Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences

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 a 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.

Undergraduate Program

The ACMS program offers a Bachelor of Science degree that builds on the strengths of the four mathematical sciences departments as well the many quantitatively oriented departments across campus. All students complete a core set of courses developing basic skills in modeling, computation, mathematics, and statistics. Students choose one of the eight option areas listed below for further training and specialization.

1. Biological and Life Sciences focuses on basic techniques of mathematical modeling and computing that are employed in the life sciences.
2. Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms gives students a broad background in mathematics and computation with special emphasis on discrete mathematics and its application to optimization and algorithm design.
3. Engineering and Physical Sciences: This option is an excellent choice for students with an interest in the physical world and classical areas of applied mathematics.
4. Mathematical Economics: Students in this option obtain a firm foundation in applied and computational mathematics as well as a basic grounding in economic theory.
5. Operations Research provides a firm foundation in the mathematical tools of operations research, particularly optimization and stochastic modeling.
6. Scientific Computing and Numerical Algorithms focuses on the design, mathematical analysis, and efficient implementation of numerical algorithms for such problems.
7. Social and Behavioral Sciences provides a foundation in commonly used statistical and computational techniques followed by flexibility in pursuing different sets of advanced courses.
8. Statistics: This option is designed to introduce students to theory, methodology, and applications of statistics.

Bachelor of Science

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

1. A minimum GPA of 2.50 for all courses counted toward the major; minimum grade of 2.0 in each course taken toward the major.
2. Core: 43 credits to include MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; MATH 308; MATH 307 or MATH 351; MATH/STAT 390; CSE 142, CSE 143; AMATH 352; AMATH/MATH 381, AMATH 383.
3. Completion of one of the following options:
   1. Biological and Life Sciences Option. 47 credits to include option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122. PHYS 123; or BIOL 101 and 102 or BIOL 180 and 200; MATH 324, AMATH 353, AMATH 422, AMATH 423; and option electives (20 credits): outside area (12 credits or double major/double degree; see adviser for options) and 8 credits of approved courses at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.
   2. Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms Option. 47 credits to include option core and option electives. Option core: 33 credits for non-Computer Science and Engineering majors - PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, MATH 310, MATH/STAT 394, CSE 373, CSE 410, CSE 417 and one of CSE 413, CSE 415; 9 credits for Computer Science/Computer Science and Engineering double major/double degree - MATH/STAT 394, CSE 421, CSE 431. Option electives: 14 credits for non-Computer Science and Engineering majors, 23 credits for Computer Science/Computer Science and Engineering double majors, to include 9 credits from MATH 407, MATH 408, MATH 409, MATH 461, MATH 462, and remaining 15 credits from approved courses at the 300 level or above from the four participating departments.
   3. Engineering and Physical Sciences Option. 47 credits to include option core (30 credits): PHYS 121, 122, 123, MATH 324, AMATH 401, AMATH 402, AMATH 403; and option electives (17 credits): outside area (11 credits or double major/double degree; see adviser for options) and 6 credits of approved courses at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.
   4. Mathematical Economics Option. 47 credits to include option core and electives. Option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, 122, 123 or ECON 200, 201, 300, MATH 310, MATH 327, MATH 407; and at least one of the following: MATH 408, STAT 423. Option electives: Either (1) or (2), below. (1) 20 credits including at least 15 credits from ECON 301, ECON 400, ECON 401, ECON 404, ECON 421, ECON 422, ECON 454, ECON 472, ECON 482, ECON 483, ECON 485; at least 5 additional credits at the 300 level or above from the four participating departments or from the department of Economics (taken from ECON courses listed above). (2) Complete a double major with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
   5. Operations Research Option. 47 credits to include option core and electives. Option core (30 credits): PHYS 121, 122, 123, MATH 310, MATH/STAT 394, MATH/STAT 395; and at least two of the following: MATH 407, MATH 408, MATH 409. Option electives: Either (1) or (2), below. (1) 17 credits, including at least 6 credits from MATH/STAT 491, MATH/STAT 492, STAT 421, 423; at least 8 credits from OPMGT 301, OPMGT 402, OPMGT 443, OPMGT 450, OPMGT 490, QMETH 450, QMETH 490, IND E 321, IND E 337, IND E 410, IND E 412, IND E 424, IND E 426, IND E 430, IND E 433, (with at least one course at the 400 level); at least 3 additional credits at the 300 level or above from the four participating departments or from the departments of Management Science and Industrial Engineering (taken from IND E courses listed above). (2) Complete a double degree in Management Science in the School of Business Administration or in Industrial Engineering in the College of Engineering.
   6. Scientific Computing and Numerical Algorithms Option. 47 credits to include option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, 122, 123, MATH 310, MATH 327, MATH 464, MATH 465; and option electives (20 credits), to include 11 credits from the following: AMATH 301; AMATH 353 or MATH 309; CSE 373 or CSE 326; CSE 410; AMATH 401, AMATH 402, AMATH 403; MATH 407, MATH 408, MATH 409; MATH 427, MATH 428; remaining 9 credits from approved courses at the 300 level or above from the four participating departments.
   7. Social and Behavioral Sciences Option. 47 credits to include option core (25 credits): PHYS 121, 122, 123, MATH/STAT 394, MATH/STAT 395, STAT 423; and option electives (22 credits): outside area (12 credits or double major/double degree; see adviser for options) and 10 credits of approved courses at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.
   8. Statistics Option. 47 credits to include program core (37 credits): PHYS 121, 122, 123, MATH/STAT 394, MATH/STAT 395, STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 421, STAT 423; option electives (10 credits): approved courses at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.

See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted above.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The ACMS degree emphasizes the development of advanced skills in discrete and contiguous 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. With Distinction (Departmental Honors). 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