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Applied Mathematics, PhD

Applied Mathematics, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Applied Mathematics, PhD

Computational, Computational Mathematics, Mathematical Models, Mathematical modeling, Mathematician, Mathematics, Mathematics Science, Performance, applied, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, dynamics, math, systems

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world of climate or environmental issues, or advancing the fight against cancer or infectious diseases? You can apply your enhanced mathematics expertise to devising solutions to these types of current problems.

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Applied Mathematics

This PhD program in applied mathematics is intended for students with superior computational and mathematical modeling ability. It emphasizes a solid mathematical foundation and promotes creative scholarship in an application discipline.

The School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences has faculty in applied mathematics with outstanding transdisciplinary research programs that have strong external funding. Current research interests include mathematical epidemiology and mathematical ecology, mathematical neuroscience, environmental fluid dynamics and high-performance computing, imaging and inverse problems, supply chain dynamics, control and optimization, computational methods for ordinary and partial differential equations, analysis of differential equations, and geophysical and environmental fluid dynamics.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours)
APM 505 Applied Linear Algebra (3)

Other Requirements (12 credit hours)
APM 501 Differential Equations I (3)
APM 502 Differential Equations II (3)
APM 503 Applied Analysis (3)
APM 504 Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes (3)
APM 506 Computational Methods (3)

Electives and Research (57 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
APM 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students must pass:

  • two qualifying examinations
  • a written comprehensive examination
  • an oral dissertation prospectus defense

Students should see the department website for examination information.

Each student must write a dissertation and defend it orally in front of five dissertation committee members.

Electives are chosen from math or related area courses approved by the student's supervisory committee.

Students choose four out of the five courses listed for other requirements.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, economics, engineering or a natural science from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of education and career goals
  4. resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

To demonstrate their competitiveness in an applicant pool, applicants must show evidence of coursework in linear algebra (equivalent to ASU course MAT 342 or MAT 343) and advanced calculus (equivalent to ASU course MAT 371). It is desirable that applicants have scientific programming skills.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 07/01Final
Session A/CIn Person 12/10Priority
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Apply concepts and skills from applied mathematics to conduct original research.
  • Able to complete original research in applied mathematics.
  • Apply advanced computational methods in their coursework and research.
Career opportunities

Foundational knowledge in mathematics is required for building careers in science and technology. It can be applied in many different types of professions in fields that include engineering, life sciences, business, and economic and social sciences. These are just a few of the top careers possible with a doctorate in applied mathematics:

  • biostatistician
  • data scientist
  • engineer
  • financial analyst
  • government and military researcher
  • industrial researcher
  • mathematical modeling expert
  • mathematician
  • medical researcher
  • operations research analyst
  • university instructor and faculty member
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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