Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics

The Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education at the intersection of mathematics, computational science, and related disciplines. Designed to prepare students for careers in research, industry, and academia, this program emphasizes the development of advanced mathematical skills applied to real-world problems across various domains, including engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and social sciences. Students gain a solid foundation in mathematical modeling, computational methods, numerical analysis, and data analysis, enabling them to approach complex problems with innovative solutions. The curriculum combines core coursework in pure and applied mathematics with interdisciplinary courses that expose students to fields such as computational science, statistics, and engineering. Opportunities for research projects and internships are integral parts of the program, fostering hands-on experience and collaboration with faculty and industry partners. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in areas such as data science, quantitative analysis, scientific computing, and technical consulting. The program benefits from the university's state-of-the-art facilities, extensive research centers, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Students have access to specialized seminars, workshops, and networking events that enhance their skills and professional development. Whether aiming for a career in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship, students in Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics at Michigan are prepared to tackle some of the most pressing quantitative challenges of the modern world, making this program an excellent choice for ambitious individuals passionate about applying mathematical principles to diverse scientific and societal issues.

The AIM M.S. program requires only coursework, but the interdisciplinary nature of the training offered requires more courses than a typical master's program. AIM M.S. students also participate alongside the AIM Ph.D. students in the AIM Student Seminar (Math 501) for the first two semesters of study.

Basic Requirements

The AIM M.S. degree requires a total of 31 credits: nine regular courses (3 credits each) and 2 credits of the AIM Student Seminar (Math 501, to be taken in the first two semesters), with the remaining credits being composed of other approved graduate courses. Among the nine regular courses, the AIM M.S. program additionally requires:

• at least five AIM core courses
• at least two courses from a chosen partner field, or another field outside of mathematics.

All courses must be at the graduate level (400 level and above), and with the exception of Math 501 must be graded courses completed with a grade of at least B, with an overall average of B+. The AIM Program Director will supervise coursework selection for AIM M.S. students who do not have other mentors.

Additional Requirements

AIM M.S. Students accepted into the Marjorie Lee Browne Scholars Program will have additional requirements related to the enhanced content of that degree program:

• Students may participate in the RMF Connection, a summer program that focuses on successful transition to graduate study, access to campus resources, building personal networks, and developing research and scholarly expertise.
• From among the courses to be taken from the enhanced list of AIM core courses (see below), the study program must include at least three 500-level courses. The study program must also include
  • MATH 404 (Intermediate Differential Equations),
  • MATH 419 (Linear Spaces and Matrix Theory), and
  • MATH 451 (Advanced Calculus I),
  unless similar courses have been satisfactorily completed as part of the undergraduate degree.
• Students must participate in a research project with a faculty advisor. This research experience will culminate in an MLB scholars capstone course and minisymposium by students registering for 3 credits of Independent Study / Directed Reading and Research with their faculty advisor in the fourth term of the program. As a part of this course, students will work with their faculty advisors to finalize their research projects, produce a written summary of the work, and prepare an oral presentation of their results for the capstone minisymposium. Students will also meet as a group with the MLB Scholars program director once per month to discuss progress towards the completing the research component of the degree.

• Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree in mathematics (or equivalent) with an outstanding record. A personal statement, an academic statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores (both general and mathematics subject) are required.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants are required to provide an official score report. Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted. IELTS 6.5, IBT TOEFL 85
• Transcripts
• Application Fee and Payment
• Statements and Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Letters of Recommendation

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers comprehensive financial support options for students pursuing the Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics program. Funding opportunities are available through various channels, including university scholarships, departmental fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Undergraduate students enrolled in this program can apply for merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and potential contributions to the university community. These scholarships often provide partial to full tuition coverage and sometimes include stipends for living expenses. Graduate students in the program have access to a range of assistantship positions, which are a primary source of financial support. Teaching assistantships involve assisting faculty with instruction, grading, and laboratory supervision, providing students with valuable teaching experience and a stipend that covers part or all of their tuition costs. Research assistantships are also available and typically involve working on funded research projects under faculty supervision. These positions not only offset educational expenses but also offer opportunities for professional development within the field of applied mathematics. Apart from employment-based funding, students can seek external scholarships, fellowships, and grants tailored to STEM disciplines or mathematical sciences. The university also provides financial advising services to help students identify suitable funding options and navigate the application processes effectively. In addition, the university's financial aid office offers information on loan programs and work-study opportunities that can supplement student funding packages. For international students, financial support options may be more limited but can include assistantships, scholarships, or external funding sources. The university is committed to making education accessible and affordable and encourages early application for funding opportunities to maximize financial aid benefits. Overall, the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor strives to support its Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics students financially throughout their academic journey, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly success and professional growth.

Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics at the University of Michigan offers students a unique opportunity to explore the application of mathematical techniques across various scientific and engineering disciplines. This program is designed to prepare students for careers that require advanced mathematical skills combined with a practical understanding of real-world problems. The curriculum emphasizes not only theoretical mathematics but also its implementation in areas such as engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and social sciences.

Students enrolled in this program gain a solid foundation in core areas including differential equations, linear algebra, computational mathematics, and statistical methods. Moreover, the program integrates coursework in computer science and data analysis, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach that defines applied mathematics today. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and future career plans. This may include specialized courses in areas like mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, or stochastic processes.

The program also promotes hands-on learning through research projects, internships, and collaboration with faculty on real-world problems. These experiences are designed to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and the effective communication of complex mathematical ideas. Students are encouraged to participate in research centers and interdisciplinary projects within the university, which enhances their learning and professional development.

Graduates of the Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics program are well-prepared for careers in industry, government, or academia. They may work in sectors such as aerospace, finance, health sciences, software development, and environmental modeling. Additionally, the program provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate studies in applied mathematics, operations research, or related fields.

The program fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration, supported by the university’s extensive resources and research initiatives. Faculty members are active researchers with expertise spanning multiple disciplines, offering students mentorship and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects. With its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on practical application, the Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics program at the University of Michigan is dedicated to preparing students to tackle complex, multidisciplinary challenges with mathematical rigor and creativity.