Applied Mathematics

• Mathematical Modeling: The theory and implementation of differential equations modeling
• Probability I and II: Probabilistic reasoning, Bayesian and frequentist prediction, and stochastic modeling
• Applied Statistics and Mathematical Statistics: Statistical reasoning and validation as well as model fitting and model design
• Machine Learning: Optimization-centered algorithm design and the synergy between mathematical methods and modern computer science

In addition to the core courses, we offer classes in graph theory, stochastic calculus and no-arbitrage finance, numerical analysis, and optimization and complexity. In addition, we’re always expanding our course offerings to meet both student interest and industry need. 

Finally, elective courses take advantage of the department’s offering in pure mathematics, including advanced differential equations and functional analysis, differential, algebraic and discrete geometry and topology, and mathematical methods in quantum theory.  

The department of mathematics’ graduate co-op program allows students to take a four- to eight-month term during their degree to gain industry experience in their chosen field. Our co-op coordinator is dedicated to helping develop each student’s career direction and job opportunities. This includes interview skills, resumé, and job expectations required to enter the industry as a co-op employee. It can form the cornerstone of a competitive resumé while helping students choose what kind of career in applied mathematics best fits them.

Students from the program find co-op appointments in a wide variety of fields, including scientific modeling and research, consumer and business analytics, financial modeling, healthcare analytics, and statistical analysis. Students have taken co-ops doing catastrophe modeling for Guy Carpenter (insurance), consumer analytics at Fidelity Investment (investment banking), social media analysis at Legendary (special effects and film), and climate modeling at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (nonprofit scientific research).

Since 2017, roughly half of the student body (including working students) has gone on a co-op. The mean salary for co-op positions is $20 per hour, with a range between $10 per hour (assistant teacher, Brookline Public Schools) to $40 per hour (data science, Aerotek)