Applied Mathematics

Our undergraduate program was created to prepare the next generation of mathematicians, engineers, and scientists for successful careers in industry, research, and business.

Our department consists of 22 full-time faculty members, all holding PhDs in mathematics. That means our students learn from—and alongside—leading math faculty and advanced graduate students who love teaching.

Foundational Course Requirement

The following foundational courses must be completed before acceptance into the major:

• MTH 161: Calculus IA
• MTH 162: Calculus IIA
• MTH 164: Multidimensional Calculus
• MTH 165: Linear Algebra with Differential Equations
• PHY 121: Mechanics
• PHY 122: Electricity and Magnetism

Equivalent courses can be substituted for the above requirements:

• MTH 163 for MTH 165
• MTH 171, 172, and 174 for the equivalent MTH 161, 162, and 164
• MTH 173 for MTH 165
• MTH 141-143 for MTH 161-162

AP courses can also be used to satisfy foundational requirements.

Core Course Requirement

Students must complete the following four courses:

• MTH 235: Linear Algebra*
• MTH 201:  Introduction to Probability
• MTH 265: Functions of a Real Variable I
• MTH 282: Introduction to Complex Variables with Applications

An honors version of a course can always be substituted for the listed course.

* The requirement that MTH 235 be taken can also be satisfied by completing MTH 173. MTH 235 should be taken early in the student's major program.

Advanced Course Requirement

In addition to the core courses, students must complete five 4-credit advanced courses as follows:

• Three advanced mathematics courses*
• Two additional advanced courses with substantial mathematical content

* Any mathematics course numbered 200 or above (excluding core courses) qualifies as an advanced mathematics course. 

Upper Level Writing Requirement

The department believes that the ability to write coherently on a mathematical topic, in a way that is acceptable to the general mathematical community, is an essential part of a successful major in mathematics.

To satisfy the upper level writing requirement, students must pass two courses, which may be any of the following types:

• An upper level, four credit mathematics course carrying a W designation, including MTH 200W or MTH 300W
• MTH 391W, a one-credit course, taken in conjunction with either MTH 174 or any 200 level mathematics course with the prior approval of the instructor, or independently of any course in consultation with a faculty member
• At most one 4-credit course, approved in advance by the student's adviser in the mathematics department, satisfying the upper level writing requirement in another department

Requirements

You must submit the following materials. You will either submit through MyROC or your respective application portal (or mail when applicable). Rochester accepts the Common Application (CA), the Universal College Application (UCA), and the Coalition Application (CoA). The materials listed under Official Documents must be submitted to us directly by your school, testing site, or family member, depending on the document.

MyROC

• Part I Application
• International Financial Support Form (IFSF)
• Interview sign-up (highly recommended)
• Links to electronic media (music, websites, photos, videos, etc.) (optional)
• Writing sample (optional)

Official Documents

• High school transcript
• Financial documentation
• Official test scores
• Teacher recommendation
• School report
• Mid-year report
• College transcript
• English language exam results
• Family/Community Recommendation Form (optional)

Application Portal

• Application (CA, UCA, or CoA)
• Application fee
• Freshman Supplement (UCA)
• Writing Supplement (CA)
• Early Decision Agreement (optional)
• Professional Degree Programs essay (optional)
• Arts Supplement (UCA) (optional)
• Athletic Supplement (UCA) (optional)

If your native language is not English and you completed your secondary or higher education in a non-native English speaking country, you must take a test of English language proficiency. In some instances, admission to the University will be contingent upon participation in the University’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program.

• IELTS 7.0
• TOEFL (paper-based) 600
• TOEFL (internet-based) 100 
• PTE Academic 66

Scholarships

Need-based financial aid

If you are unable to meet the full cost of attendance for Rochester without need-based aid or sponsorship from the University, you must submit the CSS PROFILE. The CSS PROFILE is used to determine your potential eligibility for need-based University of Rochester grant funding and must be completed each year of attendance. Due to limited resources, only a small number of international applicants will qualify for need-based financial aid from the University. Applicants unable to secure the needed funding to cover the cost of attendance either through private funds or sponsorship cannot be admitted to the University.

Merit Scholarships

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are considered for merit scholarships. No additional documentation is required to compete for a merit scholarship. Since merit scholarships are awarded independent of a student’s need, you must still submit the appropriate documents with your application as described above to complete your application for admission.