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A traditional master’s degree in applied mathematics is often considered a stepping stone to a PhD. This admission process for a traditional master’s degree is highly competitive and typically evaluates applicants on their potential to do research, and possibly continue on to a PhD. A professional master’s degree in applied mathematics is (usually) considered a terminal degree. The goal of the professional master’s degree is to prepare students to be highly competitive on the professional job market. The target audience is (soon-to-be) working professionals who want to further their education; obtain cutting-edge knowledge in applied mathematics, statistics, and data science; further advance their communication, collaboration, presentation, organizational, and networking skills; and apply what they learn to advance their career. The professional master’s degree admission process evaluates applicants primarily on their potential to complete a challenging degree, and not on their potential to do research or complete a PhD.
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The MS in Applied Mathematics is housed in the Department of Applied Mathematics, and allows students to study a broad range of topics, including statistics and data science, mathematical finance, computational mathematics, mathematical biology, and other fields. The MS in Data Science is an interdisciplinary degree that utilizes some courses from the Department of Applied Mathematics, but also courses in Computer Science and Information Science.

The MS in Applied Mathematics is designed for individuals who have proficiency in calculus 1-3, a strong foundation in linear algebra, and at least one other upper-division mathematics course (e.g., probability theory). We welcome working professionals that are interested in furthering their statistics, data science, or applied mathematics skills. These prerequisites allow our students to dive deeper into the theory that underlies big data, statistics, data science, and other areas of applied mathematics. The prerequisites for the MS in Data Science are calculus 1-2 and linear algebra.

Many of our MS in Applied Mathematics students work on research and data analysis projects alongside our nationally recognized applied mathematics faculty. Our faculty are not involved in research or projects with MS in Data Science students at this time.

The Department of Applied Mathematics graduate program has consistently ranked in the top 15 programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Our courses are designed to share the most current and relevant skills and techniques.

Our students and researchers contribute to scientific journals, report findings and results at conferences, invite discussion at roundtable meetings, and present at seminars around the country.

The department is home to faculty with expertise in computational mathematics, statistics and data science, physical applied mathematics, mathematical biological and social sciences, Ìýand mathematical geosciences. Students in the professional MS program have the option of specializing in statistics and data science, or creating a custom specialization combining the strengths above.

A student enrolled full-time (9 credit hours per semester) can finish the degree in 2 years (not including summer semesters). Students wishing to complete the degree in fewer than two years might do so be increasing their fall or spring course load, or by enrolling in summer courses. As of fall 2019, it is not possible to complete the program in 12 months.

Yes, the MS degree isÌýSTEM eligible, offering an Optional Practical Training STEM Extension benefit.

Tracks other than Statistics and Data Science--e.g., Computational Mathematics--will likely require taking graduate level courses in analysis and numerical analysis. Because our graduate analysis and numerical analysis courses are rigorous (and also serve our PhD program), it is important that you have the proper preparation; that preparation should include (1) at least one rigorous undergraduate course in analysis, (1) at least one rigorous course in numerical analysis,Ìý and (3) a course in partial differential equations (PDEs).Ìý

Yes. In fact, we require that you take a six-credit (two-course) sequence outside of the department. Suggestions for the out-of-department sequence can be found on our website; students may propose their own sequence, which will be subject to approval by the professional MS director.
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Students may be able to transfer up to six graduate level credits. Transfer credits must be approved by the department and the graduate school, and must not have counted toward another degree. Transfer of credit cannot be determined prior to admission.Ìý

The answer will depend on several circumstances, including the particular courses being considered, your background as it relates to those courses, and how many hours you work per week. Students should work with their advisor to decide the best number of courses for each semester. Typically, students working full-time take either three or six credits per semester (to finish in four years, taking six credits during two semesters, or taking a summer course, will be necessary).
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There are many exciting opportunities available to an MS level applied mathematician, statistician, or data scientist. Here are a few career-related resources:

1. Both the and the have resources for exploring career options.

2. and are two nice resources for statistics and data science jobs.

Yes. Students are required to complete a culminating experience project a