The Bachelor in Applied Mathematics is a fantastic example of this.
As Vice-Dean, Data Science & Technology, IE School of Human Sciences & Technology, Borja González del Regueral, points out, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates a 33% increase in demand for mathematicians. And mathematicians were ranked number eight in a survey of 200 jobs in terms of work-life balance, professional development and salary expectations. This means applied mathematics is in demand as a field—and that demand is here to stay.
The core of the Bachelor in Applied Mathematics
At its heart, the Bachelor in Applied Mathematics empowers students to think about the world in abstract terms. Students then develop the tools to model and simulate these abstracts, allowing them to more accurately understand a particular problem and find solutions that are applicable in the real world.
To achieve this, the first two years consist of a rigorous exploration of mathematics to help students understand the relevant fields in the subject. However, it’s not all theory. In fact, from the very beginning, students will be taught how to model and simulate, being challenged to design models which are later validated and verified.
The third year is when students—equipped with in-depth mathematical insights—are able to specialize. Continuing with the highly practical nature of the program, students gain the opportunity to apply what they’ve already learned to fields such as economics, banking & finance, energy & sustainability, engineering, automation, and health & biology. They will continue this exploration of key sectors in their fourth year.
The power of applied mathematics
This focus on the application of mathematics is hugely important to this program as it unlocks the power of this subject in the real world. Applied mathematics has innumerable uses across disciplines and sectors, and its potential to impact change is incredible. It’s becoming increasingly important in many of the areas where students can specialize, especially when it comes to designing complex models to understand automation and operations.
The Bachelor in Applied Mathematics is extremely challenging and it requires relentlessly inquisitive individuals who are interested in STEM. Above all, students need to have an unending passion for mathematics and truly believe in its power to provide solutions to our society’s problems.
Its role in the real world
For individuals who fit this profile, the opportunities to create an impact are endless. As an example, an applied mathematics student who specializes in economics could work for the World Bank, where they create models to see how different subsystems, countries or regions interact with each other. With this information, they can help develop solutions to enormous global problems such as poverty.
On the other hand, a banking specialization could open the doors to an investment banking role, whether that’s in risk modeling, asset management or as a quantitative trader, helping optimize an investment bank’s portfolio.
Then again, you could leverage the power of applied mathematics to join humanity’s most important fight: climate change. To create lasting solutions to this huge problem, we need to look at the big picture. By taking a holistic approach and creating complex models that take multiple aspects into account, we have a greater chance of truly making a difference.
Finally, students in this program could specialize in operations & automation—the door to the future. Digital transformation is taking place in companies around the world, and the demand for individuals able to streamline processes is on the rise. By leveraging applied mathematics, they can create digital twins of our physical reality, empowering companies to be more competitive when they’re launching the next product into the market.
From healthcare to innovation and everything in between, mathematicians will play a key role in the future of our most important sectors. They will build the algorithms for the next generation of driverless cars. They will control the spread of viruses. They will be the architects of a more sustainable tomorrow.
The Bachelor in Applied Mathematics is one program. But the opportunities it presents are endless.