Program Description
The Computational Sciences track utilizes the wide range of departments and units on campus that present opportunities to collaborate in computational projects. Most prominently, the College of Engineering comprises eleven departments (including computer science) with nearly 300 faculty. The Department of Mathematics maintains several collaborations with the College of Engineering, including classical applications such as fluid dynamics and new research initiatives such as our interdisciplinary group for topology data analysis. Demands for mathematical expertise in computational methods arise also in much of the research conducted at our Mathematical Biosciences Institute. Other academic units on campus that can potentially provide practical experiences for this specialization are the Departments of Statistics, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences, for example. In addition, researchers and students in Computational Sciences can gain access to the resources of the Ohio Supercomputer Center.
The curriculum of this track provides students with mathematical tools in numerical analysis, finite element methods, and applied differential equations, to tackle computational challenges in a broad range of applied subjects. Students are expected to take additional courses chosen from areas such as computational electromagnetics, mechanics, fluid and aerodynamics, as well as signal processing, algorithms and graphics, or mathematical computational methods, in order to gain valuable exposure in a computational discipline outside of mathematics. Most of these courses are currently offered by the College of Engineering, but other options are being explored and can be proposed by students and advisors.
Employment prospects for graduates exist in many branches of industry, particularly those concerned with simulation, imaging, and a variety of data-heavy engineering applications. Possible employment in the public sector may focus upon applications in environmental, atmospheric, oceanographic, economic, or epidemiological analysis as well as data security and encryption. This program also provides a strong mathematical foundation for students planning to apply later to PhD programs in applied mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Generally the rigorous curriculum in mathematics combined with training in independent work open up new employment opportunities for graduates in jobs that require quantitative analysis even if unrelated to computational sciences.
Admissions Criteria
Requirements for the Computational Sciences specialization are:
- 4-year BS or BA degree, with courses taken in multivariable calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra. Most of our applicants are math majors but other majors with significant math background are also welcome to apply.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last undergraduate (or graduate) degree earned*
- Students from non-English speaking countries need to have excellent English skills. Both TOEFL and GRE General Test scores must be presented (neither test is required for domestic students). Successful MMS applicants typically score at least 28 on the TOEFL iBT Speaking Test or 8.5 on the IELTS Speaking Test.**
- Three reference letters from writers qualified to judge the applicant's academic abilities
- CV and Statement of Purpose describing your background and professional goals
- GRE Subject Test scores will be considered if submitted, but are not required
- Background in an engineering or physical science discipline is strongly recommended
* on a 4.0 scale, otherwise 75th percentile or better
**TOEFL scores are waived for applicants who complete a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a U.S.-based college prior to matriculation
Sample Program
Exact degree requirements can be found under the Current Students section of the website. An example of the typical courses a student in this program would take is included here.
Sample Schedule for Computational Sciences Specialization
Year 1
- Autumn: Total Class Hours: 9
- Course 1: MATH 5401 (3 Cr)
- Course 2: MATH 5601 (3 Cr)
- Course 3: Elective (3 Cr)
- Spring: Total Class Hours: 9
- Course 1: MATH 5402 (3 Cr)
- Course 2: MATH 5602 (3 Cr)
- Course 3: Elective (3 Cr)
- Summer: Independent Study Summer Project
Year 2
- Autumn: Total Class Hours: 8
- Course 1: MATH 6999** (2 Cr)
- Course 2: MATH 5603 (3 Cr)
- Course 3: Elective (3 Cr)
- Spring: Total Class Hours: 8
- Course 1: MATH 6999** (2 Cr)
- Course 2: MATH 5168 (3 Cr)
- Course 3: Elective (3 Cr)
Total Class Hours: 34
** Additional MATH 6999 or other independent study courses beyond the required hours for the degree are chosen here so that that minimum hour requirements per semester to hold a GA appointment are met
If you have further questions about the curriculum or content of courses, please contact Professor Dongbin Xiu.
