UCLA Applied Mathematics Program: An Overview
The UCLA Applied Mathematics program is a highly regarded program that provides a comprehensive education in mathematical theory and its applications. As part of a top-tier public research university, it offers a multitude of unique research opportunities for undergraduates. The program is housed within the Department of Mathematics, located in the Mathematical Sciences Building, a central location on the UCLA campus.
Strengths of the Program
- Renowned Faculty: The faculty comprises leading experts in their respective fields.
- Rigorous Curriculum: The classes tend to be rigorous, ensuring a solid mathematical background.
- Real-World Applications: Courses often have real-world applications, which can be beneficial for those interested in finding practical uses for their knowledge.
- Research Opportunities: Ample opportunities exist for students to be involved in research, from participating in faculty-led research to collaborating on projects within UCLA's Applied Mathematics Research Group. Making connections with professors early on can be beneficial for securing these opportunities. The REU is an 8 week summer program in the Applied Mathematics group at UCLA. Students will have the opportunity to join an active research group with projects in machine learning, social justice, data science for sociology, and other areas. The successful applicant will work with faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and other undergraduates. The core program will start June 13 and finish August 5. In the final week of the program, students are expected to present the results of their research in both a written report and an oral presentation. For some projects the students may be asked to write software.
- Extensive Alumni Network: UCLA offers an extensive alumni network that students can leverage for networking and career opportunities.
- Computing Resources: The Department offers a broad variety of computing resources for students, faculty, staff, and guests. The Applied Computing Lab (ACL) in MS 6187 (available to all Applied Math graduate students) consists of six machines running Linux and eight machines running Windows 7. The department also maintains a Linux based “Beowulf” cluster for parallel computing.
- Library Resources: The Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Library is located nearby in the adjoining Boelter Hall. The Graduate Reading Room has a large non-circulating collection of books, over 9,000 monographs, and subscribes to 150 mathematical journals.
Potential Weaknesses
- Large Class Sizes: Some students find class sizes, particularly in introductory courses, to be significantly large, which can sometimes hinder the level of individual attention students receive. However, as students progress and start to tackle more specialized courses, class sizes often reduce, providing a closer connection to their professors.
- Varied Professor Involvement: The degree of professor involvement may vary. While some professors are highly accessible and enthusiastic about mentoring students, others may have a more hands-off approach due to significant research commitments. However, there are plenty of resources available to help out with studies, such as TA's and tutoring services.
Curriculum and Specializations
The UCLA Mathematics Department offers various undergraduate programs, including:
- Mathematics: Designed for students who are interested in the theory of mathematics.
- Mathematics/Computing: Designed for individuals who are interested in the mathematical theory and the applications of computing.
- Mathematics/Secondary Teaching: Designed for students who have a substantial interest in teaching mathematics at the secondary level.
- Mathematics/Applied Science: The Mathematics/Applied Science major is intended for students who are interested in applications of mathematics to other areas. Students majoring in Mathematics/Applied Science often pursue careers in medical professions, professional programs, or graduate programs in business or law.
- Mathematics/Economics: Designed to give students a solid foundation in both mathematics and economics, stressing those areas of mathematics and statistics that are most relevant to economics and the parts of economics that emphasize the use of mathematics and statistics. It is ideal for students who may wish to complete a higher degree in economics. Mathematically competent economists, with bachelor’s degrees and with advanced degrees, are needed in industry and government.
- Mathematics Specialization in Computing: Designed to provide students who are non-math major the opportunity to widen their background and general comprehension of the role of mathematics in various disciplines.
All pre-major & major courses MUST be taken for letter grades!
Honors Programs
The Department of Mathematics offers several honors programs for outstanding undergraduate students:
Departmental Scholars Program
The Mathematics Departmental Scholars Program is the most advanced program offered to undergraduate mathematics majors. It provides excellent preparation for graduate school for exceptional students. Scholars complete both Bachelor’s (BS) and Master’s (MA) degrees, within a four-year period.
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Admission Requirements:
- Be declared in a mathematics major and have fulfilled all premajor math requirements for that major
- Have completed 96 quarter course units or 24 courses at UCLA or another institution
- Have passed the Basic Exam
- Have completed the WII requirement
- Have at least a 3.6 GPA in all upper division math courses
- Have at least a 3.5 GPA overall in UCLA courses
- Have 2 letters of recommendation from Mathematics permanent faculty who have taught the student
- Have a detailed study plan for completing both the Bachelor’s degree and the Masters degree by the end of Year 4
- Have a Statement of Purpose, about one page but no more than two, which explains the student’s interest in the program
Applications which satisfy the conditions above, and which are submitted by the end of spring quarter of the junior year, are guaranteed consideration. Applications are reviewed and decided by the Undergraduate and Graduate program faculty, in consultation with other faculty.
Program Requirements:
- Remain a UCLA mathematics student in good academic standing
- Maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in mathematics courses at all times
Recommended Timeline:
- First year at UCLA: Complete or have credit from another institution/standardized test (AP or IB Exams) all lower-division Calculus-based courses (Math 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B). If possible take 115AH in spring.
- Second year at UCLA: Complete pre-major courses, take Math 115AH (Honors Linear Algebra), Math 115B (Linear Algebra), Math 131AH (Honors Analysis) and 131BH (Honors Analysis).Take major honors courses in area in which you plan to take first grad courses. Begin preparation for Basic Exam (offered Sept. and March) using online copies of past exams.
- Third Year at UCLA: Pass the Basic Qualifying Exam. Apply to Scholars program no later than Spring Quarter. Complete remaining undergraduate math major courses, and most general UCLA required courses. Begin graduate courses,
- Fourth year at UCLA: Complete remaining graduate (and undergraduate) level coursework.
The MA requirements include 11 additional courses, of which 8 must be graduate math courses. Typically, Scholars follow at least two of the Core graduate course sequences. These classes start in the fall quarter The normal course load for beginning graduate students is 3 math courses, with a least 2 in core sequences. In addition, candidates must fulfill all University level requirements. Note, in particular, that no course may be used to fulfill requirements for both degrees. Graduate courses which are taken more than two quarters prior to the quarter of application to the Scholars program may not be used for credit toward the Masters degree.
Honors Program in Mathematics
Admission Requirements:
- Be officially enrolled in the Mathematics major
- Have completed at least four courses at UCLA in the Mathematics Department from those required in the “Preparation for the Major” or Major
- Have at least a 3.6 GPA in such mathematics courses taken at UCLA
Requirements For Honors At Graduation:
The student must have completed, in addition to usual course requirements:
- Mathematics 115AH, 131AH, 131BH, 132H, 110AH, 110BH and 110C
- One of the following:
- Mathematics 191
- Take, as an approved active participant, any graduate seminar offered by the Department of Mathematics
- Submit an original project, which can be done as part of a regular course, a special course (Mathematics 199), or by special arrangement.
- Earn a 3.6 GPA or higher in approved upper division and graduate mathematics courses
Original Project:
- The project should involve some aspects of mathematical theory.
- The project is to be carried out under the sponsorship of a faculty advisor.
- The project may be done as part of a regular course, a special course (Mathematics 199), Summer REU project or by a special arrangement.
- No later than one quarter prior to graduation, the student must submit a project proposal to the Honors Committee for approval. The project itself must be submitted not later than the fifth week of the last quarter before graduation.
- The Honors Committee will evaluate the project in consultation with the faculty sponsor, and may at it’s discretion, require a personal presentation by the student.
Seminars:
Upper division seminars in Mathematics automatically count as mathematics electives for the major.
Requirements For Highest Honors At Graduation:
In addition to the above, the student must:
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- Complete at least one approved graduate mathematics course
- Earn a 3.8 GPA or higher in approved upper division and graduate mathematics courses
This Honors Program is independent of the honors sections of the mathematics courses. Graduation with Honors in Mathematics is also distinct from graduation with College Honors.
Honors Program in Applied Mathematics
Admission Requirements:
- Be officially enrolled in the Applied Mathematics major
- Have completed at least four courses at UCLA in the Mathematics Department from those required in the “Preparation for the Major” or Major
- Have at least a 3.6 GPA in such mathematics courses taken at UCLA
Requirements For Honors At Graduation:
The student must have completed:
- Mathematics 115AH, 131AH, 131BH, and 132H AND
- One of the following three quarter sequences:
- Mathematics 151AB and any course 152-159
- 170AB and 171
- Statistics 100ABC
- 3 from Mathematics 133, 134, 135, 136, 146(Other appropriate courses may be substituted for this requirement upon approval of the Honors Committee.)
The student must either:
- Submit an original project as described below
- Take, as an approved active participant, any upper division or graduate seminar offered by the Department of Mathematics.
The student must have a GPA of at least 3.6 in upper division mathematics and statistics courses taken for the major.
Original Project:
- The project should involve some aspects of mathematical theory.
- The project is to be carried out under the sponsorship of a faculty advisor.
- The project may be done as part of a regular course, a special course (Mathematics 199), Summer REU project or by a special arrangement.
- No later than one quarter prior to graduation, the student must submit a project proposal to the Honors Committee for approval. The project itself must be submitted not later than the fifth week of the last quarter before graduation.
- The Honors Committee will evaluate the project in consultation with the faculty sponsor, and may at it’s discretion, require a personal presentation by the student.
Seminars:
Approval as an active participant requires all of the following:two lectures;a written statement, signed by the instructor, describing the nature of the participation. This statement must be submitted to the Honors Committee no later than the end of the quarter in which the seminar is given or the fifth week of the last quarter before graduation, whichever is sooner;approval of the Honors Committee.Upper division seminars in Mathematics automatically count as mathematics electives for the major.
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Requirements For Highest Honors At Graduation:
In addition to the above:Students who demonstrate exceptional achievement will be awarded Highest Honors.Decisions regarding projects, seminar participation, and Highest Honors will be made by the Honors Committee.This Honors Program is independent of the honors sections of the mathematics courses. Graduation with Honors in Mathematics is also distinct from graduation with College Honors.
Honors Program in Financial Actuarial Mathematics
Admission Requirements:
- Be officially enrolled in the Financial Actuarial Mathematics major
- Have completed all of the “Preparation for the Major” courses
- Have at least a 3.5 GPA in the Mathematics “Preparation for the Major” courses
- Have at least a 3.5 GPA in the Economics “Preparation for the Major” courses
Requirements For Honors At Graduation:
- Complete Mathematics 115AH, 131AH and 131BH
- Complete Mathematics 170AB and 171
- Complete Mathematics 172ABC and 173AB
(Other appropriate courses may be substituted for this requirement upon approval of the Honors Committee.)
The student must either:
- Submit an original project as described below
- Take, as an approved active participant, any upper division or graduate seminar offered by the Department of Mathematics.
The student must have a GPA of at least 3.6 in upper division mathematics and economics/statistics courses (calculated separately) taken for the major.
Original Project:
- The project should involve some aspects of mathematical theory.
- The project is to be carried out under the sponsorship of a faculty advisor.
- The project may be done as part of a regular course, a special course (Mathematics 199), Summer REU project or by a special arrangement.
- The project may be done by enrolling in Economics 198A for preparation for Economics 198B (the thesis process requires enrollment in a two-quarter sequence of Economics courses).
- Present thesis in Economics 198B.
- No later than one quarter prior to graduation, the student must submit a project proposal to the Honors Committee for approval. The project itself must be submitted not later than the fifth week of the last quarter before graduation.
- The Honors Committee will evaluate the project in consultation with the faculty sponsor, and may at its discretion, require a personal presentation by the student.
Seminars:
Approval as an active participant requires all of the following:two lectures;a written statement, signed by the instructor, describing the nature of the participation. This statement must be submitted to the Honors Committee no later than the end of the quarter in which the seminar is given or the fifth week of the last quarter before graduation, whichever is sooner;approval of the Honors Committee.
Requirements For Highest Honors At Graduation:
In addition to the above:Students who demonstrate exceptional achievement will be awarded Highest Honors.Decisions regarding projects, seminar participation, and Highest Honors will be made by the Honors Committee.This Honors Program is independent of the honors sections of the mathematics courses. Graduation with Honors in Mathematics is also distinct from graduation with College Honors.
Honors Program in Mathematics of Computation
Admission Requirements:
- Be officially enrolled in the Mathematics of Computation major
- Have completed at least four courses at UCLA in the Mathematics Department from those required in the “Preparation for the Major” or Major
- Have at least a 3.6 GPA in such mathematics courses taken at UCLA
Requirements For Honors At Graduation:
The student must have completed:
- Mathematics 115AH, 131AH, 131BH and 132H
- Mathematics 151AB and any one course from 152-159 and
- Mathematics 134, 135, and any one course from 133, 136 or 146
The student must either:
- Submit an original project as described below
- Take, as an approved active participant, any upper division or graduate seminar offered by the Department of Mathematics.
ALL courses toward a math program be taken for letter grades.
Original Project:
- The project should involve some aspects of mathematical theory.
- The project is to be carried out under the sponsorship of a faculty advisor.
- The project may be done as part of a regular course, a special course (Mathematics 199), Summer REU project or by a special arrangement.
- No later than one quarter prior to graduation, the student must submit a project proposal to the Honors Committee for approval. The project itself must be submitted not later than the fifth week of the last quarter before graduation.
- The Honors Committee will evaluate the project in consultation with the faculty sponsor, and may at it’s discretion, require a personal presentation by the student.
Graduate Program
Virtually every core area of mathematics is strongly represented in the UCLA Math Graduate Program. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Graduate Schools rankings (most recent), the UCLA Mathematics Graduate Program maintained its highest historical ranking of seven (shared) overall in the nation. In seven research specialties, the Program ranked in the top ten: Analysis (#1), Applied Math (#2), Logic (#2), Algebra/Number Theory/Algebraic Geometry (#8), Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics (#11), Geometry (#12), and Topology (#7). As of fall 2020, the graduate program has 152 PhD candidates. The 24 PhD graduates of 2019-2020 are continuing their research studies in postdoctoral positions or as tenured faculty at premier institutions such as Princeton, Carnegie Mellon University, Rutgers, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the Institute for Basic Science, Center for Geometry and Physics.
Research Opportunities
UCLA’s renowned Mathematics Department explores the frontiers of pure and applied mathematical research. Pure mathematics provides us the foundation and key ideas for the application of mathematics in real-world issues. Through applied math, faculty is discovering innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues. From detecting and predicting crime hot spots to virtual surgery using computational geometry, the UCLA Mathematics department is working to shape the world of tomorrow. The department has pioneered many of the most remarkable advances in the applied mathematics, propelling the applied math research group to #2 in the nation (US News). UCLA Math also has a reputation for cracking the most difficult pure math challenges, including a proof of the Serre Conjecture and the Twin Prime Conjecture.
The UCLA Applied Math REU is a national program where Students from all over the United States are invited to apply. The target applicants for this program are undergraduate students who are applied math majors with advanced standing, but all scientific majors are encouraged to apply. Past REU participants have been majors in pure mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering. Please note that students must be available for the full 8-week period June 13 to August 5, on a full time basis.
Facilities
The Department is located in the Mathematical Sciences Building, which is centrally situated on the UCLA campus. The MS building houses classrooms, administrative offices, faculty offices, graduate student offices, the graduate student lounge and several computer labs. PC’s are available in all graduate student offices. The Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Library is located nearby in the adjoining Boelter Hall. The Graduate Reading Room, which has a large non-circulating collection of books, over 9,000 monographs, and subscribes to 150 mathematical journals.
Important Dates
The University of California, Los Angeles is on a three-quarter academic year. Spring break is the week in between the end of winter quarter and the beginning of spring quarter. There is also a Summer Session, however only undergraduate courses are offered during this time.
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