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Online Master of Science in Applied & Computational Mathematics

Admissions

Application Deadlines

The UW online Master of Science in Applied & Computational Mathematics program begins in autumn quarter only. Applications are due July 1 of the admissions year.

If you're applying to be a graduate nonmatriculated student, there are different deadlines. See below.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher over the last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of undergraduate work
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English

Background and Prerequisites

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, applied mathematics or another branch of science or engineering. You should also have completed coursework in:

  • Calculus series (advanced calculus and/or real analysis strongly recommended but not required)
  • Differential equations
  • Linear algebra
  • Numerical analysis or scientific computing* (you should have the ability to program in Matlab, C, C++, Python, Fortran or a similar scientific computing language)

*We offer AMATH 301: Beginning Scientific Computing as an online class in summer quarter.

Required Application Materials

  • UW Graduate School online application and fee
  • Unofficial transcripts from every college or university where you have earned a degree or taken relevant coursework
  • List of previous schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • TOEFL scores (if English is not your native language)

Application Steps

To apply to the online Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics, submit your application materials online through the UW Graduate School website. We recommend you begin your application early in order to complete all requirements on time.

Step One: Prepare to Apply

Get transcripts from each college or university where you have earned a degree or taken relevant coursework. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies.

Update your resume or curriculum vitae.

  • Write your statement of purpose. In a narrative statement of about 700–1,000 words, provide your reasons for seeking a master’s in applied mathematics. The statement of purpose is your chance to provide the department with information about you beyond what’s found in your transcripts and other official documents. You should provide an overview of your degree and career objectives and explain how participation in this graduate program will help you achieve them.
  • Identify people who are willing to write letters of recommendation for you. You will need to submit three letters of recommendation as part of your application. Make sure the people you choose can speak to your ability to take on graduate studies — academic references are preferred, although professional references are also acceptable. You will need their email addresses for the Graduate School application.
  • Consider taking the GRE. GRE scores are optional and no longer required. If you wish to submit scores, we will accept the GRE General or any GRE Subject exam. Your scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854 for the University of Washington. 

Step Two: Apply

  • Start your online application to the UW Graduate School. You can save your application and come back to it at any time to continue working on it.
  • Select "Applied Mathematics (MS) online" as the program name.
  • Upload all required documents. Do not mail any materials to the department.
  • Designate the people who have agreed to write letters of recommendation for you. Each of these people will be sent an email directing them to a secure website where they will submit their letters.
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee.
  • After you've submitted your application, you can check on its status at any time by logging into the application page.

International Students

International applicants must meet all application requirements for the program. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen, immigrant or green card holder. Student visas are not issued for online graduate degree programs. For more information, see the UW Graduate School's International Applicant Information page.

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. If required, please submit TOEFL scores. Only scores less than two years old at the time of the application deadline will be accepted. Scores must be sent directly to UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854.

Graduate Nonmatriculated Students

Graduate nonmatriculated (GNM) student status provides access to graduate courses for those who are not currently seeking a graduate degree. By securing GNM status, you will be eligible to apply up to 12 credits you earn toward a degree if you decide to pursue one later.

To be eligible for GNM status, you must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of undergraduate study. You must apply to the Graduate School to secure GNM status; this status does not guarantee future admission to a graduate degree program.

Once you have secured GNM status, you will be given information on how to register for classes. The deadline to apply for GNM status is different from the standard graduate program deadline and is September 1 for autumn quarter.

Single Course Enrollment

Students who want to take a course or several courses in applied mathematics but don’t plan to pursue a graduate degree may register as a nonmatriculated student. Although there is no formal application process, prerequisite knowledge and instructor permission are required. To register, submit the nonmatriculated student registration approval form and the nonmatriculated student registration form at least two weeks before the start of the quarter.