The master's and doctoral programs in computational and applied mathematics offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics are designed to produce applied mathematicians and statisticians who can meet the growing demand for analytical and computational skills in traditional scientific and multidisciplinary fields.
Applied mathematics is the application of mathematics to the solution of non-mathematical problems.
Students will learn to use methods of applied mathematics, probability, statistics, biostatistics, numerical analysis, and scientific computing in seeking solutions to such problems. For work in applied mathematics, training in an additional field of application is a necessity. The desire and ability to use mathematics to bring together various disciplines is the unique characteristic of an applied mathematician. Not only has mathematical modeling and solving of societal and scientific problems increased the demand for applied mathematicians, but the flexibility and breadth of knowledge inherent in this discipline make it attractive for those who do not want to become irreversibly specialized. Old Dominion University is one of the few American institutions offering a program expressly in applied mathematics.