Applied Math and

Computer Science
Interested in This Major?
Current Students: Call us at 414-229-4836, or e-mail math-
[email protected]
Not a UWM Student yet? Call our Admissions Counselor at
414-229-7711 or email [email protected]
web: uwm.edu/math/undergraduate/majors/applied-
mathematics-computer-science/

Program Overview Evidence of the demand for AMCS graduates can be found in
national and regional statistics and from assessments from a
The Applied Mathematics and Computer Science
variety of sources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates
(AMCS) program is a special degree program that
that several million people are employed in computing-
blends courses from both the College of Letters and
related job categories, and significant
Science and the College of Engineering and Applied
employment growth Statistics
Science. The degree is highly technical in nature yet
is anticipated in all B u r e a u of Labor
still retains the flavor of a liberal arts degree through The U.S. average
technical categories: fa ster than
humanities and social science course requirements pr e d ic ts omputer
“Applied e n t g r owth in c
beyond the minimum required by the University’s employ m ns.
general education requirements. The computer mathematicians use r e la te d professio
theories and techniques, and math
science coursework strengthens the student’s ability
to apply math in problem-solving, and the applied such as mathematical
math coursework provides the student with a strong modeling and computational methods, to
analytical skill set. formulate and solve practical problems
in business, government, engineering,
The AMCS degree is jointly awarded and the physical, life, and social
sciences. For example, they may analyze the most efficient way
by the College of Engineering and the to schedule airline routes, the effects and safety of new drugs, the
College of Letters & Science. aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, or
College of Letters and Science

the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes.

Career Opportunities Applied mathematicians start with a practical problem,

envision its separate elements, and then reduce the elements
There is demand for mathematical analysts and more to mathematical variables. They often use computers to
sophisticated users of computers to achieve new analyze relationships among the variables, and they solve
product designs and to discover new science. To keep complex problems by developing models with alternative
up with technological advancements in industry and solutions. Mathematicians also should have substantial
how to apply the technology, successful job candidates knowledge of computer programming, because most complex
must be knowledgeable in both disciplines. mathematical computation and much mathematical modeling
The AMCS program is designed to meet these rely on a computer. Mathematicians with experience in
needs of engineering firms, scientific companies computer programming will better their job prospects in many
and corporations. Graduates of the AMCS program occupations.” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational
successfully compete for many industrial, technical, Outlook Handbook 2010-11)
scientific and economic positions that call for a strong
background in mathematics plus good computing
Preparatory Classes
skills. They also are likely to be well-qualified for many Ideally, students who intend to complete the program in four
positions typically taken by graduates with either a years will have taken a rigorous course load during high school
computer science or mathematics degrees because they that included four years of math and four years of science. Then,
have training in both fields. upon entering UWM, the math sequence can be started in the
first semester of freshman year.
Students are not formally admitted to the major until they
complete at least 8 credits of math at the 200-level or above and
UWMLetSci
 6 credits of computer science at the 200-level or above, Math Pair Requirement
with a 2.500 GPA in these classes. However, as soon as a Select one of the following pairs:
student realizes his/her interest in the AMCS degree,
s/he should consult with an AMCS advisor. The advisor Course # Course Title
will assist with program planning. Math 305 & 405 Intro to Mathematical and Computational
Modeling & Mathematical Models and
Applications
Because of the range of classes offered, Math 313 & 315 Linear Programming and Optimization
students are able to tailor the program & Mathematical Programming and
Optimization
around their interests. Math 320 & 322 Intro to Differential Equations & Intro to
Partial Differential Equations
Degree Requirements Math 413 & 415 Intro to Numerical Analysis & Intro to
Scientific Computing
For the degree, 120 credits are required, of which 75
must be taken from the College of Letters and Science. Math 413 & 417 Intro to Numerical Analysis &
Computational Linear Algebra
Students also must satisfy the general education
requirements (GER) of the university. Students also Math 415 & 417 Intro to Scientific Computing &
Computational Linear Algebra
must take at least eight credits of natural sciences
outside of mathematics or mathematical statistics. Math 521 & 522 Advanced Calculus I & Advanced Calculus II
An overall GPA of 2.000 is required on all coursework Math 431 & 531 Modern Algebra with Applications &
Modern Algebra
attempted at UWM and on transfer work. Students
satisfy the residency requirement for the degree by Math 531 & 535 Modern Algebra & Linear Algebra
completing a minimum of 15 of the required upper- Math 601 & 602 Advanced Engineering Mathematics I &
level classes at UWM and one of the following: all of the Advanced Engineering Mathematics II
last 30 credits, 45 of the last 60 credits, or any 90 credits. Math 621 & 622 Intro to Analysis I & Intro to Analysis II
The following are required: Math 631 & 632 Modern Algebra I & Modern Algebra II
Computer Science Requirements MthStat 361 & Intro to Mathematical Statistics I & Intro to
362 Mathematical Statistics II
Course # Course Title
MthStat 361 & Intro to Mathematical Statistics I & Intro to
Comp Sci 250 Intro Computer Programming Probability Models
Math 571
Comp Sci 251 Intermediate Computer
Programming
Comp Sci 315 Intro to Computer Organization and Other Requirements
Assembly Language Programming
21 additional credits of upper-division math, math stats or comp
Comp Sci 317 Discrete Information Structures
College of Letters and Science

sci in addition to the required credits listed above

Comp Sci 351 Data Structures and Algorithms
Comp Sci 535 Algorithm Design and Analysis Honors in the Degree
 additional Comp Sci credits at the 300-level or
9 Students who earn a sufficiently high GPA and complete research
above projects and/or advanced coursework may be eligible for Honors
in the Degree. Contact your advisor if you wish to pursue this.
Math and MathStat Requirements

Course # Course Title Events

Math 231, 232, and Calculus and Analytic Each spring, the Marden Lecture brings a distinguished
233 Geometry I, II, and III mathematician to campus to give a general presentation. The
Math 234 or Math Linear Algebra and Marden Lecture honors Morris Marden (1905 - 1991), who
240 Differential Equations or founded the graduate program and made the department into a
Matrices and Applications research department.
Math 341 Introduction to the Language Colloquia are held many Fridays during the semester and feature
and Practice of Mathematic noted guest lecturers on a range of mathematical topics.
6 additional Math or MthStat credits at the 300-level The Department of Mathematical Sciences also periodically
or above
sponsors social activities for students.

Revised 03/2019

UWMLetSci
 Applied Math & Computer Science 4 Year Plan
College of Letters and Science

This sample four-year plan shows just one possible pathway to earning a degree with this major in four years. This plan does not
replace the advice of your advisor, and students are cautioned to meet regularly with their advisor to create a personalized plan
that matches their particular circumstances. This plan also follows the degree requirements for students who began their UWM
education in Fall of 2013 or later. If you started at UWM prior to Fall of 2013, your degree requirements may be different.

Degree Requirements (brief summary): Semester 1 Semester 2

1. English Proficiency and UWM Oral and Written Year 1 Math 115 or both 116/117 Math 231 (NS) (QL-B)
Communication (OWC) GER - English 102 (OWC-A) and (depending on placement test)
one OWC-B course 1st semester Foreign Language 2nd semester Foreign
2. Math Proficiency, UWM Quantitative Literacy (QL) GER, - if needed Language if needed
satisfied through the requirements of this major. English 101 English 102 (OWC-A)
3. Foreign Language – 2 semesters of a single Foreign Language L&S Natural Science Arts GER
4. L&S Humanities – 6 credits Elective CompSci 250
5. L&S Social Sciences – 6 credits Year 2 Math 232 Math 233
6. UWM Arts GER – 3 credits Comp Sci 317 Math 234 or 240
7. UWM Cultural Diversity GER – 3 credits usually accomplished Comp Sci 251 CompSci 315
in conjunction with a Humanities or Social Science course L&S Social Science CompSci 351
8. 8 credits Natural Science outside Math and MthStat OWC-B course L&S Humanities/Cultural
9. 120 credits total including 75 credits from the College of Diversity
Letters and Science Year 3 Math 341 Math/MthStat upper-level
10. All of CompSci 250, 251, 315, 317, 351, and 535 CompSci 535 CompSci upper-level
11. All of Math 231; 232; 233; 234 or 240; and 341 CompSci upper-level Math/MthStat/CompSci
12. 9 additional CompSci credits at the 300-level or above upper-level

13. One of these pairs of classes: Math 305/405; Math 313/315; Math/MthStat upper-level Math/MthStat/CompSci
Math 320/322; Math 413/415; Math 413/417; Math 415/417; upper-level
Math 521/522; Math 431/531; Math 531/535; Math 601/602; L&S Social Science L&S Natural Science
Math 621/622; Math 631/632; MthStat 361/362; MthStat
Year 4 Math Pair Part 1 Math Pair Part 2
361/Math 571
CompSci upper-level Math/MthStat/CompSci
14. 6 additional Math or MthStat credits at the 300-level or above
upper-level
15. 21 additional credits of upper-division math, math stats or
Math/MthStat/CompSci Math/MthStat/CompSci
comp sci in addition to the required credits listed above.
upper-level upper-level
Sample Four Year Plan: Math/MthStat/CompSci Math/MthStat/CompSci
There are hundreds of courses that satisfy various requirements upper-level upper-level
(uwm.edu/letters-science/advising/degree-requirements/) L&S Humanities Elective
and courses in the major can be used. For example, Math 231
counts towards the major, the natural science GER, and the
first part of the math/quantitative literacy/formal reasoning
requirement. (This sample assumes no high school Foreign
Language was taken and that the student placed into college-
level Math and English.)

Revised 03/2019

Applied Math & Computer Science • 414-229-4836 • [email protected] • uwm.edu/math/undergraduate/majors/applied-mathematics-computer-science/