Applied and Computational Mathematics

The Applied and Computational Mathematics (ACM) program provides graduate-level education in applied mathematics for people whose goal is to develop comprehension of principles of applied mathematics and skills in employing those principles in industrial or scientific settings. It has three central themes: general principles and theories of applied mathematics, the construction and analysis of mathematical models, and the development and efficient execution of computational mathematical algorithms. Effective use of advanced applied mathematical techniques has become increasingly important in industrial settings as the amount of sophisticated simulation software has mushroomed. People are needed who can help engineers, scientists and managers in the precise formulation of complex problems and in selecting the analytical methods and software appropriate for their solution. These people should understand the algorithms underlying mathematical software and be able to implement additional mathematical algorithms knowledgeably and efficiently in the framework of existing software. Finally, these people need to be able to interpret the results of computations to others. It is the goal of the program to provide people with these skills.

The Program

The ACM program provides not only coursework in various areas of applied mathematics, but also opportunities for independent or collaborative work. These approaches to learning contribute to a student’s outlook and depth of understanding. The program supports the development and enhancement of students’ skills useful in industrial and scientific careers, and in other careers having applied mathematics as its primary focus. It is geared toward three groups of prospective students: individuals in established careers who want or require further training for their current positions, individuals in the workforce who wish to retrain for new career directions, in some cases preparing for a more mathematically-oriented assignment with their current employer, and recent graduates who desire a deeper understanding of applied mathematics as an aid in launching a career.

Admission and Prerequisites

Admission to the ACM program as a regular student requires a BA or a BS degree in mathematics, computer and information science, engineering, a physical science or a life science earned from a program at an accredited institution with an average of B or better. Individuals with other degrees or less than a B average may be considered for conditional admission status and may be required to submit evidence of potential for success in a graduate program. An entering student should have completed three courses in Calculus, including multivariate calculus, plus introductory courses in Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. Deficiencies in prerequisites may be made up after entrance to the Graduate Program. However, credits received in courses elected to make up the deficiencies do not count toward the degree.

Application instructions can be found at:  umdearborn.edu/gradapplynow

Each applicant should submit the following:

1. Official transcripts from all universities attended.
2. A one-page statement of purpose describing the applicant’s career goals and personal objectives in pursuing the program.
3. Three letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from an academic source.
4. Students whose native language is not English are also required to satisfy the English Language Requirements for Admission which can be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

For more information, call 313-593-1183.

Advanced Standing

Up to six graduate credit hours (grade of B or better) may be transferred from another accredited institution as specified in the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies regulations. You may transfer up to one-half (1/2) the minimum number of credit hours required for your master's or professional degree from U-M/non-Rackham departments and programs (including Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint).

Degree Requirements

The general master’s degree requirements are on the Rackham School of Graduate Studies website: rackham.umich.edu/policies/academic_policies/  and are to be considered as degree requirements. In addition, the ACM degree requires 30 semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative grade point average of B or better. The 30 hours must meet the requirements below and be selected from lists of approved courses and be approved by the student’s graduate advisor. At least 15 of the hours must be in courses of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Specific Course Requirements

Cognate  Courses