Master’s in Applied Mathematics

Master of Science
a male in a white shirt at a blackboard of math problems

WPI’s master’s in Applied Mathematics will prepare you to use mathematics to solve complex problems in a wide variety of fields. You will gain expertise in the mathematical applications most in demand today as you apply your knowledge to tackle challenges in science, engineering, business, computer science, and industry.

Value Proposition Description

Our selective program admits only a handful of students each year, ensuring that class sizes remain small and students benefit from one-on-one interaction with our expert faculty researchers and mentors. You can choose to study part-time or full-time and can tailor your program to match your interests and career goals.

applied mathematics

Through advanced coursework you will gain a broad background in mathematics with an emphasis on numerical methods and scientific computation, mathematical modeling, discrete mathematics, materials science, and optimization. You will hone and apply your knowledge to specific fields through elective coursework in topics of your choice, such as computer science, mechanical engineering, bioinformatics, and data science.

You will culminate your studies with a research-based thesis or project, which may be done in cooperation with one of our many industrial partners.

LIVE WEBINARS

Graduate Studies Series

Team members from Graduate & Professional Studies host quick and convenient webinars designed to highlight popular topics when starting grad school. Take a deep dive into specific areas of interest such as how to secure funding, how to ace your application, an overview of student services, and more!

Faculty Profiles

Darko Volkov
Darko Volkov

Professor Volkov's research is on Partial Differential Equations theory, Integral Equations theory, and asymptotic and numerical methods. He is interested in abstract existence and uniqueness questions as well as inverse problems and their numerical solutions. He has collaborated with geophysicists and engineers to work on problems related to electromagnetic theory, or seismology. He has published over 30 research papers in prestigious scientific journals. He has taught all levels of math classes, such as Linear Algebra II, Introduction to Analysis, and Graduate Analysis.

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Joseph Fehribach
Joseph Fehribach

Professor Fehribach has taught and led mathematical research efforts at WPI since 1992. If you are interested in his work, please contact him directly. His research works with Kirchhoff graphs, representing that the null and row spaces of a matrix are orthogonal complements. When the matrix is the stoichiometric matrix for a chemical reaction network, the Kirchhoff graph is effectively a circuit diagram for that reaction network.

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Getting Involved

Outside of class, you can network with other mathematical sciences students and alumni in the WPI chapter of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Our active group regularly hosts events—from research talks to movie nights—and frequently sponsors trips to national mathematics festivals and competitions.

You will be well-prepared to pursue a career in industry or a PhD program in applied mathematics or a related field. Whatever path you choose, your solid background in applied mathematics will allow you to contribute creatively to some of the most critical challenges facing the world today.

Start Solving Complex Problems Today

Are you ready to see what you can do with a master’s in applied mathematics? Are you wondering if an applied math degree is worth it? Now is the time to gain the expertise in mathematical applications most in demand and apply it to various fields. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with our expert faculty researchers to tackle challenging real-world problems. If you have questions about applied mathematics jobs or salary expectations after you graduate, we are here to help guide you in the right direction. Tailor your master’s program to match your individual career goals and mathematical interests so you can apply your knowledge to specific fields.

Culminate Your Career in Applied Mathematics

Are you ready to tackle advanced coursework and gain in-demand mathematical skills that can be applied to science, engineering, business, and more? Maybe you have questions about whether an applied math degree is worth it or what types of applied mathematics jobs you can get after you earn your master’s. We are here to answer any questions you may have and our one-on-one faculty interaction offers opportunities to collaborate with researchers and mentors. As a student in our applied math master’s program, you’ll enjoy small class sizes and tackle elective coursework in topics including data science, bioinformatics, and more.

Study Advanced Statistical Methods Instead

Do you love solving critical problems through statistical design and analysis? Consider earning a master’s in applied statistics, an in-demand field where you can make breakthroughs and important discoveries. WPI statistics graduates work in a range of industries from insurance or government, to life sciences, and even weather services. No matter your niche, you’ll gain the edge needed to find a challenging and rewarding career opportunity. Do you already have your master’s in statistics or a related mathematical field? We offer a PhD in statistics, a highly competitive program that offers students a strong foundation to become leaders or scholars in the field. You’ll connect with researchers from across disciplines and tackle diverse projects that will sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Apply Math & Statistics to the Financial Industry

Are you a problem solver who loves combining theoretical mathematics with real-world financial problems? Consider earning a master’s in financial mathematics which will set you up for success solving problems related to credit and systemic risk, liquidity, and numerical methods of stochastic and partial differential equations. Do you have more interest in leveraging your analytical and computational skills to solve problems? Our master’s in industrial mathematics will prepare you to solve complex business and industry problems so you can take on a leadership role in the corporate world.

Earn a PhD in Mathematical Sciences

Are you driven by connecting theoretical knowledge with relevant real-world applications? Consider earning a PhD in mathematical sciences where you’ll solve complex problems facing our world. As a mathematics PhD student, you’ll have access to our diverse line-up of industry-standard software programs and computing facilities.

Just Starting Your Career? Explore Our Undergraduate Programs

If you’re a student starting to explore college options and looking to elevate your career in the mathematical sciences industry, WPI offers many mathematics bachelor’s programs. If you’re intrigued by mathematical theory and solving real problems, consider earning a degree in mathematical sciences. Apply your knowledge to solve meaningful problems and collaborate with our strong connections in the industry. Are you interested in assessing insurance risks and solving financial problems? Our bachelor’s in actuarial mathematics provides mathematical expertise and complementary skills in computer science, business, and economics.

Degrees for Math Educators

Are you a math educator looking for additional knowledge and techniques to engage your students? WPI has two distinct programs to help you advance your career and inspire your classroom teaching. WPI’s Master of Mathematics for Educators Master’s in Math Education (MME) program is designed for middle school and high school math teachers and community college instructors who want to refresh their math content knowledge while also gaining new materials for the classroom. If you’re schedule is already full with work and life commitments, this program offers flexibility with a blend of online and on-campus classes to fit your schedules. WPI also offers the Master of Science in Mathematics for Educators (MMED) which merges coursework and project work in mathematics and learning sciences. Expand your mathematical expertise while creating more targeted and engaging learning environments for their students. The course content you learn can be applied in your classroom right away, so you’ll earn an advanced degree while boosting your classroom experience with your own students.

How Will a Math Minor Boost Your Degree?

If your degree is in a different field, but you think more focused mathematical tools and techniques will help you, check out WPI’s Minor in Mathematics. A math minor is especially helpful for students who are majoring in technical areas such as computer science or scientific disciplines like physics. You’ll gain an understanding of topics including differential and integral calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and probability and use hands-on projects and research to apply them to real-world problems. If your interests lead you more in the direction of experimental design and data analysis, look into WPI’s Minor in Statistics. This minor gives you a foundation in advanced statistical methods that you’ll use to model complex data, design reliable studies and surveys, and analyze research results. A minor in mathematics or in statistics will only add value to your degree and increase your edge in the job market.

Find Out More About a Career in Mathematics

If you’re an undergraduate considering a career in mathematics but wondering what kind of jobs are available for mathematics graduates, look at our Career Outlook page for Mathematical Sciences. You’ll get an idea of some of the companies that hire math graduates and the roles they are hired for. Find out more about this exciting, flexible, and in-demand career path.