Graduate Program

Graduate Program Overview

The Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) prepares the next generation of mathematical and statistical scientists to be leaders in a world driven by increasingly complex technology and challenges. Our department is at the forefront of research in mathematical and statistical methods that are used to address the opportunities and challenges of the future.

AMS offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. The department prides itself on being highly interdisciplinary with ties to on-campus and national research centers and laboratories.

Certificate
Data Science Certificates
Grad Cap Icon
Master of Science
Diploma
Doctor of Philosophy

Research Groups

Golden ratio / wave
Applied Mathematics and Wave Pheonomena
Globe
Computational and Global Seismology
equations on a chalkboard with a hand holding chalk
Computational Mathematics and Analysis
equations on a chalkboard with a hand holding chalk
Hammerling Research Group
Group of students posing for a photo on a lawn
Mathematical Biology and Biostatistics
digital representation
Optimization and Deep Learning
chart showing waves
Statistics and Data Science

Departmental Connections

Regular AMS Events

Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs

Tea Time

Tea Time

Join us in CH156 for our weekly AMS Tea Time.

Colloquium
Department Colloquium
Data Science
Data Science
student with earphones working at chalkboard
Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering
Linux Kernel
Kernel Club

Program Placement

Post-graduation placement

Students in our program build a strong foundation in Numerical Methods, Scientific Computing, Mathematical Biology, Uncertainty Quantification, and Data Science. We have 100% placement rate for our graduates in a wide range of industries. There is continued applied research opportunities within the university and at major federal research facilities nearby, including NCAR, NREL, NOAA, and NIST. Graduates have joined the workforce in companies such as Google, Ball Aerospace, and Oracle. See a more comprehensive list here.

Admission Requirements

The AMS Graduate Committee reviews applications for admission for the Fall and Spring semesters only. Applicants must submit a completed application to the Graduate School by the posted admission deadlines in order to be considered for admission and funding. We strongly encourage applicants to meet the Fall admission priority deadline of January 15th, if applying to a thesis-based degree and seeking funding. Fall admission decisions with funding decisions are typically determined by the end of January.

To learn more about the graduate admission requirements for Applied Math and Statistics and the process for completing an online application, direct your questions to the Director of Graduate Studies, Soutir Bandyopadhyay, sbandyopadhyay@mines.edu.

For information about the minimum requirements for admission to the MS and PhD programs please visit the Colorado School of Mines Graduate Admissions page.

 

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MS Degree Requirements

Computational and Applied Mathematics

The MS program in Computational and Applied Mathematics (CAM) provides the opportunity for students to pursue 30 specialized credits through either a thesis or non-thesis degree program. All MS candidates pursuing CAM complete the following courses:

  • MATH 500 Linear Vector Spaces
  • MATH 501 Applied Analysis
  • SYGN 502 Introduction to Research Ethics *
  • MATH 514 Applied Mathematics I
  • MATH 550 Numerical Solutions to PDEs
  • MATH 551 Computational Linear Algebra
  • MATH 589 Applied Mathematics and Statistics Teaching Seminar **

* Required for Master’s Thesis students and for students receiving federal support, not required for MS-NT students. Course alternative is CITI RCR. If intending to take the alternative course, confirm with AMS DGS before enrolling.
** Required only for students employed by the department as graduate teaching assistants and student instructor/lecturers

Please refer to the Mines Graduate Catalog here for additional program requirements.

Statistics

The MS program in Statistics provides the opportunity for students to pursue 30 specialized credits through either a thesis or non-thesis degree program. All MS candidates pursuing Statistics will complete the following courses:

  • MATH 500 Linear Vector Spaces
  • SYGN 502 Introduction to Research Ethics *
  • MATH 531 Theory of Linear Models
  • MATH 534 Mathematical Statistics I
  • MATH 535 Mathematical Statistics II
  • MATH 560 Introduction to Key Statistical Learning Methods I
  • MATH 589 Applied Mathematics and Statistics Teaching Seminar **

* Required for Master’s Thesis students and for students receiving federal support, not required for MS-NT students. Course alternative is CITI RCR. If intending to take the alternative course, confirm with AMS DGS before enrolling.
** Required only for students employed by the department as graduate teaching assistants and student instructor/lecturers

Please refer to the Mines Graduate Catalog here for additional program requirements.

Data Science

The non-thesis MS program in Data Science is designed to give candidates a foundation in statistics and computer science and also provide knowledge in a particular application domain of science or engineering. All MS candidates pursuing Data Science will follow a 3 × 3 + 1 design: three modules each consisting of three, 3-credit courses, and a mini-module, comprising 3-credit hours. The mini-module can be a combination of 1, 2 or 3 credit courses.

Modules:

  1. Data modeling and statistical learning
  2. Machine learning, data processing and algorithms, and parallel computing
  3. Individualized and domain specific coursework

Mini-Module:

Professional skills and career development

For further information about the Data Science Master’s Program, please visit the website here.

Combined BS/MS (4 + 1)

We also offer combined BS/MS degree programs in either Computational and Applied Mathematics or in Statistics. These programs offer an expedited application process and allow students to begin graduate coursework while still finishing their undergraduate degree requirements.

This is an option for students who are currently in the process of completing, or have already completed, a BS degree at Mines within the past 5 years.
For students with a bachelors in AMS, the department will waive letters of recommendation and GRE scores.
Students with a bachelors outside of the AMS department will have the GRE score waived, but the department still requires letters of recommendation and a Statement of Purpose.
To apply, students are required to have completed a minimum of five AMS courses past MATH 225 Differential Equations.
Cost to apply is $25 for all Mines students.

PhD Degree Requirements

Computational and Applied Mathematics

The Doctor of Philosophy requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. At least 24 of these hours must be thesis hours. Doctoral students must pass the comprehensive examination (a qualifying examination and thesis proposal), complete a satisfactory thesis, and successfully defend their thesis.

All PhD candidates pursuing CAM complete the following six courses, with two more required for specific students as noted:

  • MATH 500 Linear Vector Spaces
  • MATH 501 Applied Analysis
  • MATH 514 Applied Mathematics I
  • MATH 550 Numerical Solutions to PDEs
  • MATH 551 Computational Linear Algebra
  • SYGN 502 Introduction to Research Ethics *
  • MATH 588 Introduction to Quantitative and Computational Research
  • MATH 589 Applied Mathematics and Statistics Teaching Seminar **

* Course alternative is CITI RCR. If intending to take the alternative course, confirm with AMS DGS before enrolling.
** Required only for students employed by the department as graduate teaching assistants and student instructor/lecturers.

Statistics

The Doctor of Philosophy requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. At least 24 of these hours must be thesis hours. Doctoral students must pass the comprehensive examination (a qualifying examination and thesis proposal), complete a satisfactory thesis, and successfully defend their thesis.

All PhD candidates pursuing Statistics will complete the following six courses, with two more required for specific students as noted:

  • MATH 500 Linear Vector Spaces
  • MATH 531 Theory of Linear Models
  • MATH 534 Mathematical Statistics I
  • MATH 535 Mathematical Statistics II
  • MATH 560 Introduction to Key Statistical Learning Methods I
  • SYGN 502 Introduction to Research Ethics*
  • MATH 588 Introduction to Quantitative and Computational Research
  • MATH 589 Applied Mathematics and Statistics Teaching Seminar **

* Course alternative is CITI RCR. If intending to take the alternative course, confirm with AMS DGS before enrolling.
** Required only for students employed by the department as graduate teaching assistants and student instructor/lecturers.

Additionally, all PhD candidates pursuing Statistics will take at least two courses from the following list:

  • MATH 532 Spatial Statistics
  • MATH 536 Advanced Statistical Modeling
  • MATH 537 Multivariate Analysis
  • MATH 538 Stochastic Models
  • MATH 539 Survival Analysis
  • MATH 582 Statistics Practicum

Current Students

All current AMS grad students have access to the AMS Graduate Program canvas site. This site consolidates important information and websites from across Mines, and should be your first stop for advising questions. On it, you will find detailed degree requirements, AMS course schedule, and answers to frequently asked questions like: What forms do I need to submit? When and how do I apply to graduate? What steps do I take to schedule my thesis/dissertation defense? And more…

New Student Information

Contact Need help or have questions?

Soutir Bandyopadhyay AMS Director of Graduate Studies 303-373-3677 sbandyopadhyay@mines.edu

Lisa Maddux AMS Department Manager Chauvenet Hall 141 303-273-3880 lmaddux@mines.edu

General Information amsgrad@mines.edu

New Student Orientation All current students have access to the AMS Graduate Program CANVAS page. Check there for important updates, including New Student Orientation details.
Mailboxes All current graduate students have a mailbox in Chauvenet Hall 145.
Graduate Student Listserv All current students are subscribed to the AMS Graduate Student Listserv. Watch for important messages from the department!
Degree Requirements Degree requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Resources and Information

Quick Reference Guide for Graduate Students The Office of Graduate Studies maintains an online information resource you should familiarize yourself with. This includes useful information such as admissions, degree requirements, registration requirements, contracts, financial aid, etc.
Forms The Registrar’s office creates and maintains graduate student forms. All forms need to be filled out electronically and submitted here for signatures and approval. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing.
Graduate Bulletin The Graduate Catalog provides academic policies and program requirements. This is an important resource for all students.
Department Seminars Department seminars are held regularly throughout the academic year. Watch emails and the AMS Newsletter for announcements!
Academic Calendar The Academic Calendar provides important deadline information enforced by Mines.
Graduate Student Government Mines Graduate Student Government offers many resources to students. Connect with leaders on campus and take advantage of the resources offered.
Registration Policy Please be sure you are following the registration policy outlined within the Graduate Bulletin. The registration policies provides a quick reference.
Funded Student Requirements If you are a funded student on an RA or TA contract, you must complete several university ethics and training requirements. See the Funded Student Requirements document.
MEGN503 All thesis-based students (MS Thesis and PhD) must register for the appropriate Research Division section of MEGN503 every semester until they have completed all degree requirements (excluding defense). Non-thesis students should not register for MENG503. However, students interested in doing research are encouraged to select a Research Division section and attend their scheduled class meetings.
400-Level Graduate students can apply 9 credits of 400-level courses toward their degree requirements. To register, you must email the Registrar at registrar@mines.edu to have the prerequisite requirement overridden.
Fellowships The fellowship and grant list provides information on outside fellowships applicable to students by program.
Move to Thesis-Based Degree How do I move to an MS-Thesis or PhD? To move to a thesis-based degree program, you need to find a permanent advisor willing to support your research interests and to support you financially. You should look into the professors in the department to understand what they research to identify where the best fit might be. Then contact the professors you are interested in working with to discuss potential research and funding opportunities. Be sure to meet with the Graduate Program Manager to discuss policies and forms required to change degree levels.

Contact Information

Soutir Bandyopadhyay

Soutir Bandyopadhyay
Director of Graduate Studies – AMS
303-373-3677
sbandyopadhyay@mines.edu

Lisa Maddux

Lisa Maddux
Department Manager – AMS
303-384-2752
lmaddux@mines.edu

Have a general question about our Graduate Program? 
amsgrad@mines.edu