Program Overview

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Introduction to the Applied Mathematics Program

The Applied Mathematics major at Yale University is designed to provide students with a foundation in mathematical techniques and prepare them to apply these techniques in a substantive field of application. The program is intended for students interested in the theoretical and quantitative aspects of the natural and social sciences.

Overview of the Program

The Applied Mathematics major is an interdisciplinary program that draws on courses from Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, and Engineering and Applied Science. The program requires a three-course concentration in a field in which mathematics is used, and students may pursue a major in Applied Mathematics as one of two majors.

Prerequisites and Introductory Courses

• Multivariable calculus and linear algebra are required and should be taken before or during the sophomore year.
• This requirement may be satisfied by MATH 1200 or ENAS 1510, and MATH 2220 or 2250 or 2260.
• Computer programming skills are also required and may be acquired by taking ENAS 1300 or CPSC 1001.

Requirements of the Major

B.A. Degree Program

• The program requires eleven term courses beyond the prerequisites, including the senior project, comprising a coherent program:
  1. A course in differential equations (ENAS 1940 or MATH 2460)
  2. A course in probability (S&DS 2410 or S&DS 2380)
  3. A course in data analysis (S&DS 3610 or S&DS 2300)
  4. A course in discrete mathematics (AMTH 2440 or CPSC 2020)
  5. Courses in at least three of the following areas (with DUS approval)
  • Optimization
  • Probability and statistics
  • Partial differential equations and analysis
  • Algorithms and numerical methods
  • Graph theory
  • Mathematical economics
  • Electrical engineering
  • Data mining and machine learning
  • Biological modeling and computation
  • Physical sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematical linguistics
  • Mathematical philosophy
  6. At least three advanced courses in a field of concentration involving the application of mathematics to that field.

B.S. Degree Program

• In addition to the courses indicated for the B.A. degree, the B.S. degree requires:
  1. A vector analysis course (MATH 3020 or MATH 3050)
  2. An additional course selected from item 5 above
  3. Another course numbered 3000 or higher selected from item 5 above, or a course numbered 3000 or higher in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or quantitative computer science or engineering, or as approved by the DUS

Senior Requirement

• Both the B.A. and B.S. degree programs require a senior thesis research project (AMTH 4910)

Credit/D/Fail

• No more than one course taken Credit/D/Fail may be applied toward the requirements of the major

Distinction in the Major

• Earn a grade of A or A– in at least 9/11 of the non-prerequisite courses in the Applied Math B.A., or at least 11/14 of the non-prerequisite courses in the B.S.
• One of those A’s or A–’s must come from AMTH 4900 or AMTH 4910, with the rest coming from core, concentration, and/or breadth courses

Outside Credit

• Courses taken at another institution or during an approved summer or term-time study abroad program may count toward the major requirements with DUS approval

Faculty Associated with the Program of Applied Mathematics

• The program is associated with a diverse range of faculty members from various departments, including Statistics & Data Science, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Research Areas

• The Applied Mathematics program at Yale University encompasses a wide range of research areas, including but not limited to:
  • Optimization
  • Probability and statistics
  • Partial differential equations and analysis
  • Algorithms and numerical methods
  • Graph theory
  • Mathematical economics
  • Electrical engineering
  • Data mining and machine learning
  • Biological modeling and computation
  • Physical sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematical linguistics
  • Mathematical philosophy

The Applied Mathematics major at Yale University provides students with a strong foundation in mathematical techniques and prepares them to apply these techniques in a substantive field of application. With its interdisciplinary approach and wide range of research areas, the program is ideal for students interested in the theoretical and quantitative aspects of the natural and social sciences.