The Applied Mathematics major has two concentrations, Data Science and Cryptography. The Data Science concentration presents the principles of data representation, big data management, and statistical modeling. Students learn to use modern computing techniques to reveal hidden causal and temporal relationships within large data sets. Hidden information is often benign but it might also be evidence of malevolent activities that have already occurred or are in progress. Cryptography is the science of both personal and institutional data security. Students learn to secure information, maintain data integrity, authenticity, and non-reputability. Cryptography plays a vital role in detecting events yet to unfold, especially when attempting to interdict and thwart incipient cyber intrusions and terrorist attacks.
Concentration A: Data Science
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Use mathematical methods to analyze and recognize the properties of large data sets as well as any anomalies.
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Use suitable models such as linear regression, logical regression, to analyze data and predict probability distributions.
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Recognize clustering in large data sets and explain its significance.
Concentration B: Cryptography
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Use the mathematics upon which specific cryptographic algorithms are based to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of cryptographic schemes.
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Guarantee authenticity and integrity of data and ensure that transactions are non-repudiable, when appropriate.
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Develop cryptographic algorithms.
Major Requirements
Applied Math Courses That Meet General Education Requirements
Major Advising in Fall/Spring
Applied Mathematics major advising is now being done remotely. All Applied Mathematics majors at any time--particularly juniors and seniors --are welcome to email Professors Graff (sgraff@jjay.cuny.edu) or Johnson (hujohnson@jjay.cuny.edu) to request an online appointment. That major advisor can then arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time using ZOOM. Each of us has our own personal ZOOM url which we can then forward. We are happy to discuss upper division electives, progress towards graduation, career choices, graduate school possibilities, or any other questions related to the major.
NOTE: Some STEM students may require additional support as they begin the next courses in their math curriculum. This is because the move to all online courses during the 2020-2021 academic year has made it necessary for instructors to use discretion and sometimes omit teaching certain theory and applications that are best understood when explained on a traditional whiteboard. This may create gaps in student understanding as they proceed to the next course level. Students should contact their instructors for guidance and recommended supplemental readings to help them fill in any gaps and acclimate next semester. Former instructors are happy to provide guidance, especially given the sequential nature of the Applied Mathematics major. The Math and Science Resource Center (msrc@jjay.cuny.edu ) can also provide tutoring for 200- level math courses.
Major Advising in Summer/Winter
Applied Mathematics majors who have questions during winter session 2021 can email either Professor Samuel Graff (sgraff@jjay.cuny.edu) or Professor Hunter Johnson (hujohnson@jjay.cuny.edu).
Registration and Major Holds
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with one of the listed Applied Mathematics major advisors. This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!
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The calculus sequence consists of four 3-credit courses: MAT 241 Calculus I → MAT 242 Calculus II → MAT 243 Calculus III → MAT 244 Calculus IV. It is imperative that you take the placement test for this sequence as early as possible. Based upon your placement criteria, you may be required to take MAT 141 Precalculus before enrolling in MAT 241 Calculus I. Be sure to prioritize these courses and to complete the sequence without interruption in order to graduate on time.
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The sophomore programming sequence consists of two 3-credit courses: CSCI 271 Introduction to Computer Science → CSCI 272 Object-Oriented Programming. You must complete these courses by the end of your sophomore year in order to graduate within four years. You may also opt to take these courses during your freshman year. Part time students should also give these courses priority after the calculus sequence in order to complete major requirements in the shortest time frame possible.
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Try to complete MAT 204 Discrete Structures within your freshman year and MAT 310 Linear Algebra during the first semester of your sophomore year.
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The Applied Mathematics major offers two 12-credit concentrations: Data Science or Cryptography. Each concentration consists of four 3-credit courses. After completing the calculus sequence, the sophomore programming sequence, MAT 204, and MAT 310, students may begin to pursue their concentration.
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You will need at least a 2.0 in the major and at least a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.
Monitor Your Progress in the Major
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool.
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Applied Math Major Checklist - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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See our Sample Four Year Plans for Data Science students beginning with MAT 141, Data Science students beginning with MAT 241, Cryptography students beginning with MAT 141, or Cryptography students beginning with MAT 241. Each sample plan provides an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years. Remember that each plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
Meet with a General Academic Advisor
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
Why Applied Mathematics?
Career Guidance
Career Resources
SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics): Thinking of a Career in Applied Mathematics
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery): Cryptograph and Security
Graduate School Preparation
Though the major only requires two math electives, if you are planning to pursue graduate study, be sure to take the following three electives: