Requirements for Applied Math Grad Schools

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the academic requirements and course selections for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in applied mathematics, particularly focusing on Statistics and Probability. Participants explore the relevance of various mathematical subjects, including Differential Equations, Algebra, and Analysis, in relation to graduate school expectations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Statistics may not heavily rely on Algebra or Differential Equations, questioning their necessity for graduate studies in Probability.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of Analysis and recommends taking as many math courses as possible to prepare for graduate school.
  • Another participant mentions their plan to take graduate courses in Measure Theory and Probability Theory, indicating a focus on advanced topics.
  • Linear Algebra is noted as essential for Mathematical Statistics, particularly for working with Random Vectors and Matrices.
  • Participants discuss the relevance of programming languages and software like Matlab in addition to mathematical coursework.
  • There is a consensus that while missing Abstract Algebra may not be detrimental, lacking knowledge in Differential Equations is considered significant, especially for understanding stochastic equations in Probability.
  • One participant acknowledges their current coursework in Stochastic Processes and expresses intent to take Differential Equations based on the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Differential Equations are important for graduate studies in applied mathematics, particularly in relation to Probability. However, there is no consensus on the necessity of Algebra, with differing opinions on its relevance.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of certainty regarding the importance of specific courses, and there are indications of personal academic plans that may influence their perspectives. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and interpretations of graduate school requirements.

tcbh
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Hi, I'm a math major coming to the end of my second year. Right now I'm leaning toward to studying Statistics or Probability in Grad School. From what I've read, Statistics doesn't use Algebra or Differential Equations at all, so classes in those areas aren't of much use. Would the same generally hold if I were to study Probability in a Math Department?

I've taken a lower division intro to Differential Equations, but the Applied Math major only requires two out of Probability, Numerical Analysis and Diff Eq's (all two quarter sequences) and I'm taking the first two. I could fit in ODE's and PDE's if necessary, but there are other electives that seem more interesting to me.
 
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tcbh said:
Hi, I'm a math major coming to the end of my second year. Right now I'm leaning toward to studying Statistics or Probability in Grad School. From what I've read, Statistics doesn't use Algebra or Differential Equations at all, so classes in those areas aren't of much use. Would the same generally hold if I were to study Probability in a Math Department?

I've taken a lower division intro to Differential Equations, but the Applied Math major only requires two out of Probability, Numerical Analysis and Diff Eq's (all two quarter sequences) and I'm taking the first two. I could fit in ODE's and PDE's if necessary, but there are other electives that seem more interesting to me.

Analysis is very important; you should definitely take it.

Personally, if I were you, I'd take as much math as I could fit into my schedule, especially if you're looking to go to grad school in applied math.
 
I've already taken Analysis, and I'm planning on taking a graduate course in Measure Theory in the Fall (which would allow me to take graduate Probability Theory my 4th year). The trouble is that I'm already planning on doing 3 or 4 Math/Statistics courses each quarter, so adding Algebra and Differential Equations would probably mean dropping other math electives. I'd prefer to only do that if they're a must for getting into grad schools.
 
You're studying Linear Algebra, right?

Mathematical Statistics uses Linear Algebra. Random Vectors, Random Matrices, etc... Writing equations in Matrix form, and also finding estimator in matrix form.
 
Yeah, all math majors here are required to take an upper division Linear Algebra class (as well as Analysis)
 
Ok, other than the math classes, I recommend learning Matlab or GAUSS or a programming language.
 
I have experience with C++, R and the Numerical Analysis class uses Matlab.

So basically if I have a solid amount of experience in other areas, not having Diff Eq's and Abstract Algebra isn't a big deal?
 
Well, missing abstract algebra certainly won't hurt an applied math degree. I'd try to find a way to fit in diff eq's if possible though.
 
Missing algebra isn't a big deal, but missing differential equations is. In probability, there's an important concept called stochastic equations. Knowledge of differential equations is very important there...
 
  • #10
micromass said:
Missing algebra isn't a big deal, but missing differential equations is. In probability, there's an important concept called stochastic equations. Knowledge of differential equations is very important there...

Good catch.. I forgot about that. For Stochastic Differential Equations, certainly a DE class is important.
 
  • #11
Ah, I see. My Stochastic processes class hasn't used Diff Eq's yet, but I'll make sure to take a course or two in it. Thanks for the help.
 

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