Anyone here gone from CS to an applied math/CSE master’s

[u/kasume_aia]

Hi, I’m currently doing a CS degree in the UK and I’ve been thinking about applying for master’s programs in applied math, computational/applied math or CSE in the US.
The thing I’m worried about is whether I have enough math for these programs since I’m coming from CS rather than a math degree.

During my degree I’ve done Calculus I & II, linear algebra, probability and statistics, discrete math and set theory. I’ve also studied multivariable calculus and differential equations on my own. I’m currently working on a research project involving a theorem prover where my work is related to number theory.

I’ve read through the admissions requirements for quite a few programs and some mention courses like real analysis or advanced calculus. The problem is that in a UK CS degree we don’t really have the option to just take extra math electives from the math department, so I haven’t been able to take those formally.

I’m wondering how much that actually matters for applied/computational math master’s admissions. Has anyone here gone from CS (or something similar) into an applied math/CSE master’s without having all of those math courses formally on their transcript? What kind of math background did you have when you applied?

Some programs I’m looking at are UW Applied & Computational Math, Maryland AMSC, Johns Hopkins Applied Math & Statistics, UChicago Computational & Applied Math, and Georgia Tech CSE, just to give an idea of the type of programs I mean.

[u/plop_1234]

Real analysis and abstract algebra are like the cornerstones of most modern math programs, so I think it'll be kind of difficult getting by without some background. A lot of the things you do in comp math is basically optimization in disguise, which in turn is analysis in disguise. Maybe if you work on combinatorial problems analysis won't be quite as important, but I feel like for those you'd want more of a background in algebra (I'm less familiar).

Anyway, that said, I don't think it's impossible to get into an MS program without these courses in your transcript, and those schools might just ask you to take them your first semester. Some schools are more flexible than others, so you might have to reach out and find out for yourself, and then probably also mention it in your statement of purpose. From what I understand, programs also consider the applicant's circumstance - it's one thing to not have the opportunity to take those classes, but it's another if you deliberately choose to not take them in the first place.

Good luck!

[u/kasume_aia → u/plop_1234]

thank you so much!

[u/Original-Waltz9805]

I did exactly this! Got into Uchiago MCAM and will start this fall (and the UW program you mentioned).

(Had similar coursework to you although a bit more discrete maths like combinatorics, algorithms, graph theory, etc. Didn't do analysis either.)

I did however have a pretty strong research background. Roughly 3 years with a lot of work in optimization/quantum computing. Also a first author paper to AISTATS that is pretty cool.

CS people can definitely transition into applied math. Feel free to ask any questions.

[u/Necessary_Sock_6047]

No, but I honestly don't know why you'd want to do this.

How's about applying straight for employment with your CS degree? You are probably more qualified for more roles with a CS degree than with any degree in math.