 101; 2 years = 102).
  • Formal training, as evidenced by secondary or university diplomas, in a language other than English.

The Department of World Language Studies (W.L.S.) offers a placement examination to determine into which semester a student should enroll and/or to qualify students for credit by examination. Students may earn up to 6 credit hours for testing out of any two of the language classes 101, 102, 203, or 204. For more details, see the Department of World Language Studies website.

Natural Sciences (20 cr.)

Courses must be selected in at least two of the physical and life sciences (astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, geology, or physics).

  • PHYS-P  221 Physics 1 (5 cr.)
  • PHYS-P 222 Physics 2 (5 cr.)
  • Select additional physical and life science course offerings (7 cr.) (Subject to the above, any of MATH-N 190 and MATH-N 390 courses may count towards the Natural Sciences requirement.)
Mathematics (45 cr.)
  • MATH-M 215 Calculus I (5 cr.)
  • MATH-M 216 Calculus II (5 cr.)
  • MATH-M 301 Linear Algebra and Applications
  • MATH-M 311 Calculus 3 (5 cr.)
  • MATH-M 343 Introduction to Differential Equations I
  • MATH-M 347 Discrete Mathematics; or
  • MATH-M 391 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (credit given for only one of MATH-M 347 and MATH-M 391)
  • MATH-M 413 Introduction to Analysis 1
  • MATH-M 447 Mathematical Models and Applications 1
  • MATH-M 463 Introduction to Probability Theory 1 (4 cr.)
  • MATH-M 466 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
  • MATH-M 471 Numerical Analysis 1

Select two of the following or one of the following plus an upper-level course approved by the department:

  • MATH-M 344 Introduction to Differential Equations
  • MATH-M 403 Introduction to Modern Algebra 1
  • MATH-M 404 Introduction to Modern Algebra 2
  • MATH-M 405 Number Theory
  • MATH-M 414 Introduction to Analysis 2
  • MATH-M 415 Elementary Complex Variables with Applications
  • MATH-M 448 Mathematical Models and Applications 2
  • MATH-M 451 The Mathematics of Finance
  • MATH-M 472 Numerical Analysis 2

Academic Bulletins

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