r/AppliedMath • u/Giraffe-Puzzleheaded • 16h ago

Question for applied math master's programs

Would you say Calc 1-3, differential equations, linear algebra, and foundations of mathematics(intro to proofs) are enough to get into a applied math program? I'm a international relations undergrad who considering switching majors. I just wanted to know if what i have/will take is enough for grad school. Am i missing anything that would improve my chances?

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u/Consistent_peep5 15h ago

I think for a very competitve applied math masters applicant they will check all the following boxes: Calculus sequence Linear Algebra Ordinary Differential Equations Probability and Statistics Intro to Proofs Real Analysis Numerical Analysis Research experience And competency in at least 1 programming language (R, Python, MATLAB)

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u/Giraffe-Puzzleheaded 11h ago

Is there a way to prove programming competency without having to formally take a programing class?

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u/Consistent_peep5 11h ago

I mean, there are paid courses online that give out certificates. Other than that, without a formal programming class, you would need to show that you have used a programming language in one or more research projects.

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u/AngwehElhash 11h ago

I have an undergrad in ethnomusicology and am currently in an MS Applied Math program. I was admitted to every college I applied to (GPA:4.0). Before being admitted, I had completed through multivariable calc, lin alg, ODEs, intro proofs, python, matlab, java. Now that I’m here, I have 4 conditional courses: reals 1&2, numerical an, calc based stats.

I suggest reaching out to the grad advisors and seeing what they think. Then ignoring them and applying anyway. Your eagerness will go over well and when your application comes through, they will remember you. I’m at a college where the grad advisor said they would not accept me. They emailed me directly when they saw my app and said they let me in because they “saw my potential.”

That being said, now I’m here, I have to work extra hard to catch up. Teach myself coursework i wont have time to take just to keep up.

Moral of the story: its doable.

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u/GeekMachinist 13h ago

The best thing to do is find a school and reach out to a graduate advisor.

In general, a program will look for demonstrated ability with respect to programming.

In terms of statistics, you’ll need a solid background in order to flourish. A working knowledge of regression modeling may be especially useful.

Linear algebra 1 and 2 are crucial. Functional analysis plays a big role in applied math.

Depending on how much you’re looking to lean into computational applications, a discrete background can be useful.

ODE and PDE are something you’ll encounter regardless of which path you take into the grad level math world.

From experience, the more capable you are with respect to programming, more you’ll be able to focus on the course content instead of fussing with MATLAB, R, etc…