University of California, Santa Barbara

Course Details

Applied Mathematics MA

Course Description

Mathematics has been called the queen and the servant of the sciences. As an independent discipline, it was first developed by the ancient Greeks, to whom we owe the notion of “mathematical proof.” In the late seventeenth century, Newton developed calculus to serve as a tool in his treatment of mechanics, allowing him to correctly predict the motion of the planets. This astonishing success definitively demonstrated that mathematics is the ideal language for constructing exact quantitative theories. Today mathematics plays an absolutely fundamental role in physics, economics, and engineering, and plays an ever greater role in fields such as astronomy, chemistry, geology, finance, meteorology, cryptology, ecology, computer science, the social sciences, and a host of other areas. Yet mathematics is also vibrant as a study in its own right, alive with beautiful problems and ongoing developments. These may not be initially motivated by applications, but history indicates that many of the purely mathematical developments of today will become essential to the sciences of the future. The Department of Mathematics offers five undergraduate programs; B.S. and B.A. degrees in mathematics, a B.S. degree in mathematical sciences; in conjunction with the Department of Economics, a B.A. in economics/mathematics; and in conjunction with the Program in Applied Statistics and Probability, a B.S. in financial mathematics and statistics. The Department of Mathematics offers two distinct minor programs. These programs allow non-majors to supplement their majors with cohesive course of study that reflects their interests. To ensure appropriate advising and planning, students who are considering a minor in mathematics should consult the department as soon as possible. The department offers graduate programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition, it offers a wide variety of service courses needed as a foundation for study in the sciences, in engineering, and in other fields. Undergraduate advisors are available in the department office to answer questions about the department and other academic matters. Detailed information about the majors is available in the Department of Mathematics office, 6607 South Hall. The mathematics website (www.math.ucsb.edu) is designed to keep students and faculty informed about current seminars, colloquia, and special events. Various prizes and awards are offered each year to outstanding majors in mathematics. These include the Raymond L. Wilder award and student memberships in the Mathematical Association of America. Each award is given on the basis of academic excellence in the mathematics program. Students with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics who are interested in pursuing a California Teaching Credential should contact the credential advisor in the Graduate School of Education as soon as possible.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

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Applied Mathematics MA University of California, Santa Barbara