Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate Statistics program provides strong background in data science and at the same time providing a foundation in mathematics and expertise in computer science. Besides courses in statistical methods the program features topics in probability, mathematical biology, mathematical statistics and complex analysis.
As an example, the senior capstone 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.
Mathematics and Statistics 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 and bio-mathematics.
Quick Links
- Computational and Applied Mathematics Emphasis
Flowchart | Fact Sheet - Statistics Emphasis
Flowchart | Fact Sheet - AMS Course Catalog
Why Major in Math?
REASONS/CONSIDERATIONS WHY YOU MAY WANT TO MAJOR OR MINOR IN MATHEMATICS
You want to pursue graduate school.
Professional graduate schools in medicine, law, business and engineering consider a mathematics degree great preparation because it develops problem-solving and analytical skills. Students who major in mathematics receive substantially higher than average scores on the GMAT and LSAT, according to a study by the National Institute of Education that compared the scores of 550,000 college students who took the LSAT or DMAT over a period of eighteen years.
You want to stand out in your specific field of engineering.
Having a double-major with mathematics allows you to apply the theories and systems of mathematics to a specific field. Even a minor in mathematics or statistics provides you with a stronger foundation than most of your peers. Students who pursue a minor or double major in mathematics still have a choice between Statistics or Computational and Applied Mathematics. These students are in high demand in the final years of their program, as research and internships call for students who understand the logical structure that underlies all scientific inquiry.
You want a job that pays well with lots of options.
Every year Career Cast ranks jobs according to the work environment, income, stress, and projected growth. Careers in mathematics and statistics have consistently ranked at the top. Whether you want to develop models and interpret their results or develop algorithms to expedite known processes, or work in the biotech industry, a strong background in mathematics will serve you well!
You like math and you’re good at it!
In the career you choose beyond Mines, you will be working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year (at least!), so whatever you choose, be certain you enjoy it! When it comes to job satisfaction, you want to choose a career path that builds on your strengths and challenges you.
Mathematics is everywhere. It’s cliché, but it’s also true. A degree in mathematics will prepare you for jobs in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, cryptography, and mathematics education, as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in engineering, mathematics or statistics. Graduates from our program have found employment with many different types of companies including technology, engineering, and financial companies.
Degree Programs
BS in Computational and Applied Mathematics
Students pursuing a degree 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.
BS in Statistics
Statistics provides quantitative methods for analyzing and interpreting data, designing experiments and surveys, and determining informed decisions under uncertainty and modeling randomness and variability.
The undergraduate Statistics program provides a thorough foundation in applied statistics, data science and probability through courses such as Intro to Mathematical Statistics, Intro to Probability, Mathematical Biology, Complex Analysis, 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.
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.
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 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 Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees 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.
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.
Departmental Connections
Tea Time
Colloquium
Guest speakers from around the world discuss trends and research in the field of Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
Kernel Club
Student Groups
Math Club
Society of Women in Math (SWiM)
The Society for Women in Mathematics (SWiM) is an organization focused on creating a community for women in mathematics at the Colorado School of Mines. The organization holds monthly meetings where members share food and conversation, listen to a faculty member or alumna tell her mathematical story, and hold a discussion over the presentation or other relevant topics.
If you want more information, join us on Mines Engage for regular communication about events.
Mines Mathematics and Computing Collaborative (MMCC)
MMCC is a student-led outreach organization that aims to close the STEM exposure gap by offering inspiring, hands-on mathematics and computing workshops for high schoolers in the Denver area. MMCC’s membership consists of both undergraduate and graduate students from AMS, Computer Science, and Chemical and Biological Engineering (though all are welcome). The organization is run entirely by students, who both construct the workshops and perform the tasks that enable workshop success.
Additional Information
Course Offerings
https://catalog.mines.edu/undergraduate/programs/ams/
- Computational and Applied Mathematics Emphasis
Flowchart | Fact Sheet - Statistics Emphasis
Flowchart | Fact Sheet
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: 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
- 2017-2018: Jaden Davidson
- 2016-2017: Jonathon Helland
- 2015-2016: Mollie Murray
- 2014-2015: Jacob Neumann
- 2013-2014: Eric Jones
- 2012-2013: Eric Jones
- 2011-2012: Scott Deibert
- 2010-2011: William Anthony McCollum
- 2009-2010: William Anthony McCollum
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:
- 2022-2023: Amandin Rabeendran
- 2021-2022: Benjamin Krawciw and Kaleigh Rudge
- 2020-2021: Merra Duggal
- 2019-2020: William Schenken
- 2018-2019: Lindsey Nield and Galen Vincent
- 2017-2018: Nathanael Smith
- 2017-2018: Connor Mattes
- 2016-2017: Anastasia Gladkina
- 2015-2016: Kerrek Stinson
- 2014-2015: Eric Jones
- 2013-2014: Andrew Colin Cook
- 2012-2013: Linnea K. Jones
- 2011-2012: Sara M. Clifton
- 2010-2011: Janeen Marie Neri
- 2009-2010: Kelly Anne Commeford
- 2008-2009: Benjamin James Jones
- 2007-2008: Rachel Renee Miller
- 2006-2007: Dimitri Robert Dounas-Frazer
- 2005-2006: Ann Hermundstad
- 2004-2005: Robert “Scott” Danford
- 2003-2004: Maxine von Eye
AMS Honor Fund Award
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:
- 2022-2023: Anastasia Baltes and Hannah Frey
- 2021-2022: Haley Vinton
- 2020-2021: Christian Prather
- 2019-2020: Rathana Preap
- 2018-2019: Tara Braden
- 2017-2018: Izabel Aguiar
- 2016-2017: Clinton Parapat
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:
- 2022-2023: Levi Grenier
- 2021-2022: Griffin Hampton
- 2020-2021: James (Kael) Kleckner
- 2019-2020: Amit Rotem
- 2018-2019: Cooper Brown
- 2017-2018: Nicholas Rummel
- 2016-2017: Jessica Deters
- 2015-2016: John Wakefield
- 2015-2016: Kownoon Her
- 2014-2015: Sean Lopp
- 2014-2015: Sarah Verros
- 2013-2014: Anastasia Vladislavovna Shpurik
- 2012-2013: Karen M. Moxcey
- 2011-2012: Michael C. Firmin
- 2010-2011: Courtney H. Rohde
- 2007-2008: Teresa E. B. Davies
- 2007-2008: Sara Ellen McFarland
- 2007-2008: Bryan Alan Romero
- 2006-2007: Erin R. Griggs
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:
- May 2023: Azlan Tubbs
- December 2022: Bora Basyildiz and Daniel Richards-Dinger
- May 2022: Lauren “Zoe” Baker and Ashley Gray
- December 2021: Claire Jordan and Amber Rexwinkle
- May 2021: Meera Duggal and Victoria (Tori) Marbois
- December 2020: Justin (Nico) Nicholas and Harrison Magee
- May 2020: Leah Reeder and Aidan Dykstal
- May 2019: Danielle Barna and Kate Bubar
- December 2018: John Alley and Matthew Baldin
- May 2018: Erica Dettmer-Radtke, Clayton Kramp
- December 2017: Jonathon Helland
- May 2017: Nicholas Koprowicz, Carrie Kralovec
- December 2016: Derek Smith
- May 2016: Taylor Chott, John Wakefield
- December 2015: Kelsey Kalmbach
- May 2015: Carson Kent, Eric Jones
- December 2014: Abigail Branch
- May 2014: Andrew Colin Cook
- December 2013: Kyle Geyser
- May 2013: Dylan Garth Denning, Lindsey Sharon Parr
- December 2012: Shad Allen
- May 2012: Sara Clifton
- December 2011: Michael Kasberg
- May 2011: Mitchell Scott Dushina, Janeen Marie Neri, Daniel E. Pascua, Joshua A. Warner
- December 2010: Gary Dean Scheid
- May 2010: Thea Ashley Gab, Sam A. Geldhof
- December 2009: Daniel Jacob Pearson
- May 2009: Benjamin James Jones, Thomas A. Cullison
- December 2008: Jonathan P. Hendricks, Kari Lee Macklin
- May 2008: Alyson Lin Burchardt, Jonathan Albert Maack, Rachel Renee Miller
- December 2007: Marianne L. Graham
- May 2007: Nathan F. Ostrander
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 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 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:
- 2021-2022: Lauren “Zoe” Baker
- 2019-2020: Leah Reeder
- 2015-2016: Taylor Chott and John “Jack” Wakefield
- December 2015: Kelsey Kalmbach
- May 2015: Eric Jones
- December 2014: Abby Branch
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:
- 2023-2024: Isobel McGivney
- 2022-2023: Allison Comer
- 2021-2022: Julia Eiken
- 2020-2021: Azlan Tubbs
- 2019-2020: Shannon Bride
- 2018-2019: Fuikwan (Vivian) Wong
- 2017-2018: Kaitlyn Mobley
- 2016-2017: Grace Halbach
- 2015-2016: Chelsae Cameron
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: Justin Garrish
- 2022-2023: Bora Basyildiz
- 2021-2022: Samuel Koller
- 2020-2021: Laura Albrecht
- 2019-2020: Haley Vinton
- 2018-2019: David Kozak