Applied Mathematics

What is Applied Mathematics?

Harvard Applied Math is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the creation and imaginative use of mathematical concepts to pose and solve problems over the entire gamut of the physical and biomedical sciences and engineering, and increasingly, the social sciences and humanities.

Working individually and as part of teams collaborating across the University and beyond, faculty and students in Applied Mathematics seek to quantitatively describe, predict, design and control phenomena in a range of fields. This involves the study of relations between models and observations, while examining the mathematical foundations and limitations of these models and techniques.

Research and educational activities have particularly close links to Harvard's efforts in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, and Statistics.

Why Pursue an Applied Math Degree?

A degree in applied mathematics prepares students for a wide range of careers because it focuses on applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems, especially in fields such as business, technology, or engineering. Education in applied mathematics prepares students to:

Use mathematical practices like analysis and pattern recognition to identify and solve problems in many industries
Design better products
Help companies cut costs
Work on societal and global issues
Enhance patient health