USNA Math Major:
-Introduction |
The mathematical challenges facing the twenty-first century Navy touch a vast number of sub-disciplines in mathematics, from the traditional applied math subjects of numerical analysis, engineering mathematics, operations research , and statistics to problems applying discrete math, algebra, and algebraic geometry. The USNA Mathematics Department now offers two tracks, in order to provide midshipmen more in-depth study in a particular area of mathematics, culminating in a capstone project in the first-class year. Both tracks teach midshipmen to think logically and critically and provide excellent background for further study in mathematics and the sciences. Honors programs are available in both tracks.
Applied Mathematics Track - The Applied Mathematics Track focuses on modeling, estimation, optimization, numerical approximation methods, operations analysis, and statistics. The primary emphasis of this track is modeling of real-world problems. Students study methods used to obtain numerical results to various problems and analyze (or predict) the errors produced by those approximations. Students have the opportunity to learn about Navy applications such as search and detection theory and fluid flow.
Mathematics
Track - The Mathematics Track offers more background in theory
and foundations of mathematics, with courses in the traditional areas
of analysis, linear algebra, complex variables, algebra, topology,
geometry, and combinatorics, applications such as cryptography and
coding theory, and special topics courses such as differential geometry,
algebraic geometry, and mathematical physics.
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Faculty
The Naval Academy Mathematics Department consists
of about 60 faculty members, who, as a whole, are actively engaged
in state-of-the-art research in mathematics and its applications.
About 17 members of the faculty are military officers; they bring
first-hand experience in applying mathematics and mathematical thinking
to specific naval problems. The civilian faculty devotes a substantial
portion of time to current research in various specialty fields in
pure and applied mathematics, as well as in operations research. Many
faculty members conduct research with outside institutions, including
the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the
Office of Naval Research, and other federal agencies.
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The Navy and Marine Corps have a great need for
officers with problem-solving capabilities. The preparation that mathematics
majors receive in studying problems analytically and in pursuing logical
solutions in invaluable in nuclear training, in advanced engineering
and in the fleet. Particularly useful is the ability to express a
clear logical framework to use in solving real problems that do not
have short clear-cut answers. Successful completion of the mathematics
major provides the background and skills to excel in nuclear training
and in other areas where mathematics is applied.
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Opportunities for further education in applied mathematics or operations research exist at the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey, California, at the Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC, and at other professional naval establishments.
Midshipmen in the Mathematics Major also compete for places in the Voluntary Graduate Education Program (VGEP), the Immediate Graduate Education Program, (IGEP), and for prestigious national and international fellowships. Recent mathematics majors have earned Master degrees through VGEP studies at the George Washington University, George Mason University, and the University of Maryland, while IGEP participants have continued their mathematical studies at MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Chicago Business School. Mathematics majors have also gone directly to the Navy's medical school in Bethesda, Maryland.
Graduating midshipmen are also potentially eligible for a designation
identifying them with a sub-specialty code (0042E) in Operations Analysis.
The 42E code may improve their chances of attending the Naval Post-Graduate
School in an Operations Analysis curriculum as well as broaden the
range of billets available following the officer's first operational
tour. Additional details are available.