appliedmath.ucmerced.edu
Contact: Applied Mathematics Graduate Committee, online contact form
Applied Mathematics uses analytical and computational tools to solve real-world problems. Its foundations lie in modeling, analysis, scientific computing, and data science. The Applied Mathematics graduate program at UC Merced offers opportunities to engage in multidisciplinary research at the interface of life sciences, physical sciences, engineering and social sciences. Both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are offered.
Our coursework provides rigorous training in the fundamental methods of applied mathematics, including ordinary and partial differential equations, numerical analysis and scientific computing, as well as modern tools in data science and machine learning. A key goal of applied mathematics is to make significant contributions to other disciplines, fostering a truly interdisciplinary research and education environment.
During their first year, students take the Applied Mathematics Core courses, complete preliminary exams, and explore active research areas within the faculty group. In the second year, they continue the Core sequence, enroll in Special Topics courses, and begin work on their Ph.D. research project.
Ph.D. students take their qualifying exam in the second or third year of studies, and are expected to finish within four to six years.
Graduates of the program pursue a wide range of careers. Employers value the analytical reasoning, computational expertise, and data-drivent problem-solving skills our students acquire. Alumni find positions in government and industrial research laboratories across fields such as engineering, energy, telecommunications, transportation and pharmaceuticals, as well as in consulting, finance, and education.
The combination of strong mathematical foundation, computational and data science expertise and applied research experience gives our graduates a distinct advantage in today’s interdisciplinary job market. Those pursuing academic careers, as Graduates post-doctoral researchers or faculty, benefit from the breadth of their teaching, research and computational training, and from their ability to connect mathematics with real-world applications.
All Ph.D. students are required to pass preliminary the exams offered in the first year, and complete the eight core courses covering ordinary and partial differential equations, numerical linear algebra, data science and scientific machine learning. Details regarding specific degree requirements may be found at appliedmath.ucmerced.edu/academics/graduate-studies/courses.
Return to: