Applied Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics takes seriously three aspects of mathematics within its graduate training: 1) Applied Mathematics: mathematicians help directly in the solution of problems which arise in other areas of human endeavor, 2) Mathematical Education: training others how to develop solutions on their own, and 3) Pure Mathematics: they expand the reach and clarify the understanding of mathematical thought itself. The Department offers programs leading to an M.A. in Mathematics, M.A. in Applied Mathematics, Ph.D. in Mathematics, and an optional degree emphasis in Computational Science and Engineering.

Students who have had some but not all of the requisite material in upper division undergraduate coursework in linear algebra, differential equations, real and complex analysis, and numerical analysis should complete their work in these areas during their first year by taking the appropriate courses chosen from Math 108AB, 124AB, 118ABC, 122AB, and 104ABC.

An M.A. Applied Mathematics student has the option to take up to 9 units of coursework outside the Mathematics Department. These outside units may be applied toward the 42 unit requirement with the approval of the Mathematics Graduate Committee.

The department offers two options for completing the degree: thesis or examination. In consultation with a departmental academic advisor, all students are required to create an individual academic plan to satisfy the degree requirements.

Thesis Option

This option requires demonstration of adequate knowledge in linear algebra, real and complex analysis, numerical analysis, and differential equations, as well as preparation of an acceptable thesis and oral defense of the thesis before a faculty committee. The 24 graduate units in mathematics must include at least one basic full-year graduate course sequence in Applied Math.

Before embarking upon a thesis, students should be certain that they have the approval of the faculty member they wish to be their Thesis Advisor. The student and Thesis Advisor must present to the Graduate Committee for its approval a coherent coursework and thesis program no later than the start of their second year. The Thesis Committee will be appointed in accordance with general University policies. All Thesis Committees must have a minimum of three regular (not visiting) faculty. One member, at most, may be from outside the Mathematics department.

The final copies of the thesis are to be prepared in accordance with the requirements given in the document entitled, “Guide to Filing Theses and Dissertations” which can be obtained via the Graduate Division website, http://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu.

Examination Option

Students must satisfy the area requirements in Applied Mathematics and Analysis. A student who wishes to substitute a different area requirement for Analysis areas may, with the support of a faculty advisor, petition the Graduate Committee for approval.

Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a closely related field. All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and the GRE Mathematics Subject Test. Students whose native language is not English must also submit a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet based test), 550 (paper test), or 213 (computer based test) to be considered for admission, and a minimum score of 575 (paper test) or 231 (computer based test) to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship. The IELTS may be taken instead of the TOEFL, with a required minimum Overall Band score of 7 or higher. The TSE (Test of Spoken English) is also recommended for applicants whose native language is not English. Admission is considered for the Fall quarter only. Our next available admission quarter is Fall 2017, with an application due date of January 2, 2017.

No single criterion prevails, but the faculty admissions committee carefully reviews all of the following: the applicant's undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate grade point averages, which should be strong overall and superior in the major field; letters of recommendation from instructors; scores on the GRE General and Subject tests; and research interests as indicated in the Statement of Purpose.

The following materials must be submitted online at: http://graddiv.ucsb.edu/eapp 

• Completed online application
• Official GRE General exam scores
• Official GRE Mathematics Subject exam scores
• Official TOEFL or IELTS exam scores (only for applicants who are not native speakers of English)
• Statement of Purpose
• Statement of Personal Achievements/Contributions
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• One official copy of transcripts from all institutes of higher learning that you have attended
• List of mathematics courses taken, including descriptions and a reference to the texts used (upload as "other document type" in the Supplemental Documents section of the electronic application)
• US $105 (domestic applications), or $125 (international applications) nonrefundable application fee

Please be aware that we are unable to process applications which do not include all of the above listed application materials. All materials, including the appropriate application fee, must be submitted no later than January 2nd in order to be considered for admission and ANY form of departmental and/or campus-wide financial support.

Scholarships

Financial support is available on a competitive basis in the form of Campus Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships and Associateships, Readerships, Graduate Student Research positions, Non-Resident Tuition Fellowships, and University Financial Aid (loans and work-study for domestic students only, based on need). Under normal circumstances, a Ph.D. student making good progress toward the degree can expect financial support for five years; M.A. students are not promised support. Since the number of graduate students eligible for support sometimes exceeds the number of available positions, support is allocated competitively on a year to year basis.

Campus Fellowships

These are one- to five-year fellowship packages that are awarded by a campus-wide committee on the recommendation of departments. The competition is very strong, and usually there are only a couple of applicants in Mathematics who are awarded one of these fellowships each year. Consideration is given to Fall applicants only, and it is imperative that all application materials be received in by January 2 in order to compete for these fellowships.

Teaching Assistantships

The majority of Departmental financial support is awarded in the form of Teaching Assistantships. A fully supported Teaching Assistant normally works approximately 16 hours per week. A Teaching Assistant's duties include the following: leading discussion sections and exam review sessions, holding office hours for students' questions, and grading exams or homework. A student who is employed as a TA is entitled to a quarterly fee waiver. Teaching Assistants may be expected to pay approximately $325.00 in fees each quarter.

A Teaching Assistant is expected to demonstrate the basic skills and ability needed to teach mathematics. First-time Teaching Assistants must enroll in a Teaching Assistant Training course, which is offered every Fall quarter. Students whose native language is not English are required to fulfill the English as a Second Language (ESL) program requirements before teaching duties may be assigned. Failure to pass the ESL requirements by the end of the first quarter may result in a loss of the Teaching Assistant position.

Teaching Associateships

A limited number of Teaching Associate positions are available each year. These positions are usually awarded to advanced students, with demonstrated teaching ability, who hold a Masters degree. As an Associate you are completely responsible for the instruction of a course. Teaching Associates receive a slightly higher salary than Teaching Assistants.

Nonresident Tuition Fellowships

Nonresident tuition fellowships are usually available to pay a graduate student's nonresident tuition for one year. Students who will be unable to establish California residency after one year (e.g. international students) should consider this when making financial and academic plans. U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are not California residents can ordinarily establish California residency after living in California for one full year. Non-resident tuition is $15,102 per year for 2016-17.