Program Overview

Program Overview

The Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley offers a major in Applied Mathematics. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in mathematical techniques and their applications in various fields.

Requirements for the Major in Applied Mathematics

The major in Applied Mathematics consists of five lower-division and eight upper-division courses.

Lower-Division Required Courses

• Mathematics 1A: Calculus
• Mathematics 1B: Calculus
• Mathematics 53: Multivariable Calculus
• Mathematics 54: Linear Algebra & Differential Equations or Math 56: Linear Algebra
• Mathematics 55: Discrete Mathematics For declared double+ majors only:
  • Physics 89 can be accepted in lieu of Math 54 for students with a double major in Physics, provided that the grade is at least a C.
  • EECS 16A plus EECS 16B can be accepted in lieu of Math 54 for students with a double major in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, provided that both grades are at least a C.
  • Computer Science 70 can be accepted in lieu of Mathematics 55 for students with a double major in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, provided that the grade is at least a C.

Upper-Division Required Courses

• Mathematics 104: Introduction to Analysis
• Mathematics 110: Linear Algebra
• Mathematics 113: Introduction to Abstract Algebra
• Mathematics 128A: Numerical Analysis
• Mathematics 185: Introduction to Complex Analysis

Three Clustered Electives

Applied Math majors, with signed approval by their faculty advisors, select a minimum of three upper-division (or graduate) elective courses to form a coherent cluster (known as "Subplan" in Cal Central) in an applied area. Courses in other departments may count toward this requirement provided they have substantial mathematical content at an appropriately advanced level and have a unit value of at least 3.

Sample Clusters and Approved Courses

• Actuarial Science: Mathematics 128B, Statistics 134 or 140, 135, 151A, Economics 141
• Classical Mechanics: Mathematics 123, 189, Physics 105, Mechanical Engineering 104
• Data Science: Computer Science C100, 188, 189, Data C100, Mathematics 170, Statistics C100, 133, 134 or 140, 154
• Fluid Mechanics: Required: Mechanical Engineering 106; Elective: 2 of Mechanical Engineering 163, Chemical Engineering 141 or Engineering 115, Mathematics 126, Mathematics 128B
• Life & Physical Sciences: Generally: Mathematics 123, 126, 128B
• Mathematical Biology: Required: 1 of Computer Science 176, Mathematics 127, MCB 160, MCB 166; Elective: 2 of Mathematics 123, 126, 128B, 170, 172
• Numerical Analysis: Mathematics 123, 126, 128B
• Operations Research: Statistics 134 or 140, Indust. Engnr. & Oper. Research 130, 160, 161, 162
• Probability Theory: Mathematics 105, Statistics 134 or 140, 150
• Quantum Mechanics: Mathematics 126, 189, Physics 137A, 137B

Additional Requirements

• Courses used to fulfill major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
• UC Berkeley courses used towards major requirements must be at least 3 semester units each.
• A maximum of 4 non-Berkeley courses may be applied towards the 8 upper-division major requirements.

Honors Program

Additional requirements for graduating with Honors in Applied Math can be found on the Honors Program page.

General Information

The requirements and procedures for declaring the major can be found on the Declaring the Major page. For specific information on course approval and other details, please refer to the relevant departmental resources.