General Questions
What is your policy on double majors?
Students may not double major between AMATH and CFRM, nor double major between AMATH/CFRM and ACMS. Our policy on double majors can be found on our Undergraduate Policies & Resources page.
Can I double major with Math, Computer Science, Engineering, Informatics, etc?
Yes, our majors may double major with any major except ACMS. Please refer to the University’s double major/double degree policies.
As an AMATH/CFRM major, can I minor in Applied Math or Computational Finance?
It depends on which major or minor you are pursuing. Please refer to our policy on minors.
What is the difference between the ACMS major and AMATH/CFRM?
There are some similarities and overlap between the AMATH, CFRM, and ACMS degree programs, which is why we do not allow for double majors between any of these majors. All of these majors can lead to similar career paths. However, there are differences in course and degree requirements, and the CFRM and AMATH courses are primarily taught within the Applied Math Department.
Can I take AMATH or CFRM classes if I am not in the major?
If you meet the course prerequisites, yes. However, AMATH, CFRM, and ACMS majors will have priority registration during Period I. All other students can add CFRM or AMATH courses in Registration Period II.
What should I do if I cannot get a spot in a class?
- Double check your registration date.
- Review the time schedule notes, and double check prerequisites in the course catalog.
- Sign up for seat notifications.
- Meet with a general adviser to come up with back-up plans (and make your MyPlan shareable). MyPlan Schedule Builder allows students to review several different schedules for the next quarter.
Can I substitute a class or will you waive a course requirement?
In general, we do not waive course requirements. However, students may petition for course substitutions after admission to the major. If a petition is approved, a course may be replaced with an advanced AMATH or CFRM course; however the advanced course cannot count toward the elective requirement for the major. In the end, it will not necessarily save you time with fewer classes, but it will let you take more advanced classes.
Is it possible to finish the Applied Math or CFRM degree requirements in 1 year after admission to the major?
Due to course prerequisites and sequencing, this is not possible, unless you have been taking AMATH or CFRM courses before admission. Please refer to the academic planning guides.
Note: The CFRM curriculum is designed so that students finish CFRM 405-410-415 before attempting the electives: CFRM 421, 422, 426, 430, 442, or 450. This will take approximately 2 years to complete, unless the student has been taking the first year sequence in a CFRM minor.
Applicants / Prospective Students
Can I still apply to the major if a prerequisite course is in progress (e.g. AMATH 301)?
No. No, you must have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a 2.0 in each before applying.
Can I still apply to the major if I earned AP/IB or transfer credit for MATH 124/125/126?
Yes. In the application simply write either “transfer,” “AP,” or “IB” in the field asking for a grade.
Will the admissions committee look at all my grades during admission?
The committee will review your overall GPA, your grades in the prerequisites, and grades in other relevant coursework (AMATH, CFRM, MATH, STAT, CSE). You may include an explanation of past lower grades and how your performance has improved, or you may address elements of your record that might misrepresent your potential as an AMATH/CFRM major.
Is a personal statement required?
Personal statements are not required. There is a question on the application that asks you to briefly explain why you want to join the Department of Applied Mathematics. Nevertheless, you are welcome to upload an additional, optional, statement via PDF format if there is something in your file you would like to address.
Can I apply to all AMATH and CFRM majors at the same time?
Yes. The application allows you to apply for all of our majors and specify your first choice.
Note: You may not double major in AMATH and CFRM.
How do I apply for the AMATH: Data Science option or CFRM: Data Science option?
Students may apply for the AMATH-DS major or the CFRM-DS major at the time of application to the major.
How can I be a more competitive applicant?
- Prerequisite course grades above 3.5
- Successfully completed coursework beyond the prerequisites
- Demonstrated interest in the major by consistently enrolling in related courses, including the quarter of application
- Strong grades in most recent relevant courses and period of sustained success in coursework
How many students are admitted? What is the admission rate?
This depends on how many students are currently in the major, and on the strength of the applications we receive. Recent admissions statistics can be found on our Admissions page.
Should I repeat a course?
We typically advise students not to repeat a course, but to keep taking relevant coursework and focus on earning strong grades. However, if you didn't understand the majority of the course content, you may consider retaking it.
Can I reapply if I am not admitted?
We do not limit the number of times you can apply and there are 2 admission cycles per year, in Autumn and Spring quarters. However, you should also be aware of how long it will take to finish the degree if admitted.
I am an incoming freshman or transfer student and have been admitted as a Pre-Major/Pre-Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. How can I apply for AMATH or CFRM as my major?
Admitted UW-Seattle students must submit a separate application for the AMATH or CFRM major. Find out more info about our admissions process.
I am an incoming Pre-Major/Pre-Sciences student and would like to apply for the AMATH/CFRM major. Where should I go for advising?
As a pre-major, your academic advising will begin through the UW Undergraduate Advising Office. They can help you plan courses, answer registration questions, talk about general education requirements, and much more.
For incoming students, advising for Autumn classes will take place at summer orientation. More info for new students is available on the Advising and Orientation (A&O) page. Once you have been accepted into a major, your academic advising will take place through that specific department.
You may also attend drop-in advising for prospective AMATH/CFRM majors. Drop-in hours are posted each week on our Advising page.
Current / Admitted Students
Can I earn internship credit toward the degree?
Internship credit is optional, so it does not count toward degree/elective requirements. Students in F-1 status are eligible to apply for optional Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after being enrolled full time at a college or university in the U.S. for one academic year. CPT provides temporary work authorization and is granted by the UW International Student Services office. Students must also have a job or internship offer that directly relates to their field of study. For further details, please see CPT information on our Undergraduate Policies & Resources page.
How can I get involved in undergraduate research or independent study?
We offer an independent study course (AMATH 499) or project/thesis option (AMATH 498) with a faculty member. More info is available on our Undergraduate Policies & Resources page.
I have been admitted to the AMATH/CFRM major and would like to drop my current major or add AMATH/CFRM as a double major. How can I do this?
Please contact your current major adviser to request a major change. They will be able to submit an electronic Change of Major form on your behalf. If you are double-majoring, you will be required to submit a graduation plan (by updating your MyPlan) to both departments before the change can be approved.
Can I switch my major from AMATH to CFRM, or from CFRM to AMATH?
You will need to reapply during the next admissions cycle, following the same admissions process as students who are not in the department. However, if you have been doing well in your classes, it is more likely that you will be admitted to the other major. Although each degree should lead to similar career paths and/or graduate school options, you may want to review the course descriptions of the major degree requirements for AMATH and CFRM, as well as run degree audits for both majors to see which classes you still need to take and if you are able to graduate on time if admitted to the other major.
Can I switch to the AMATH: Data Science option or CFRM: Data Science option?
Current AMATH majors can petition to enroll in the AMATH-DS option and current CFRM majors can petition to enroll in the CFRM-DS option during Autumn and Spring admission cycles. These students will need to show that they can still graduate on time if they switch to the Data Science option of their current major.