Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computation (AMSC)

Abstract

The interdisciplinary program in Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computation (AMSC) offers graduate study leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with concentrations in either applied mathematics or scientific computation. It also offers a Certificate in Scientific Computation to graduate students enrolled in other University Ph.D. programs. The Faculty is drawn from many disciplinary departments throughout the University. Possible areas of application include the physical, chemical, biological, and social sciences, and engineering. The Program receives substantial support from the Department of Mathematics (MATH), the Center for Scientific Computation and Mathematical Modeling (CSCAMM), and the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST). AMSC offers a spectrum of courses at the forefront of computation and applications, as well as state-of-the-art computational, visualization and networking facilities.

The Concentration in Applied Mathematics trains individuals who are able to enhance their understanding of a wide spectrum of scientific phenomena through the application of rigorous mathematical analysis. At least half of the required work is expected to be in courses with primarily mathematical content; the remaining courses must apply to a field outside of the usual mathematics curriculum. Graduate students currently pursue studies in the applications areas of meteorology, algorithm development, pattern recognition, operations research, mathematical finance, computational dynamics, structural mechanics, mathematical biology, and systems and control theory. Many other areas of study are available through the participating departments. All students must include courses on numerical analysis or scientific computing in their programs.

The Concentration in Scientific Computation emphasizes the application of computation to the physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, business, and social science. Students will receive training in the use of computational techniques and associated information technology with correspondingly less emphasis on formal mathematical methods in comparision to the Concentration in Applied Mathematics. Every Scientific Computation student is required to apply the training in computation to a problem in a specific scientific discipline.

A masters degree program in either concentration with an emphasis on numerical analysis, computational methods, probability and statistics is excellent preparation for industrial or government employment.

Admissions Information

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, applicants are required to take the GRE general examination. The applicants are strongly encouraged to take the GRE subject examination in either mathematics or some other scientific topic. Applicants should have at least a "B" average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)and should have completed an undergraduate program of study that includes a strong emphasis on rigorous mathematics, preferably through the level of advanced calculus and matrix theory. Admission will be based on the applicant's capability to do graduate work in either applied mathematics or scientific computation as demonstrated by the letters of recommendation, grades in coursework, and program of study. In some circumstances, a provisional admission may be given to applicants whose mathematical training is not sufficiently advanced. Previous education in an application area, such as physics, biology, economics or one of the engineering disciplines, and a basic competence in computational techniques will be favorably considered in a student's application, although this is not a prerequisite. When a student has decided upon an area of specialization, an advisory committee is appointed by the Program Director. This committee is responsible for formulating with the student a course of study that leads toward the degree sought. This course of study must constitute a unified, coherent program in an acceptable field of specialization of applied mathematics and must meet with the approval of the Graduate Committee for Applied Mathematics.

Application Deadlines

Fall

Spring

Domestic Applicants:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Domestic Applicant Deadlines

Applications must be received by May 1 (January 10 preferred) .

Applications must be received by October 15 (September 15 preferred) .

International Applicants:
Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials

IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.

Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas

February 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1

June 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants

May 1
If Domestic Deadline is after May 1

October 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials

May 15
If Domestic Deadline is after May 15

October 31
If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Application Requirements

GRE General, (GRE Subject-Optional)
3 Letters of Recommendation

	Fall	Spring
Domestic Applicants: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
Domestic Applicant Deadlines	Applications must be received by May 1 (January 10 preferred) .	Applications must be received by October 15 (September 15 preferred) .

International Applicants: Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas	February 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1	June 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants	May 1 If Domestic Deadline is after May 1	October 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials	May 15 If Domestic Deadline is after May 15	October 31 If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Degree Requirements

Master of Science (M.S.)
For the master's degree, the Program offers a thesis and non- thesis option. In the thesis option, 24 credits of coursework are required with at least six more credits of thesis work. In the non-thesis option, 30 credits of coursework are required and the student must pass a set of comprehensive examinations. A scholarly paper is also required. In both options, the student must participate at least one semester in the Applied Mathematics Seminar.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
For the Ph.D. degree, the student must take 36 credits of coursework and pass a set of comprehensive written examinations at the Ph.D. level. In addition, the student must pass the Oral Candidacy Examination, which tests the student on advanced material to determine if he or she is prepared to do the research for a doctoral dissertation. At least 12 credits of dissertation work are required. The doctoral student must also participate in at least two semesters in the Applied Mathematics Seminar.

All M.S. and Ph.D. students must take at least one semester of numerical analysis. Details on the level and distribution of coursework and examinations in mathematics and in the applications area are given in the policy brochure of the Applied Mathematics Program available at the Applied Mathematics Office. Further information on the Interdisciplinary Applied Mathematics Program may be found at the web site: http://www.amsc.umd.edu/.

Facilities and Special Resources

There are fourteen participating departments and institutes on the College Park campus, including units in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences and the School of Engineering. The Program is strengthened further by a complement of faculty drawn from departments around the campus. The University has an excellent technical library as well as an extensive network of high performance workstations for faculty and graduate students. In addition, there are links to various area research institutes: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Naval Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Financial Assistance

The Program often offers teaching assistantships in the Department of Mathematics as a source of support for graduate students. These assistantships carry a stipend plus remission of tuition of up to 10 credit hours each semester. Some research assistantships are also available through participating departments and other sources, especially for students that have acquired advanced training. Assistantships are usually available only to students entering in the Fall; applications (including letters of recommendation should be completed by January 10 for full consideration.

Contact Information

For more specific information, contact:

Applied Math and Scientific Comp
3103 Mathematics Building
College Park
MD 20742
Telephone: (301) 405-0924
Fax: (301) 314-1308
amsc@amsc.umd.edu

http://www.amsc.umd.edu/

Courses:

Related Programs and Campus Units

Mathematics
Center for Scientific Computation and Mathematical Modeling