Master of Science in Applied Mathematics

Introduction

These guidelines are intended to help familiarize graduate students in the on-campus Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Applied Mathematics program with the policies governing this degree program. All the guidelines apply to both the on-campus M.Sc. degree, unless otherwise specified. This material supplements the graduate school requirements found on the Graduate Student Resources page and on the Master’s Degree Policies page. Students are expected to be familiar with these procedures and regulations.

Requirements

The on-campus M.Sc. Program is intended to give the student a working knowledge of several areas of applied mathematics, which may include a specific area of application, in order to prepare for a productive career in industry or elsewhere, or to prepare the student for continuing towards a Ph.D. degree. The Graduate School and the Department require a minimum of 36 credits for the M.Sc. degree. Additionally, the Department requires 9 courses, including specific core requirements. For a full list of requirements by specific program, please see this guide. For those interested in (optional) independent study, please review the policy.

Satisfactory performance and progress

At all times, all Master’s students need to make satisfactory progress towards finishing their degree. Satisfactory progress in course work is based on grades. Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or higher. The Graduate School rules regarding satisfactory progress are detailed in Policy 3.7: Academic Performance and Progress. Typically, the Department of Applied Mathematics follows the recommendations of the Graduate School. We encourage all students to explore and utilize the many available resources across campus.

Expected academic workload

Our on-campus M.Sc. students are expected to register for a full course load, typically three numerically graded courses totaling approximately 12 or more credits, enabling graduation in one academic year. Students who do not intend to register for a quarter must seek approved academic leave in order to maintain student status. Students who do not maintain active student status through course registration or an approved leave request need to request reinstatement to rejoin the program. Reinstatement is at the discretion of the department. Students approved for reinstatement are required to follow degree requirements active at time of reinstatement.

Thesis option

Students in the on-campus M.Sc. program may choose to complete a M.Sc. thesis. The requirements to do so are in addition to those mentioned above. For students in the thesis option, an oral defense of the M.Sc. thesis is required. Additional details may be found here.

Admission to the Ph.D. program

If a student in the on-campus M.Sc. Program is interested in continuing on towards a Ph.D. degree in the department, the student is expected to submit an internal application to the Graduate Program Coordinator by the announced deadline. The Graduate Program Coordinator and the AMATH faculty will consider their application together with those of other applicants to the Ph.D. program. Students will be notified of their admission status (including possible financial aid) no later than April 15. Students’ files will be evaluated with those of the external PhD applicants and admission is highly competitive.

Careers

Career resources, as well as a look at student pathways after graduation, may be found here.

Costs

The on-campus M.Sc. program is a tuition program. Tuition is charged per quarter. Tuition for state-funded programs is a flat rate for a course load of between 10 and 18 credits per quarter. Students will pay either resident or non-resident tuition rates, according to their eligibility. Visit the tuition dashboard for specific costs.