Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme provides a strong core in pure and applied mathematics alongside specialised coursework in numerical methods and scientific computing. Typical core courses include the calculus sequence, linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, probability and statistics, and real analysis. Computational Mathematics emphasis courses commonly cover numerical analysis, scientific computing, algorithms and data structures, numerical linear algebra, and computational methods for differential equations.

Students will also study programming and software commonly used in computational work — for example, Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar languages — and take elective modules in applied areas such as mathematical modelling, optimization, machine learning, high‑performance computing and discrete mathematics. The degree often culminates in a senior seminar, capstone project or undergraduate research experience where students apply mathematical and computational techniques to a substantial applied problem.

• Foundations: Calculus I–III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations
• Core mathematical theory: Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra or Advanced Calculus
• Computational core: Numerical Analysis, Scientific Computing, Algorithms
• Supporting computing: Programming for Scientists, Data Structures, Computational Tools (MATLAB/Python)
• Applied electives: Mathematical Modelling, Optimization, Probability & Statistics, Machine Learning
• Capstone: Senior Project, Research with faculty or internship experience

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in mathematics. Successful candidates typically present solid preparation in algebra, precalculus and calculus; coursework or credentials in computer science are beneficial. Kent State assesses applications holistically, so competitive academic records, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining interest in mathematics and any relevant experience (programming, research, internships) strengthen an application.

International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and meet Kent State's English language proficiency requirements. Transfer students with college mathematics credit (for example, calculus and linear algebra) may place into advanced courses; placement is determined by department policies and diagnostic testing.

Career prospects

Graduates with a computational mathematics degree are well prepared for careers that require strong quantitative and programming skills. Common career paths include data analyst or data scientist, software developer, quantitative or financial analyst, operations research or optimisation specialist, and roles in scientific computing and engineering firms. Many graduates pursue graduate study in mathematics, computer science, statistics, engineering or related fields; others enter teaching or technical roles in government, industry and technology startups.

Kent State students can further boost employability through internships, undergraduate research projects, campus career services and collaboration with neighbouring departments such as Computer Science and Engineering.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers personalised attention within a research‑active mathematics department and opportunities for hands‑on computational work. Undergraduates can engage in faculty‑mentored research, join mathematics and computing student organisations, and access computing labs equipped for numerical and data analysis. The university’s location provides regional industry and research connections that support internships and employment.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, structured advising for degree planning and career services that help translate mathematical and computational training into concrete career pathways or preparation for advanced study.