Applied Mathematics, PhD

Program Overview

This PhD program in Applied Mathematics prepares students with advanced computational and mathematical modeling skills. It emphasizes a strong mathematical foundation while allowing specialization in an application area, such as mathematical epidemiology, environmental fluid dynamics, or supply chain dynamics. Students conduct research with faculty and complete a dissertation to demonstrate their expertise in their chosen field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Prepare students with superior computational and mathematical modeling abilities.
• Cultivate creative scholarship in an application discipline.

Description:

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics while allowing students to specialize in an area of application. Research interests of faculty members include:

• Mathematical epidemiology and ecology
• Mathematical neuroscience
• Environmental fluid dynamics and high-performance computing
• Imaging and inverse problems
• Supply chain dynamics
• Control and optimization
• Computational methods for ODEs and PDEs
• Analysis of differential equations
• Geophysical and environmental fluid dynamics
The program allows students to select electives based on their interests and chosen application area. It also provides opportunities for students to conduct research with faculty members and contribute to advancements in their chosen field.

Outline:

Program Requirements:

• Complete 84 credit hours
• Pass a written comprehensive exam
• Develop a prospectus and dissertation
• Successfully defend the dissertation

Required Courses (3 credit hours):

• APM 505: Applied Linear Algebra

Other Required Courses (12 credit hours):

• Choose four out of the five courses listed below:
• APM 501: Differential Equations I
• APM 502: Differential Equations II
• APM 503: Applied Analysis
• APM 504: Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes
• APM 506: Computational Methods

Electives and Research (57 credit hours):

• Students choose electives from math or related fields with approval from their supervisory committee.
• Research hours and coursework hours contribute to the total required for the degree.

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours):

• APM 799: Dissertation

Assessment:

• Qualifying examinations: Students must pass two qualifying examinations to demonstrate their understanding of the core material.
• Written comprehensive exam: This exam assesses the student's knowledge across the breadth of the program.
• Dissertation prospectus defense: Students must defend their research proposal to a committee of faculty members.
• Dissertation defense: Students must defend their completed dissertation to a committee of faculty members.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by faculty members who are active researchers in their field.
• Students receive personalized attention and guidance from their faculty advisors.
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and hands-on research experiences.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Biostatistician
• Data scientist
• Engineer
• Financial analyst
• Government and military researcher
• Industrial researcher
• Mathematical modeling expert
• Mathematician
• Medical researcher
• Operations research analyst
• University instructor and faculty member

Other:

• The program is approved for a STEM-OPT extension.
• Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in their previous degrees.
• Students must provide proof of English proficiency if their native language is not English.
• The program is offered in Tempe, Arizona.
• Fees
• Admission requirements
• Application process