We offer two distinct pathways toward a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics:
- Plan I (Thesis):
This track requires a total of 41 units of advisor-approved coursework, including graduate and upper-division classes (100 and 200 series only) and completion of a thesis. This exceeds the UC Davis minimum requirement of 30 units, which must include at least 12 units of graduate coursework in the major field. - Plan II (Exam):
This track requires 36 units of advisor-approved graduate-level coursework (200 series only) and a comprehensive final examination based on MAT 207ABC. At least 18 units must be graduate coursework in the major field. No thesis is required.
A copy of the official degree requirements, as approved by the Graduate Council, is available on the Graduate Studies program webpage. Please refer to the General Catalog for course names and descriptions.
Core Courses
Plan I (Thesis) — 20 units total
Students must complete 12 units in Area A, selecting one of the following series:
- Analysis Series: MAT 201AB + one of MAT 201C, MAT 202, MAT 205, or MAT 206
- Methods in Applied Mathematics Series: MAT 207ABC
Additionally, students complete 8 units in Area B, selecting one of the following series:
- Any unused Area A courses
- Data Science: MAT 258A, MAT 258B, MAT 270
- Numerical Analysis: MAT 226A, MAT 226B, MAT 226C, MAT 228ABC
- Probability: MAT 235AB, STA 231C
- Theoretical Computer Science: ECS 220, ECS 222
Note: Substitutions permitted with GGAM Chair approval if courses aren’t offered two years in a row.
Plan II (Exam) — 12 units total
-
Methods in Applied Mathematics Series: MAT 207ABC
Electives
Plan I (Thesis) — 21 units
- Graduate Advanced Mathematics (8 units): MAT 200-level courses numbered ≤279, including unused Area A/B options. One course may be outside Mathematics with GGAM Chair approval
- Field of Specialization (12 units minimum): Options include: optimization, control theory, differential equations, statistics, discrete math, physics, biology, harmonic analysis, etc.
- At least one 3-unit course must be outside Mathematics
- Sample In-Depth Courses
- GGAM Mini-Conference (1 unit): Required in the first or second year. Takes place in Winter quarter during the Graduate Student Visitation Event and includes faculty talks and student poster presentations.
- Exit Seminar (Recommended): Public presentation (30–60 minutes) followed by a private committee review
Plan II (Exam) — 24 units
- Numerical Methods (12 units): Choose from MAT 226ABC or MAT 228ABC
- Graduate Mathematics (12 units): MAT 200-level courses numbered ≤279, including any unused Area A/B courses. One course may be outside Mathematics with GGAM Chair approval.
Additional Requirements
- Research Units: Permitted under Plan I or II, but do not count toward degree units
- English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers without a prior degree from an approved English-medium institution.
- ESL courses do not count toward graduation units
- See policy GC2018-02
- Academic Progress: GPA must remain ≥3.0
- Falling below results in academic probation
- More than 3 quarters on probation may result in disqualification
- Teaching Assistantship (MAT 390): Mandatory for TA eligibility, does not count toward degree units