Applied Mathematics, MS
for the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
The MS in Applied Mathematics program is intended for students wishing to pursue a career in applied mathematics. It is also suitable as preparation for a PhD program in Applied Mathematics. It is rare for students to enter the PhD program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after finishing this degree. Students may choose one of three tracks: Optimization and Algorithms, Applications to the Sciences, or Computational Science and Engineering. This degree program requires 32 credit hours and can normally be completed in 18 months. A master's thesis is optional. Applications are accepted for Fall semester. Financial aid is generally not available.
for the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Students pursuing the M.S. in Applied Mathematics have the opportunity to customize the their studies the following ways:
- Through the Computational Science and Engineering Concentration.
- By completing the coursework for the option in Optimization and Algorithms;
- By completing the coursework for the option in Applications to the Sciences;
- By completing the coursework for the option in Computational Science and Engineering.
For additional details and requirements refer to the Department of Mathematics Graduate Guide and the Graduate College Handbook.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| For all options: | ||
| Coursework to total 32 hours in MATH or ASRM (in consultation with advisor). | ||
| MATH 599 | Thesis Research | 4 |
| Choose one of these three (3) options: | ||
| Optimization and Algorithms Option | ||
| Courses from at least three (3) of the following areas: Optimization, Control Theory and Coding Theory, Combinatorics and Graph Theory, Algorithms and Theory of Computation, Statistics (including core courses listed below) | 20 | |
| Select four (4) of the following: | 12-16 | |
| Graph Theory | ||
| Intro to Combinatorics | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Algorithms | ||
| Methods of Applied Statistics | ||
| Linear Programming | ||
| Nonlinear Programming | ||
| Applications to the the Sciences Option | ||
| Select three (3) of the following: | 9-16 | |
| Dynamics & Differential Eqns | ||
| Dynamical Systems I | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics | ||
| Credit hours in a department other than Mathematics, providing substantive applications of differential equations and applied mathematics. | 8 | |
| Computational Science and Engineering Option | ||
| MATH 550 | Dynamical Systems I | 4 |
| or MATH 553 | Partial Differential Equations | |
| Choose one (1) advanced course in Algebra or Analysis: | 3-4 | |
| Intro to Abstract Algebra II | ||
| Complex Variables | ||
| Real Analysis | ||
| Complex Variables I | ||
| 12 hours from CSE courses (at least 4 in MATH, 4 not in MATH) | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum hours required within the unit: | 20 | |
| Minimum 500-level hours required overall: | 12 (8 in Mathematics) | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | |
| Total Hours (graduate study) | 32 | |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| For all options: | ||
| Coursework to total 32 hours in MATH or ASRM (in consultation with advisor). | ||
| Choose one of these three (3) options: | ||
| Optimization and Algorithms Option | ||
| Courses from at least three (3) of the following areas: Optimization, Control Theory and Coding Theory, Combinatorics and Graph Theory, Algorithms and Theory of Computation, Statistics (including core courses listed below) | 20 | |
| Select four (4) of the following: | 12-16 | |
| Graph Theory | ||
| Intro to Combinatorics | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Algorithms | ||
| Methods of Applied Statistics | ||
| Linear Programming | ||
| Nonlinear Programming | ||
| Applications to the the Sciences Option | ||
| Select three (3) of the following: | 9-16 | |
| Dynamics & Differential Eqns | ||
| Dynamical Systems I | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics | ||
| Credit hours in a department other than Mathematics, providing substantive applications of differential equations and applied mathematics. | 8 | |
| Computational Science and Engineering Option | ||
| MATH 550 | Dynamical Systems I | 4 |
| or MATH 553 | Partial Differential Equations | |
| Choose one (1) advanced course in Algebra or Analysis: | 3-4 | |
| Intro to Abstract Algebra II | ||
| Complex Variables | ||
| Real Analysis | ||
| Complex Variables I | ||
| 12 hours from CSE courses (at least 4 in MATH, 4 not in MATH) | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum hours required within the unit: | 20 | |
| Minimum 500-level hours required overall: | 12 (8 in Mathematics) | |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | |
| Total Hours (graduate study) | 32 | |
for the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Optimization and Algorithms Track
- Students will gain fundamental understanding in at least four of the seven core subjects of graph theory, combinatorics, numerical analysis, algorithms, applied statistics, linear programming, nonlinear programming.
- Students will gain breadth of knowledge in at least three of the following areas: optimization, control theory and coding theory, combinatorics/graph theory, algorithms/theory of computation, statistics.
- Students will gain experience in original research in applied mathematics, if desired. This goal applies to students on the thesis track of this program.
Applications to the Sciences Track
- Students will gain depth of understanding of the theory of differential equations and dynamical systems.
- Students will gain the ability to engage with theoretical mathematical thinking in areas relevant to the application of differential equations and dynamical systems to the sciences, at the graduate level.
- Students will gain exposure to the application of mathematics in one or more of the sciences.
- Students will gain experience in original research in applied mathematics, if desired. This goal applies to students on the thesis track of this program.
Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) Track
- Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the theory of differential equations/dynamical systems.
- Students will gain a fundamental understanding, at the graduate level, of at least one of the core subjects of abstract algebra, real analysis, complex analysis.
- Students will gain an understanding of the use of computational techniques in the study of applied mathematics.
- Students will gain experience in original research in applied mathematics, if desired. This goal applies to students on the thesis track of this program.
for the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Graduate Degree Programs in Mathematics
for the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics Department
Department Chair: Vera Hur
Director of Graduate Studies: Jared Bronski
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