Applied Mathematics is the discipline of discovering, applying, and promoting the use of mathematics to model and solve practical problems in many disciplines, ranging from physical sciences and biology to medicine and business.
Applied and computational mathematics encompasses some of the most diverse and interdisciplinary research in the physical, engineering, and biological sciences. The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington provides a dynamic and engaging graduate training environment that is especially strong in scientific computing and in the application areas of mathematical biology (ecology, biochemistry, neuroscience), nonlinear waves and coherent structures (water waves and tsunamis, lasers, nonlinear optics), mathematical finance, climate modeling (atmospheric dynamics, global warming) and modern mathematical methods (inverse problems, numerical analysis, optimization).
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied Mathematics
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied Mathematics: Data Science
Admission Requirements
Admission to the major is capacity constrained. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. The application and additional information are available at the department website.
There are two types of applicants - Currently Enrolled UW Students and Entering Transfers.
Currently Enrolled UW Students
Minimum requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each of MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136). Minimum 2.0 grade in AMATH 301. Successful applicants typically have earned above a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses listed above with no individual course grade lower than a 2.0.
Determining factors: Admission is based on a holistic review of the student's record to include: grades in courses required for admission, overall cumulative GPA, and rigor of courses completed; time to degree set by the UW Satisfactory Progress Policy, including frequency of incompletes or withdrawals and number of repeated courses; personal statement that demonstrates interest in pursuing advanced study in the field of applied mathematics and related fields.
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
Transfer applicants must submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University.
Minimum requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each of MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136). Minimum 2.0 grade in AMATH 301. Successful applicants typically have earned above a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses listed above with no individual course grade lower than a 2.0.
Determining factors: Admission is based on a holistic review of the student's record to include: grades in courses required for admission, overall cumulative GPA, and rigor of courses completed; time to degree set by the UW Satisfactory Progress Policy, including frequency of incompletes or withdrawals and number of repeated courses; personal statement that demonstrates interest in pursuing advanced study in the field of applied mathematics and related fields.
When to apply: Admission is once per year. Application deadline: 5 p.m. April 5th of spring quarter for an 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 Mathematics
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Areas of Inquiry: A&H (20 credits); SSc (20 credits); NSc (20 credits). 15 additional credits in any area.
English Composition (C): 5 credits
Additional Writing: 10 credits
Foreign Language: completion of the third college quarter of a foreign language
Reasoning (RSN): 4 or 5 credits from the RSN list
Diversity (DIV): 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Major Requirements
Minimum 54-58 credits, depending on credential/option
Mathematics: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136) (15 credits)
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Applied Mathematics: Data Science
Credential Overview
Data Science continues to be a growing area of study within Applied Mathematics and the sciences in general. It incorporates statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization, among other aspects of Applied Mathematics. The Data Science option in Applied Mathematics is designed to provide students training in data science methods and practices.
Additional Admission Requirements
Students apply for the Data Science option at the time of application to the major. Non-option students in the major can petition to enroll in the Data Science option during the admissions rounds in autumn and spring quarters, and the decision is made based on course capacities.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Areas of Inquiry: A&H (20 credits); SSc (20 credits); NSc (20 credits). 15 additional credits in any area.
English Composition (C): 5 credits
Additional Writing: 10 credits
Foreign Language: completion of the third college quarter of a foreign language
Reasoning (RSN): 4 or 5 credits from the RSN list
Diversity (DIV): 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Major Requirements
Minimum 54-58 credits, depending on credential/option
Mathematics: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136) (15 credits)
Program of Study: Major: Computational Finance and Risk Management
Program Overview
In the finance industry, there is a great demand for advanced quantitative computational finance competencies. Mathematical models, statistical methods, and computational techniques are becoming increasingly important as tools for quantitative analysis, risk management, as well as models and strategies implementation. The Computational Finance major is designed to provide UW undergraduate students with a rigorous applied mathematical foundation and solid understanding of how mathematical models as well as statistical and computational methods are used in financial applications, such as portfolio optimization, derivatives pricing, and risk management.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computational Finance and Risk Management
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computational Finance and Risk Management: Data Science
Admission Requirements
Admission to the major is capacity constrained. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. The application and additional information are available at the department website.
There are two types of applicants - Currently Enrolled UW Students and Entering Transfers.
Currently Enrolled UW Students
Minimum requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each of MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136). Minimum 2.0 grade in AMATH 301. Successful applicants typically have earned above a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses listed above with no individual course grade lower than a 2.0.
Determining factors: Admission is based on a holistic review of the student's record to include: grades in courses required for admission, overall cumulative GPA, and rigor of courses completed; time to degree set by the UW Satisfactory Progress Policy, including frequency of incompletes or withdrawals and number of repeated courses; personal statement that demonstrates interest in pursuing advanced study in the field of applied mathematics and related fields.
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
Transfer applicants must submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University.
Minimum requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each of MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136). Minimum 2.0 grade in AMATH 301. Successful applicants typically have earned above a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses listed above with no individual course grade lower than a 2.0.
Determining factors: Admission is based on a holistic review of the student's record to include: grades in courses required for admission, overall cumulative GPA, and rigor of courses completed; time to degree set by the UW Satisfactory Progress Policy, including frequency of incompletes or withdrawals and number of repeated courses; personal statement that demonstrates interest in pursuing advanced study in the field of applied mathematics and related fields.
When to apply: Admission is once per year. Application deadline: 5 p.m. April 5th of spring quarter for an 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 Computational Finance and Risk Management
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Areas of Inquiry: A&H (20 credits); SSc (20 credits); NSc (20 credits). 15 additional credits in any area.
English Composition (C): 5 credits
Additional Writing: 10 credits
Foreign Language: completion of the third college quarter of a foreign language
Reasoning (RSN): 4 or 5 credits from the RSN list
Diversity (DIV): 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Major Requirements
Minimum 63-69 credits, depending on credential/option
Mathematics: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136) (15 credits)
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computational Finance and Risk Management: Data Science
Credential Overview
Data Science continues to be a growing area of study within Computational Finance and the sciences in general. It incorporates statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization, among other aspects of applied mathematics. The Data Science option in Computational Finance and Risk Management is designed to provide students training in data science methods and practices.
Additional Admission Requirements
Students apply for the Data Science option at the time of application to the major. Non-option students in the major can petition to enroll in the Data Science option during the admissions rounds in autumn and spring quarters, and the decision is made based on course capacities.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Areas of Inquiry: A&H (20 credits); SSc (20 credits); NSc (20 credits). 15 additional credits in any area.
English Composition (C): 5 credits
Additional Writing: 10 credits
Foreign Language: completion of the third college quarter of a foreign language
Reasoning (RSN): 4 or 5 credits from the RSN list
Diversity (DIV): 5 credits. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Major Requirements
Minimum 63-69 credits, depending on credential/option
Mathematics: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136) (15 credits)
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (20-24 credits)
Data Science (17-19 credits): a. one of AMATH 481 or CSE 163 (4-5 credits) b. one of AMATH 482, CSE 414, or INFO 430 (4-5 credits) c. AMATH 483 (5 credits) d. one of CFRM 421, CSE 416/STAT 416, or STAT 435 (4 credits)
Society and Data (3-5 credits): INFO 351 or SOC 225
Applied and computational mathematics encompasses some of the most diverse and interdisciplinary research in the physical, engineering, and biological sciences. The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington provides a dynamic and engaging graduate training environment that is especially strong in scientific computing and in the application areas of mathematical biology (ecology, biochemistry, neuroscience), nonlinear waves and coherent structures (water waves and tsunamis, lasers, nonlinear optics), mathematical finance, climate modeling (atmospheric dynamics, global warming) and modern mathematical methods (inverse problems, numerical analysis, optimization).
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Applied Mathematics
Minor in Applied Mathematics
Credential Overview
Applied and computational mathematics encompasses some of the most diverse and interdisciplinary research in the physical, engineering, and biological sciences. The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington provides a dynamic and engaging training environment that is especially strong in scientific computing and in the application areas of mathematical biology (ecology, biochemistry, neuroscience), nonlinear waves and coherent structures (water waves and tsunamis, lasers, nonlinear optics), mathematical finance, climate modeling (atmospheric dynamics, global warming) and modern mathematical methods (inverse problems, numerical analysis, optimization, data science).
Completion Requirements
Minimum 27 credits
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 or equivalent
Four applied mathematics courses at the 300 level or above (excluding AMATH 400, AMATH 498, AMATH 499)
In the finance industry, there is a great demand for advanced quantitative computational finance competencies. Mathematical models, statistical methods, and computational techniques are becoming increasingly important as tools for quantitative analysis, risk management, as well as models and strategies implementation. The Computational Finance Minor is designed to provide UW undergraduate students with a rigorous applied mathematical foundation and solid understanding of how mathematical models as well as statistical and computational methods are used in financial applications, such as portfolio optimization, derivatives pricing, and risk management. This Computational Finance Minor is also useful for those preparing for graduate school in Mathematical/Computational Finance or Financial Engineering since mathematical models and computational methods are heavily used in these graduate programs.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Computational Finance
Minor in Computational Finance
Credential Overview
In the finance industry, there is a great demand for advanced quantitative computational finance competencies. Mathematical models, statistical methods, and computational techniques are becoming increasingly important as tools for quantitative analysis, risk management, as well as models and strategies implementation. The Computational Finance Minor is designed to provide UW undergraduate students with a rigorous applied mathematical foundation and solid understanding of how mathematical models as well as statistical and computational methods are used in financial applications, such as portfolio optimization, derivatives pricing, and risk management. This Computational Finance Minor is also useful for those preparing for graduate school in Mathematical/Computational Finance or Financial Engineering since mathematical models and computational methods are heavily used in these graduate programs.
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Through the Applied Mathematics major, students will gain the ability to apply mathematics to problems that society is facing today in the physical, engineering and biological sciences, industry, and many additional application areas. Students develop advanced skills in mathematical modeling, computing and scientific computation, mathematical reasoning and analytical skills. Through the Computational Finance and Risk Management major, students will gain the ability to master mathematical and computing aspects, such as financial software development, financial modeling, machine learning and data science; gain advanced quantitative computational finance competencies and next generation risk management skills.
Honors Options Available: None
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: When available, internship opportunities are passed on to students. Course credit available for undergraduate reading/research with faculty.
Department Scholarships: None offered
Student Organizations/Associations: None currently active
Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Applied Mathematics)
Program Overview
Primarily a research degree, based on proficiency in applied mathematics, and the ability to carry out an independent investigation. The dissertation must exhibit original mathematical contributions relevant to a significant area of application.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Doctor Of Philosophy (Applied Mathematics)
Doctor Of Philosophy (Applied Mathematics: Advanced Data Science)
AMATH 600 (4 credits) (Reading during first four quarters, including first summer) (2x2 credits each with separate faculty members)
Minimum 15 Numerically Graded Courses (to reach required total): Minimum 9 courses from Applied Mathematics curriculum. Maximum two courses at the 400 level (or cross-listed with courses at the 400 level)
Dissertation (27 credits): AMATH 800
Supervisory Committee: Formed no later than end of the second year
Qualifying Examination: The qualifying exam is passed by completing six courses from AMATH 561, 562, 563, 567, 568, 569, 584, 585, 586 before the second year of study, with a minimum course grade of 3.4 in each.
General Examination: Oral examination administered by the student's supervisory committee; students must pass their general exam prior to the start of year three of their PhD studies.
AMATH 600 (4 credits) (Reading during first four quarters, including first summer) (2x2 credits each with separate faculty members)
Minimum 15 Numerically Graded Courses (to reach required total): Minimum 9 courses from Applied Mathematics curriculum. Maximum two courses at the 400 level (or cross-listed with courses at the 400 level)
Dissertation (27 credits): AMATH 800
Supervisory Committee: Formed no later than end of the second year
Qualifying Examination: The qualifying exam is passed by completing six courses from AMATH 561, 562, 563, 567, 568, 569, 584, 585, 586 before the second year of study, with a minimum course grade of 3.4 in each.
General Examination: Oral examination administered by the student's supervisory committee; students must pass their general exam prior to the start of year three of their PhD studies.
Financial Aid: Both research and teaching assistantships are available to full-time students who qualify. Fellowship funds for the study of applied mathematics are available and awarded on a competitive basis.
Research Facilities
Five mid-scale computer servers (12-cores and 24 GBRAM each), available to faculty, staff, students, and visitors via physical or remote access. All faculty and student accounts use Dropbox for backup and cloud access.
In addition to desktop computers, the department maintains five network printers, scanner facilities, six Bloomberg terminals, local laptops and projectors, camera and camcorders and other computing peripherals, including a conference room wired with a large-screen television and webcams for remote conferencing.
Licensing for commercial software packages such as Matlab, Maple and Mathematica, Microsoft products and Adobe, and media tools, is provided by the College of Engineering and the UW IT Department. In addition, the department makes use of many free and open source tools such as Python, Numpy, and Scipy, as well as mathematical software packages.
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.
Admission Requirements
Graduate degree program admission requirements vary. Please see this program's Graduate Admissions Page for specific requirements.
Completion Requirements
All options require 36 total credits.
Core Courses (20 credits):Core courses vary by option, see additional requirements section below for option-specific courses.
Additional Courses (to meet required credit total): From AMATH or other departments. Any non-AMATH courses taken to fulfill degree requirements must be at the graduate level, numerically graded, and approved by the department.
Applied Mathematics Courses: Minimum 24 credits from the Applied Mathematics curriculum. Core courses count toward this requirement.
Minimum nine numerically graded courses, including core courses listed above, with a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA. One may be substituted with 4 credits of AMATH 500 or AMATH 600.
Program Plan: Approved no later than the end of the first quarter of registration.
Satisfactory Progress: Minimum 3.20 GPA. Students normally complete requirements for an MS degree in one year.
Additional Completion Requirements
Core Courses for this option (20 credits): AMATH 567, AMATH 568, AMATH 569, AMATH 584.
The Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics curriculum 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.
Core Courses (20 credits):Core courses vary by option, see additional requirements section below for option-specific courses.
Additional Courses (to meet required credit total): From AMATH or other departments. Any non-AMATH courses taken to fulfill degree requirements must be at the graduate level, numerically graded, and approved by the department.
Applied Mathematics Courses: Minimum 24 credits from the Applied Mathematics curriculum. Core courses count toward this requirement.
Minimum nine numerically graded courses, including core courses listed above, with a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA. One may be substituted with 4 credits of AMATH 500 or AMATH 600.
Program Plan: Approved no later than the end of the first quarter of registration.
Satisfactory Progress: Minimum 3.20 GPA. Students normally complete requirements for an MS degree in one year.
Additional Completion Requirements
Core Courses for this option (20 credits): AMATH 501, AMATH 502, AMATH 503, AMATH 581.
The University of Washington online Master of Science in Applied & Computational Mathematics is a top-ranked degree program that prepares students for dynamic careers in a variety of fields. This interdisciplinary program offers a thorough grounding in mathematical methods that underlie the physical, engineering and biological sciences.
Core Courses (20 credits):Core courses vary by option, see additional requirements section below for option-specific courses.
Additional Courses (to meet required credit total): From AMATH or other departments. Any non-AMATH courses taken to fulfill degree requirements must be at the graduate level, numerically graded, and approved by the department.
Applied Mathematics Courses: Minimum 24 credits from the Applied Mathematics curriculum. Core courses count toward this requirement.
Minimum nine numerically graded courses, including core courses listed above, with a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA. One may be substituted with 4 credits of AMATH 500 or AMATH 600.
Program Plan: Approved no later than the end of the first quarter of registration.
Satisfactory Progress: Minimum 3.20 GPA. Students normally complete requirements for an MS degree in one year.
Additional Completion Requirements
Core Courses for this option (20 credits): AMATH 501, AMATH 502, AMATH 503, AMATH 581.
Financial Aid: Both research and teaching assistantships are available to full-time students who qualify. Fellowship funds for the study of applied mathematics are available and awarded on a competitive basis.
Research Facilities:
Five mid-scale computer servers (12-cores and 24 GBRAM each), available to faculty, staff, students, and visitors via physical or remote access. All faculty and student accounts use Dropbox for backup and cloud access.
In addition to desktop computers, the department maintains five network printers, scanner facilities, six Bloomberg terminals, local laptops and projectors, camera and camcorders and other computing peripherals, including a conference room wired with a large-screen television and webcams for remote conferencing.
Licensing for commercial software packages such as Matlab, Maple and Mathematica, Microsoft products and Adobe, and media tools, is provided by the College of Engineering and the UW IT Department. In addition, the department makes use of many free and open source tools such as Python, Numpy, and Scipy, as well as mathematical software packages.
Program of Study: Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management
Program Overview
The MS-CFRM addresses the demand in the financial-services profession for advanced quantitative and computational finance skills, and next generation risk-management competencies. Three degree options are available: general program (42 credits), computing concentration (54 credits), and risk management concentration (54 credits).
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (Computing) (fee-based)
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (Computing) (fee-based) (Online)
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (fee-based)
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (fee-based) (Online)
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (Risk Management) (fee-based)
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (Risk Management) (fee-based) (Online)
Master Of Science In Computational Finance And Risk Management (Computing) (fee-based)