Part-time & Graduate Enrollment Services
Applied and Computational Mathematics MS
Program overview
The ideas of applied mathematics pervade several applications in a variety of businesses and industries as well as government. Sophisticated mathematical tools are increasingly used to develop new models, modify existing ones, and analyze system performance. This includes applications of mathematics to problems in management science, biology, portfolio planning, facilities planning, control of dynamic systems, and design of composite materials. The goal is to find computable solutions to real-world problems arising from these types of situations.
The master of science degree in applied and computational mathematics provides students with the capability to apply mathematical models and methods to study various problems that arise in industry and business, with an emphasis on developing computable solutions that can be implemented. The program offers options in discrete mathematics, dynamical systems, and scientific computing. Students will complete a thesis, which includes the presentation of original ideas and solutions to a specific mathematical problem. The proposal for the thesis work and the results must be presented and defended before the advisory committee.
Curriculum
Applied and computational mathematics (discrete mathematics option), MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| MATH-611 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH-651 | Combinatorics and Graph Theory I | 3 |
| MATH-671 | Number Theory | 3 |
| MATH-601 | Methods of Applied Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-605 | Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| MATH-652 | Combinatorics and Graph Theory II | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| MATH-771 | Mathematics of Cryptography | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| MATH-790 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
Applied and computational mathematics (dynamical systems option), MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| MATH-611 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH-651 | Combinatorics and Graph Theory I | 3 |
| MATH-631 | Dynamical Systems | 3 |
| MATH-601 | Methods of Applied Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-605 | Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| MATH-731 | Advanced Dynamical Systems | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| MATH-741 | Partial Differential Equations I | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| MATH-790 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
Applied and computational mathematics (scientific computing option), MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| MATH-611 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH-651 | Combinatorics and Graph Theory I | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| MATH-601 | Methods of Applied Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH-605 | Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| MATH-612 | Numerical Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| MATH-711 | Advanced Methods in Scientific Computing | 3 |
| MATH-712 | Numerical Methods for PDEs | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| MATH-790 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in applied and computational mathematics, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in mathematics or any related field (applicant's should have completed course work in multivariable calculus, differential equations, matrix theory, and probability and statistics. Knowledge of a programming language is required.),
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives,
- Have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- Submit two letters of recommendation, and
- Complete a graduate application.
- International applicants whose primary language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 79-80 (Internet-based) is required. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores will be accepted in place of the TOEFL exam. Minimum scores will vary; however, the absolute minimum score required for unconditional acceptance is 6.5. For additional information about the IELTS, please visit www.ielts.org. Those who cannot take the TOEFL will be required to take the Michigan Test of English Proficiency at RIT and obtain a score of 80 or higher.
Although Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required, submitting them may enhance a candidate's acceptance into the program.
A student may also be granted conditional admission and be required to complete bridge courses selected from among RIT’s existing undergraduate courses, as prescribed by the student’s adviser. Until these requirements are met, the candidate is considered a nonmatriculated student. The graduate program director evaluates the student’s qualifications to determine eligibility for conditional and provisional admission.
Additional information
Student’s advisory committee
Upon admission to the program, the student chooses an adviser and forms an advisory committee. This committee will oversee the academic aspects of the student’s program, including the selection of a concentration and appropriate courses to fulfill the program’s requirements.
Cooperative education
Cooperative education enables students to alternate periods of study on campus with periods of full-time, paid professional employment. Students may pursue a co-op position after their first semester. Co-op is optional for this program.
Part-time study
The program is ideal for practicing professionals who are interested in applying mathematical methods in their work and enhancing their career options. Most courses are scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening. The program may normally be completed in two years of part-time study.
Nonmatriculated students
A student with a bachelor’s degree from an approved undergraduate institution, and with the background necessary for specific courses, may take graduate courses as a nonmatriculated student with the permission of the graduate program director and the course instructor. Courses taken for credit may be applied toward the master’s degree if the student is formally admitted to the program at a later date. However, the number of credit hours that may be transferred in to the program from courses taken at RIT is limited for nonmatriculated students.
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesReliability analyst, manufacturing engineering consultant, data analyst, consultant
FunctionsProbability modeling, optimization, data analysis, performance evaluation, risk analysis
Recent EmployersAmerican Express Corporation