Computational and Applied Mathematics, M.S.

The Master of Science in Computational and Applied Mathematics provides a thorough program in the theory and use of advanced computational and applied mathematics that will prepare students to successfully model and solve mathematical and computational problems arising in the real world. The degree is granted to students who successfully complete 30 units of course work and either pass two comprehensive examinations or fulfill the thesis/project requirement.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 upper-division units in mathematics from an accredited college or university.

A grade of “C” or better in the following courses

MATH 247 - Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 units)
MATH 323 - Introduction to Numerical Analysis (4 units)
MATH 361A - Introduction to Mathematical Analysis I (3 units)
MATH 361B - Introduction to Mathematical Analysis II (3 units)
MATH 364A - Ordinary Differential Equations I (3 units)
MATH 380 - Probability and Statistics (3 units)
or their equivalents; consult the Graduate Advisor

Advancement to Candidacy

In addition to University requirements, the student must have completed all prerequisite courses listed above, with no grade less than “C”. Students should file for Advancement upon completion of at least six units (and no more than nine units) on the Program of Study program, with at least a 3.0 GPA. Program of Study must be approved by the appropriate Graduate Advisor, Director of Graduate Studies in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics or designee.

Requirements

A minimum of 30 graduate and upper division units

A minimum of 30 graduate and upper-division units approved by the Graduate Advisor including:

Three of the following courses:

MATH 563 - Applied Analysis (3 units)
MATH 570 - Partial Differential Equations (3 units)
MATH 576 - Numerical Analysis (3 units)
MATH 579 - Advanced Mathematical Modeling (3 units)

Three additional courses selected from:

MATH 520 - Finite Element Method (3 units)
MATH 521 - Matrix Method in Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition (3 units)
MATH 564 - Applied Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations (3 units)
MATH 573 - Advanced Scientific Computing (3 units)
MATH 574 - Stochastic Calculus and Applications (3 units)
MATH 575 - Calculus of Variations (3 units)
MATH 577 - Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations (3 units)
MATH 578 - Numerical Linear Algebra (3 units)
and the course in the previous section not used to satisfy that requirement.

Complete one of the following culminating activities

(Note: In order to satisfy the culminating activity requirement (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination dependent upon the program), students must earn at least three (3) units and no more than six (6) units related to the completion of the culminating activity.):

Pass a comprehensive written examination

Pass a comprehensive written examination in two subjects of Applied Mathematics. Specific requirements for passing the comprehensive examinations can be found on the Department of Mathematics and Statistics website.

Thesis

Subject to the approval of the Applied Mathematics Committee in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, write a thesis in computational or applied mathematics and defend it orally. Specific requirements for the thesis proposal approval process can be found on the department website. This choice of culminating activity requires students to enroll in at least 3 and at most 6 units of MATH 698 .

Project

Subject to the approval of the Applied Mathematics Committee in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, complete a non-proprietary applied mathematics project with a local company under the guidance of a faculty advisor in computational or applied mathematics and a project leader from the company. Write a final report on the project and its outcomes and defend it orally. Specific requirements for completion of the project can be found on the Department of Mathematics and Statistics website This choice of culminating activity requires students to enroll in at least 3 and at most 6 units of MATH 698 .