Graduate Program

Computational and applied mathematics encompasses a broad spectrum of mathematical fields and computational methods, including:

• Numerical Analysis
• Operations Research
• Optimization
• Differential Equations
• Scientific Computation

More information on various CAAM research groups can be found here.

Graduates with degrees in computational and applied mathematics are in demand in industry, government research laboratories, and academia, where they often join with physical and biological scientists, engineers, and computer scientists to form teams. Such interdisciplinary teams represent the modern approach to dealing with complex problems whose solutions require mathematical and scientific skills. Our alumni have successful careers in industry, academia, and national research laboratories.

Admission to graduate study in computational and applied mathematics is open to qualified students holding bachelor's or master's degrees (or their equivalent) in engineering, mathematics, or the physical, biological, mathematical, or behavioral sciences. Graduate study in computational and applied mathematics pursues the components of the undergraduate curriculum in greater breadth and depth. Department faculty evaluates the previous academic record and credentials of each applicant individually. For general information, check the General Announcements.

Degrees Offered:

1) CAAM Department Degrees - [ Application Information ]

• Ph.D.
• M.A. ( Thesis Required )
• M.C.A.M. ( Professional Masters of Computational and Applied Mathematics - Thesis Not Required )

2) Interdisciplinary Degrees in Computational Science & Engineering

• M.C.S.E. ( Master of Computational Science and Engineering - Thesis not required ) [ Website ]

3) Joint M.B.A. and Master of Engineering Degrees - [ Program Information ]

• Offered in conjunction with the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.

It normally takes two years to obtain a master's and an additional two to four years for the doctoral degree. Degree requirements can be found in the General Announcements.

Financial Information

Financial aid is offered to incoming students in the form of a graduate fellowship - available only to doctoral candidates. It covers the cost of tuition and includes a stipend for living expenses. If you feel there is additional need for financial help, contact the Financial Aid Office of Rice University. There are more options available through them.

CAAM Courses & Curriculum

Students must take the following introductory courses in their first year of study.

Introductory Courses

Course #	Course Title
CAAM 501:	Analysis I
CAAM 502:	Analysis II
CAAM 420:	Computational Science I
CAAM 553:	Numerical Analysis I
CAAM 554:	Numerical Analysis II
CAAM 571:	Introduction to Linear and Integer Programming
CAAM 600:	Thesis Writing

Students must also take at least one course in six areas listed below.

Distribution Courses

Area	Course number
Applied Analysis	CAAM 435, CAAM 440, CAAM 523, CAAM 540, CAAM 552, CAAM 560
Continuous Optimization	CAAM 560, CAAM 564, CAAM 565
Mathematical Physics and Biology	CAAM 415, CAAM 423, CAAM 436
Numerical Differential Equations	CAAM 452, CAAM 552
Numerical Linear Algebra / Computational Sciences	CAAM 520, CAAM 551
Probability and Statistics	STAT 431, STAT 532, STAT 533, STAT 581, STAT 582, STAT 650

A description of all CAAM courses can be found here.

Graduate Handbook

The CAAM graduate handbook contains detailed information about exams, monetary support, required and recommended courses, and regulations and rules for the various degree programs. While the handbook is written for current students, it answers many questions prospective students may have about the program.

The Fall 2012 Handbook is available in Portable Document Format.

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