Undergraduate Programs
Quick Links
- Computational and Applied Mathematics Emphasis Flowchart
- Statistics Emphasis Flowchart
- Data Science Emphasis Flowchart
- Fact Sheet
- AMS Course Catalog
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics program at Colorado School of Mines prepares students to design and implement solutions to practical, real-world problems. Modeling, computing, and data analysis are emphasized to provide students with the technical and soft skills necessary to be successful in both industry and graduate school. The Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics takes pride in its teaching innovations, its contributions to research across campus, and in the quality of excellence in applied mathematics and statistics among its alumni.
Mathematics, statistics, and data science play essential roles in practically every industry and professional field. They are the building blocks for engineering and the sciences. Our faculty and students conduct research in scientific computing, multivariate analysis, numerical analysis, spatial statistics, wave theory, biostatistics, multi-scale simulation, partial differential equations, inverse problems, uncertainty quantification, optimization, climate modeling, and biomathematics.
Degree Emphases in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Computational and Applied Mathematics
Students with an emphasis in Computational and Applied Mathematics gain experience in mathematical modeling, applied analysis, the development and analysis of numerical algorithms, and the use of mathematical software. Courses include Computational Methods for Differential Equations, Complex Analysis, Parallel Scientific Computing, Programming Concepts, to name a few. In addition to an in-depth mathematics curriculum, students have opportunities to incorporate a minor or area of special interest to delve into another discipline; from Biochemistry to Electrical Engineering to Physics.
Substantial focus is placed on the development of practical applications and techniques to enhance the competitiveness of our students to a wide range of employment opportunities including careers in computer programing, systems analytics, finance, national laboratories, academia, and in industry. Employment of Mathematicians is projected to grow 21% from 2014-2024, much faster than the average (11%) for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Statistics
The undergraduate Statistics program provides strong background in data and modeling while also providing a foundation in mathematics and expertise in computer science. The program features courses in statistical methods, probability, modeling, mathematical statistics, stochastic processes, and spatial statistics.
The senior capstone in statistics engages our students in solving problems of practical applicability for potential employers. This course is designed to simulate an industrial job or research environment; in small teams, students work for a client, make weekly reports and present final written and oral reports. The close collaboration with potential employers and professors improves students’ communication and time management skills and builds a sense of confidence.
Statistics provides quantitative methods for analyzing and interpreting data, designing experiments and surveys, and determining informed decisions under uncertainty and modeling randomness and variability.
Statistics can be applied almost anywhere, which is one of the reasons the employment is projected to grow 34% from 2014-2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Opportunities are available for Statisticians and data scientists in a wide range of industries including finance, insurance, pharmaceutical, medical, engineering, life sciences and internet search, among others.
Data Science
Data science is a new area of study at the intersection of computational mathematics, statistics, and computer science. With a strong focus on problem solving, data science skills open doors to almost any field such as applications in the physical processes and the environment, additive manufacturing, health care, economics and e-commerce. This focus uses math to describe how data is collected and measured, how the algorithms work to uncover hidden features, and finally how to quantify the uncertainty in any conclusions. Throughout, the coursework draws on computer science and artificial intelligence as sources for reproducible coding and extending algorithms. Group projects and presentations help to develop skills in communication to non-technical audiences.
Combined BS-MS Program
Why earn just one degree when you could graduate with two?
Current Mines students have the opportunity to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree with an emphasis in Computational and Applied Mathematics or Statistics through our combined BS – MS degree program. Thesis and Non-thesis options are available for both degree programs.
This program provides an opportunity for students to work on the two degrees simultaneously and graduate with both degrees in 5 to 5.5 years.
Current Mines students typically apply to this program upon successful completion of five classes with a MATH prefix numbered 225 or higher.
More information can be found on the Mines Combined Programs page.
Students can also pursue a MS in Data Science within the AMS department. The field of data science draws elements of computer science, statistics and interdisciplinary applications to address the unique needs of gaining knowledge and insight through data analysis. This master’s program is designed to give candidates a foundation in statistics and computer science and also provide knowledge in a particular application domain of science engineering.
MATH 431- Bio Activity
Photos courtesy of Cal Okenberg
AP
AP Credit
We encourage all students who have passed AP exams to take the credit they have earned. Accepting the AP credit saves students money and time, and it allows for more flexibility in scheduling.
We’ve studied student performance in these classes, and students who start in MATH112 or MATH213 due to AP credit do very well in these classes. On the other hand, we’ve seen many students who decide to begin again in MATH111 struggle with motivation as they are taught things they have already learned. Students who would like to discuss math placement can reach out to the associate department head at nicholas@mines.edu.
AP Placement
- A score of 4/5 on the AP Calculus AB test (or a 4/5 AB subscore on the BC exam) grants credit for MATH111, and the student should start in MATH112.
- A score of 5 on the AP Calculus BC test grants credit for MATH112, and the student should start in MATH213.
- The AP exams are the only placement/challenge exams in AMS. There is no other mechanism for students to start beyond MATH111.
Scholarships and Awards
Ryan Sayers Memorial Scholarship and Ryan Sayers Memorial Award
In memory of Ryan Sayers, 1982-2003
Ryan Sayers was born in Colorado Springs on July 20, 1982. Before his sophomore year of high school, Ryan earned a perfect score on the math section of the SAT. Ryan attended Colorado School of Mines, and planned to graduate with degrees in both mathematics and physics. In June 2003, while climbing in the Wind River Mountain of Wyoming, Ryan was hit and killed by a lightning strike. He was twenty years old.
The Sayers family continues Ryan’s legacy at Mines, as he is remembered in the annual Ryan Sayers Memorial Pi Mile Fun Run each spring, in the computer laboratory named in his honor, and in the lives of the outstanding students who have received the Ryan Sayers Memorial Award or the Ryan Sayers Memorial Scholarship.
The Ryan Sayers Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in Engineering Physics and/or Applied Mathematics or Statistics, while demonstrating excellence in coursework and creativity in undergraduate research.
Previous recipients:
- 2022-2023: Jude Lykins
- 2022-2023: Paul Varosy
- 2021-2022: Amandin Rabeendran
- 2020-2021: Nathaniel Craig, Benjamin Krawciw, Griffin Hampton
- 2019-2020: Griffin Hampton
- 2018-2019: Lindsey Nield and Galen Vincent
The Ryan Sayers Memorial Award recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of a graduating student, majoring in engineering physics and/or applied mathematics and statistics, who has performed significant undergraduate research.
Previous recipients:
- 2023-2024: Connor Burns and Jude Lykins
- 2022-2023: Amandin Rabeendran
- 2021-2022: Benjamin Krawciw and Kaleigh Rudge
- 2020-2021: Merra Duggal
- 2019-2020: William Schenken
https://ams.mines.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2024/06/Ryan-Sayers-Memorial-Awards-10years-Commemorative-Booklet-July3-2013.pdf
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQqJttg7Lek?rel=0]
Job/McAuliffe Award for Perseverance
The Job/McAuliffe Award recognizes and honors Carol Job and Sharon McAuliffe, both of whom put a tremendous amount of effort into supporting students who struggled in their initial coursework or student life at Mines and ultimately became successful students due to the effort and attention of caring faculty. The recipient of this award will receive a plaque, a monetary reward, and support for a dinner with a faculty member who was instrumental in turning around the student’s performance at Mines. The winner will be asked to name his/her most inspirational faculty member at Mines and to provide a short essay narrating his/her story of perseverance through initial difficulties at Mines. Through this award, we hope to collect a library of stories that might serve as inspiration to future students who struggle in their initial coursework at Mines.
Previous recipients:
- 2023-2024: Aryn Loew and Raylynn Reeve
- 2022-2023: Anastasia Baltes and Hannah Frey
- 2021-2022: Haley Vinton
- 2020-2021: Christian Prather
- 2019-2020: Rathana Preap
- 2018-2019: Tara Braden
Everett Award
The Professor Everett Award was established by 1942 petroleum engineering alumnus Frank Ausanka to honor the memory of James R. Everett, an outstanding former faculty member in mathematics at Mines. The award is given each semester to a graduating senior in mathematics who demonstrates scholarship, leadership, community service and potential for the innovative application of mathematics to mineral engineering. Recipients’ names are added to a display of the Madrid Codices of Leonardo da Vinci, located in the Rare Books Collection in Arthur Lakes Library. The Codices are also a gift of Ausanka to the school. In addition to the prestige attached to the Professor Everett Award, each winner receives a gift of $500 funded by Ausanka.
Nominees must display leadership skills and valued involvement with the K-12 outreach program.
Previous recipients:
- 2023-2024: Allison Comer
- 2022-2023: Levi Grenier
- 2021-2022: Griffin Hampton
- 2020-2021: James (Kael) Kleckner
- 2019-2020: Amit Rotem
Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
The Outstanding Graduating Senior Award recognizes a graduating senior with high scholastic achievements and active involvement in departmental and school activities. As of 2023 one award is granted per department and the recipient is honored at a university wide reception. Recipients receive a plaque which is typically accompanied with a monetary award or special departmental gift.
Previous recipients:
- December 2024: Ryan Mapes
- May 2024: Armelle Duston
- December 2023: Mitchel Morgan
- May 2023: Azlan Tubbs
- December 2022: Bora Basyildiz and Daniel Richards-Dinger
- May 2022: Lauren “Zoe” Baker and Ashley Gray
Exceptional Computational and Applied Mathematics Student
In addition to the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award, AMS recognizes an Exceptional Computational and Applied Mathematics graduating senior with high scholastic achievements and active involvement in departmental and school activities. Recipients receive a certificate accompanied with a monetary award.
Previous recipients:
- May 2024: Ben Longaker
- December 2023: Alex Jackson
- May 2023: Sabrina Pawlak
Exceptional Statistical Student
In addition to the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award, AMS recognizes an Exceptional Statistical graduating senior with high scholastic achievements and active involvement in departmental and school activities. Recipients receive a certificate accompanied with a monetary award.
Previous recipients:
- May 2024: Dejian Su
- December 2023: Wesley Golliher
- May 2023: Ethan Lewellin
Waltman Award
The William D. Waltman, 1899, Award is presented to the graduating senior whose conduct and scholarship have been most nearly perfect and who has most nearly approached the recognized characteristics of an American gentleman and/or lady during the recipient’s entire collegiate career.
To be eligible for this award, the graduating senior must:
- Be in the upper 10% of the graduating class
- Be American-born
- Not be involved in disciplinary matters
- Have completed at least four years of courses
- Have been in-residence for six regular semesters
Students must write a letter to the Awards Committee addressing their school, community activities, interests and thoughts about attending CSM and future plans. They must also submit a current resume, letter of reference from advisor or professor in their major. If it’s a transfer student, they need to specify the college they previously attended and the number of semesters enrolled at Mines (excluding summer sessions). One award is given from the entire graduating senior pool during spring commencement.
Previous AMS recipients:
- 2023-2024: Armelle Duston
- 2021-2022: Lauren “Zoe” Baker
- 2019-2020: Leah Reeder
- 2015-2016: Taylor Chott and John “Jack” Wakefield
- December 2015: Kelsey Kalmbach
Society for Women in Mathematics - FAST Scholarship
The FAST Scholarship is a scholarship for an AMS major (undergraduate) who is also a member of SWiM. FAST Enterprises is an industry leader in the development and installation of software for government agencies. FAST is headquartered in Greenwood Village and has provided corporate sponsorship for SWiM. FAST is interested in young women with leadership skills and a possible interest in the CS industry.
Previous recipients:
- 2024-2025: Hailey Puglia
- 2023-2024: Isobel McGivney
- 2022-2023: Allison Comer
- 2021-2022: Julia Eiken
- 2020-2021: Azlan Tubbs
- 2019-2020: Shannon Bride
Professor Willy Hereman Endowed Scholarship
The Professor Willy Hereman Endowed Scholarship is presented to a student studying Applied Mathematics and Statistics who strives for excellence in scholarship, research and/or departmental involvement. The Scholarship was established by Dr. Douglas E. Baldwin, Mines BS ’03, MS ’04, in appreciation of Dr. Hereman’s mentorship and inspiration. Dr. Baldwin expressed his appreciation: “When I heard that Professor Willy Hereman was retiring, I decided to endow a scholarship in his name in 2018 so he could keep inspiring and helping students. Since Willy was the first in his family to go to college, I included a preference for undergraduate or graduate math students who are first generation students.”
Previous recipients are:
- 2023-2024: Olga Khaliukova
- 2022-2023: Justin Garrish
- 2022-2023: Bora Basyildiz
- 2021-2022: Samuel Koller
- 2020-2021: Laura Albrecht