Applied Mathematics

Our MS program offers a general degree in applied mathematics along with specialization opportunities in many areas including:

• Applied probability
• Applied statistics
• Discrete mathematics
• Mathematics of engineering and science
• Numerical analysis
• Operations research

Students in all areas are exposed to a variety of coursework and have the opportunity to participate in real-world research and consulting through our innovative Math Clinic and Statistical Consulting Service. Whatever specialization students choose, graduates with an applied mathematics degree will be prepared for a multitude of careers.

The core requirements for an MS in Applied Mathematics are:

• Thirty semester hours, of which at least 24 hours must be in mathematics courses numbered 5000 level or above. These courses must include Math 5718 (Applied Linear Algebra) and either Math 5070 (Applied Analysis) or Math 6131 (Real Analysis)
• Students must complete either the requirements for the MS degree without concentration area or specific coursework requirements in one of the following areas :

1. Applied Statistics
2. Applied Probability
3. Discrete Mathematics
4. Mathematics of Engineering and Science
5. Numerical Analysis
6. Operations Research

• At most six hours may be in courses outside the Department of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences at the 4000 level or above, if prior approval is given by the student's advisor and by the Graduate Committee. However, courses taken at other universities must be at the 5000 level or above, by graduate school rules.
• All students must pass a final oral exam and complete a written project.
• By graduate school rules, master's degree students have five years from the date of admission to complete all degree requirements.
• Students who choose the thesis option should register for MATH 5950 (Master's Thesis) and may count 4-6 hours of this coursework toward the required 30 hours.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or master's degree (not necessarily in mathematics or statistics) from an accredited college or university (or demonstrate completion of work equivalent to the baccalaureate or master's degree given at UC Denver) with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Applicants to the doctoral program with a GPA in mathematics below 3.2 are unlikely to be accepted without strong supporting evidence. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Students must also have 30 semester hours of mathematics and/or statistics, at least 24 of which are upper division courses with a grade of B- or better. These courses must include:

• two semesters of advanced calculus or real analysis (or equivalent)
• one semester of linear algebra
• one semester of one of the following:
  • abstract algebra
  • differential equations
  • discrete mathematics
  • probability

Subject to approval by the Graduate Committee, students with prerequisite deficiencies (such as advanced calculus) may be admitted with the understanding that those deficiencies must be removed after admission. In such cases, credits earned for deficiency coursework cannot be applied to a graduate degree. Students who do not have the minimum GPA may be admitted to the MS program provisionally. 

CU Denver students receive over $30 million in scholarships and grant packages each year. On average, a full-time undergrad determined to have a financial need is awarded just under $7,000 (part-time undergrads received $4,000).