Three students smiling in front of yellow board with math equations

Use mathematics to solve real-world problems.

In the Department of Applied Mathematics, you’ll learn how to use mathematics to solve problems in a wide range of disciplines, from physical sciences and biology to medicine and finance. Because a single discipline doesn’t limit the field, our students explore complex issues from multiple perspectives, and many of our faculty hold appointments in other departments. The department is regularly ranked among the top applied mathematics programs.

Visit Department Site View Factsheet
Pink cherry blossoms against a blue sky
Male student showing math equation to young child
9 Faculty editors of leading national journals

Careers

Our students and faculty apply computational and analytical methods to solve challenges in neuroscience, medical imaging, evolutionary biology, mathematical ecology, oceanography, physics, mathematical finance, economics and more. As a result, our alumni are in demand across a wide range of sectors, from healthcare to business and finance.

Career Paths

A degree in applied mathematics can lead to a career as a(n):

  • Software engineer 
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Economist
  • Educator
  • Financial analyst 
  • Market researcher
  • Mathematician
  • Researcher 
  • Statistician 
  • Actuary
  • Data analyst
Detail of an infographic on the Coronavirus

Dig deeper into your interests with research.

Mathematics can be applied to almost any field. Here are some of the areas our faculty and students are exploring:

  • Scientific computing and numerical analysis
  • Nonlinear waves and coherent structures
  • Mathematical biology
  • Mathematical models for infectious diseases, climate change, and other pressing issues
  • Mathematical methods
  • Mathematical finance

More About Research Areas

Apply Mathematics to Practical Problems

Use your knowledge of mathematics to discover creative solutions to pressing real-world challenges.

Department of Applied Mathematics Stories

Close up of a blooming cherry tree on the UW quad

Meet Our 2026 Graduate Medalists

Meet the four graduating students selected by the College of Arts & Sciences as 2026 Graduate Medalists for their accomplishments. 

Danni Lin holding glass of red wine

A Perfect Pairing: Wine & Statistics

Danni Lin (2011, 2013) finds her statistics and computational finance & risk management degrees helpful as a wine entrepreneur in the US and China. 

Alanna Sholokhova

Adapting to Graduate School: An Evolutionary Perspective

Applied Mathematics PhD student Alanna Sholokhova sees parallels between evolutionary biology and adapting to grad school.