Program Overview

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Applied and Computational Mathematics Master of Science Degree

Overview

The applied and computational mathematics master’s degree refines your capabilities in applying mathematical models and methods to study a range of problems, with an emphasis on developing and implementing computing solutions. Sophisticated mathematical tools are increasingly used to solve problems in management science, engineering, biology, financial portfolio planning, facilities planning, control of dynamic systems, and design of composite materials.

Why Study Applied and Computational Mathematics at RIT

• STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
• Solution Focused: Apply mathematical models and methods to study various problems that arise in industry and business, with an emphasis on developing computable solutions.
• Diverse Opportunities: Work in areas such as mathematical modeling and analysis of manufacturing, computer and communications systems, transportation optimization, financial mathematics, biological modeling, and consulting/planning.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Current program research includes network science, image analysis, contact lens, polymeric flows, coating, lake plastic, climate modeling, relativity, multi-messenger astrophysics, data analytics, and machine learning.
• Industry Opportunities: Promising Career at Big Companies: Apple, BAE Systems, Ernst & Young, IBM, and Microsoft are just a sampling of employers who hire graduates from our applied mathematics MS.

Applied and Computational Mathematics

The ideas of applied mathematics pervade several applications in a variety of businesses and industries as well as the government. The reasoning, deduction, and logic skills developed in this program will make you more competitive in a wide array of positions and industries.

RIT’s Master’s in Applied Mathematics

In the applied mathematics master’s you will learn 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.

Tailor the applied and computational mathematics master’s degree to fit your career goals.

Electives may be selected from the graduate course offerings in the School of Mathematics and Statistics or from other RIT graduate programs, with approval from the graduate program director. You also have the option to 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.

Applied Mathematics Careers

Graduates of the masters in applied mathematics are uniquely qualified to address the full breadth of mathematical challenges and have developed a depth of knowledge in their chosen specializations.

The Department of Defense accounts for about 81 percent of the mathematicians employed by the federal government. In the private sector, mathematicians are employed by scientific research and development services, software publishers, insurance companies, and in aerospace or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Recent applied mathematics graduates are employed as engineers, economists, analysts (e.g. operations research), physicists, cryptanalysts (codes), actuaries, teachers, market researchers, and financial advisors. Apple, BAE Systems, Ernst & Young, IBM, and Microsoft are just a few of the employers who have hired graduates of the applied and computational mathematics program.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Network Consulting Engineer
• Junior Accountant
• Data Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Junior Business Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Technical Advisory
• Fund Accountant
• Sr. Project Manager

Cooperative Education

What makes an RIT science and math education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete science and math co-ops and gain real-world experience that sets you apart. Co-ops in the College of Science include cooperative education and internship experiences in industry and health care settings, as well as research in an academic, industry, or national lab.

National Labs Career Events and Recruiting

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students.

Featured Work and Profiles

• How Mathematicians Move Business Forward
• RIT Alum Uses Math for NBA Analytics

Curriculum

Applied and Computational Mathematics (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • Choose three of the following core courses:
    • MATH-601 Methods of Applied Mathematics
    • MATH-602 Numerical Analysis I
    • MATH-605 Stochastic Processes
    • MATH-622 Mathematical Modeling I
    • MATH-645 Graph Theory
    • MATH-722 Mathematical Modeling II
  • MATH-606 Graduate Seminar I
  • MATH-607 Graduate Seminar II
  • MATH Graduate Electives
• Second Year
  • MATH-790 Research & Thesis
  • MATH Graduate Elective

Applied and Computational Mathematics (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • Choose three of the following core courses:
    • MATH-601 Methods of Applied Mathematics
    • MATH-602 Numerical Analysis I
    • MATH-605 Stochastic Processes
    • MATH-622 Mathematical Modeling I
    • MATH-645 Graph Theory
    • MATH-722 Mathematical Modeling II
  • MATH-606 Graduate Seminar I
  • MATH-607 Graduate Seminar II
  • MATH Graduate Electives
• Second Year
  • MATH-790 Research & Thesis
  • MATH Graduate Electives

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Applied and Computational Mathematics MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: None
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method.

Faculty

• Matthew Hoffman
• Akhtar Khan
• Jobby Jacob
• Nathan Cahill
• Kara Maki
• Laura Munoz

Research

Students in the master's in applied mathematics program are engaged in research projects covering topics that include:

• Bio modeling
• Brain imaging
• Climate modeling
• Cryptography
• Fluid flow
• Machine learning
• Oil recovery
• Plastic pollution
• Relativity

The School of Mathematics and Statistics consistently receives research grant awards from organizations that include the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and NASA, which provide you with unique opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research with our faculty members.

Related News

• February 22, 2024: RIT researchers highlight the changing connectivity of the Amazon rainforest to global climate
• April 3, 2023: RIT Master Plan gives graduate tuition scholarship to eligible alumni
• March 21, 2022: RIT Master Plan cuts tuition in half for eligible alumni

Contact

• Lindsay Lewis, Senior Assistant Director, Office of Graduate and Part-Time Enrollment Services
• Kara Maki, Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics