Applied Mathematics (MS)

WPI’s MS 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.

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.

Graduate Admissions

Curriculum

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.

Graduate Catalog

Similar Degrees

Applied Statistics (MS)

Data Science (MS)

Industrial Mathematics (MS)

Research

Our faculty researchers are internationally known for fueling advances in topics ranging from mathematical modeling of complex materials, to numerical algorithms for large-scale computing. As a student in our program, you will have many opportunities to join them as you explore areas of interest and apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems, from modeling economic forecasts to fine-tuning processes involved in weather forecasting, seismic data interpretation, or medical imaging.

Explore Our Research

You will have access to a modern and diverse lineup of computing facilities and software, including state-of-the-art high-performance computing clusters and programs for simulating challenging physical phenomena or analyzing complex data sets.

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Faculty Profiles

Darko Volkov

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Associate Professor

Mathematical Sciences

Professor Volkov's research in applied mathematics relies 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. Applications of his research include electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, and seismology. He has been teaching all levels of math classes, from Calculus to Graduate Analysis.

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Homer Walker

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Professor

Mathematical Sciences

Homer Walker's research and teaching interests are generally in computational and applied mathematics. In recent years, his research has been mainly concerned with developing and analyzing numerical algorithms for solving systems of linear and nonlinear equations, especially the very large systems that arise in modeling complex physical phenomena such as fluid flow. Previous research interests include numerical methods for unconstrained optimization, differential equations, and statistical estimation.

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Joseph D. Fehribach

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Associate Professor

Mathematical Sciences

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.

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Students walking around the fountain in the springtime

After Graduation

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.

Career Outlook

Mathematical Sciences Department