Mathematics is the common language of modern science, engineering, and business. Techniques of mathematical modeling and data analysis are key instruments in the tool kit of modern practitioners and researchers in a wide array of disciplines. ACMS is an interdisciplinary program in the mathematical sciences that provides sound training in mathematical modeling, scientific computation, mathematical reasoning, and statistical analysis. The program is jointly administered by the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics, offering students access to their combined resources. An ACMS major is an excellent stepping stone to a career in engineering and the physical, life, and management sciences.
Program of Study: Major: Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences
Program Overview
The Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS) program is a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences, offered jointly by the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics. It is designed for students interested in the application of mathematical and computational concepts and tools to problems in research or in the business world.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Data Science and Statistics
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Mathematical Economics and Quantitative Finance
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123; CSE 123 or CSE 143.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is capacity constrained. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the unit's admission decision. The application and additional information are available at the department website.
Applicants are considered in two groups: Currently Enrolled UW Students and Entering Transfers.
Currently Enrolled UW Students: A portion of each year's class is admitted after matriculating to UW. Admission is capacity constrained.
Minimum Course Requirements: CSE 123 or CSE 143; MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; one from MATH 207, MATH 208, AMATH 351, AMATH 352 with a minimum 2.0 grade in each of these courses and an overall minimum 2.50 GPA in these courses. MATH 134, MATH 135 and MATH 136 may replace MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 and MATH 208.
Determining Factors: Factors considered include performance in all degree-related courses as measured by GPA, difficulty of all courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, amount and type of college-level credit, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
When to Apply: Applications are accepted twice each year at the beginning of autumn and spring quarters. Refer to department website for deadlines.
Entering Transfers. Admission is capacity constrained.
Transfer applicants must submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Minimum 30 graded college credits completed by the University transfer application deadline.
Minimum Course Requirements: CSE 123 or CSE 143; MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; one from MATH 207, MATH 208, AMATH 351, AMATH 352 with a minimum 2.0 grade in each of these courses and an overall minimum 2.50 GPA in these courses. MATH 134, MATH 135 and MATH 136 may replace MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 and MATH 208.
Determining Factors: Factors considered include performance in all degree-related courses as measured by GPA, difficulty of all courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, amount and type of college-level credit, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
When to Apply: Application deadlines: April 5 for autumn admission
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Data Science and Statistics
Credential Overview
The Data Science and Statistics option credential is designed with strong statistics and applied mathematics components. The option credential incorporates coursework in mathematical modeling and scientific computation, statistical learning, probability, and data science. Students graduating with the major are well-prepared for careers in data science, technology, and government sectors, or for further graduate studies in the quantitative sciences.
Completion Requirements
74-89 credits
Core Courses (22-29 credits):
Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
AMATH 352
CSE 123 or CSE 143
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.0 grade in courses applied to the major
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (52-59 credits)
Core Courses (15-16 credits):
Probability: MATH 394/STAT 394
Introductory Statistics: STAT 290 or STAT 311
Scientific computing: STAT 302 or AMATH 301
Data Programming: CSE 163
Data Science (11-14 credits):
Ethics: one of the following: STAT 303, SOC 225, or INFO 351
Database: CSE 414 or INFO 330
Machine Learning: STAT 435 or CFRM 421
Scientific Computing and Optimization (6-8 credits):complete two of the following:
AMATH 481 or AMATH 482
MATH 407
MATH 464
Statistics (11-12 credits):
STAT 391
Complete two of the following:
STAT 425/BIOST 425 or STAT 403/Q SCI 403
STAT 451 or CSE 412
IND E 316/STAT 316
Electives (minimum 9 credits): any combination of the courses listed in requirements #1 through #4 above, or courses from a list of approved elective courses. Refer to department website for list of approved elective courses.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms
Credential Overview
The Discrete Mathematical Algorithms option credential focuses on discrete mathematics with coursework at the intersection of mathematics and computer science. Students in this option should expect to have more computer science knowledge than a typical math major and more mathematics than the typical computer science major. Such a background prepares students for either an industry job or graduate school in various mathematical sciences that focus on discrete mathematics including operations research, computer science, computational biology, genome sciences, computational chemistry, industrial engineering, business, and data science.
Completion Requirements
74-89 credits
Core Courses (22-29 credits):
Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
AMATH 352
CSE 123 or CSE 143
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.0 grade in courses applied to the major
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Electives (minimum 15 credits): any combination of the courses listed in requirement #2 above or courses from a list of approved elective courses. Refer to department website for list of approved elective courses.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Mathematical Economics and Quantitative Finance
Credential Overview
Mathematical models and computational methods are becoming increasingly important for quantitative analysis, risk management, strategies implementation, and other areas in the finance industry. Students choosing the Mathematical Economics and Quantitative Finance option credential acquire a solid foundation in applied and computational mathematics as well as a grounding in economic theory. It is ideal as a second major for students in economics who want more mathematical training. The option is also useful for those preparing for graduate school in computational finance, financial engineering, or economics since mathematical models and computational methods are heavily used.
Completion Requirements
74-89 credits
Core Courses (22-29 credits):
Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
AMATH 352
CSE 123 or CSE 143
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.0 grade in courses applied to the major
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (55-60 credits)
Core Courses (40-41 credits): CSE 163; ECON 200, ECON 201, ECON 300; MATH 300, MATH 318, MATH 327, MATH 394/STAT 394; STAT 395/MATH 395; MATH 407; STAT 390 or CFRM 410
Sequences (6-10 credits): complete one of the following:
Optimization: MATH 408, MATH 409
Stochastic processes: MATH 491/STAT 491, and either MATH 492/STAT 492 or MATH 493/STAT 493
Economics: ECON 482, and either ECON 483 or ECON 484
Electives (minimum 9 credits): any combination of the courses listed in requirement #2 above or courses from a list of approved elective courses. Refer to department website for list of approved elective courses.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis
Credential Overview
Computer simulation is heavily used in science and engineering as a tool in analysis, visualization, and design. Complex mathematical models can give very accurate predictions of real-world phenomena, but typically lead to equations that can only be solved with the aid of a computer. The Scientific Computing and Numerical Algorithms option credential focuses on the design, analysis, and efficient implementation of numerical algorithms for such problems. Such a background prepares students for either an industry job or graduate school in various interdisciplinary programs that focus on scientific computing and its applications.
Completion Requirements
74-89 credits
Core Courses (22-29 credits):
Complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
AMATH 352
CSE 123 or CSE 143
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.0 grade in courses applied to the major
Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (55-56 credits)
Core Courses (45-46 credits):
Probability: either STAT 390 or MATH 394/STAT 394
Modeling: either AMATH 383 or MATH 381
Calculus Based Science: PHYS 121
Other Science or Engineering: one of PHYS 122, PHYS 123, CHEM 142, CHEM 152, or BIOL 180
Tools for Scientific Computing: CSE 163, AMATH 301
Electives (minimum 10 credits): any combination of the courses listed in requirement #1 above or courses from a list of approved elective courses. Refer to department website for list of approved elective courses.
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences Program Policy on Double Degrees
Students majoring in applied and computational mathematical sciences may not earn a double degree with the Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics or its credential option, Bachelor of Science degree in Computational Finance or its credential option, Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics or any of its credential options, Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics or any of its credential options, Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, or Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or its credential option.
As of spring quarter 2024, the option credentials in Biological and Life Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Science are no longer offered. Please refer to the UW Seattle General Catalog Archive for information about these option credentials.
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The ACMS degree emphasizes the development of advanced skills in discrete and continuous mathematical modeling, computing and scientific computation, mathematical reasoning and analytic skills, and statistical reasoning and analytic skills. Students develop an expertise at an advanced level in an applications area. This set of skills provides the basis for careers in a wide array of quantitative disciplines including engineering; the physical, life, and social sciences; as well as business and management sciences. In addition, the ACMS program has developed partnerships with a number of departments on campus to facilitate the pursuit of double majors.
Instructional and Research Facilities: The program has access to the combined instructional and research facilities of the four participating departments, as well as the Mathematics and Statistics library and the Math Study Center.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: The program is provided with internship opportunities periodically, which are then passed on to students.
Department Scholarships: None offered.
Student Organizations/Associations: MAA Student Chapter, Actuarial Club, SIAM