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Prospective Graduate Students

Before You Apply

The Applied Mathematics Graduate Program at UC Merced is focused on applications of analytical and computational tools to solving real life problems. The minimum requirement for graduate admission to UCM is a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics or related field with an undergraduate grade point average no lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This minimum will be waived only under circumstances where the applicant has demonstrated strong academic skills subsequent to their undergraduate studies.

Expectations. Applicants are expected to have solid undergraduate preparation in the following subjects:

  • Linear Algebra
  • Differential Equations (ODEs and PDEs)
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Programming

Past preliminary exams can serve as self-assessment tools for the applicants' preparation in the subjects.

Criteria. Accomplishments in undergraduate research and letters of recommendation are important determinants of an applicant's potential for success in graduate education and will be evaluated by the admissions committee.

Selection. Each academically qualified student will also have a remote or in-person interview with one or more applied mathematics faculty members. Finally, the match of the candidate's skills and interests to applied mathematics research programs will be considered. For this reason applicants are encouraged to contact applied mathematics faculty members before applying.

For general information on graduate studies at UCM, visit the UC Merced Graduate Division website. For information on teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and graduate fellowships, visit the Graduate Division Financial Support page.  Further information for prospective students can be found on the Graduate Division web site.

International applicants are encouraged to visit the Graduate Division international information page.

Applying to the Graduate Program

To apply, go to the UC Merced Graduate Admission Login website. A complete application includes the following:

  • Completed application form
  • All official university/college/junior-college transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors who can comment on the applicant's scholarly ability and promise as a researcher
  • Official score reports from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) if the applicant's native language of instruction is other than English
  • Application fee (contact us for application fee waivers)

Application deadline is January 15. This is a firm deadline, and we recommend submitting your application earlier than that. 

We currently admid Ph.D. students only.

We will be hosting two virtual information sessions:

  • October 20, 3:00 PM (Pacific Time)
  • November 17, 3:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Please choose the session that best fits your schedule. Registration is required to participate. You may register using the links below:

October 20th Applied Mathematics Virtual Information Session registration

November 17th Applied Mathematics Virtual Information Session registration

Contact the graduate division 

You can schedule a prospective grad student advising appointment here
Ready to take the next step. Request more information here 

Contact the Applied Mathematics Graduate program Admissions Committee

For Applied Mathematics Graduate program specific questions  use this simple form, and a member of the admissions team will respond within the next few weeks. We look forward to hearing from you.  Good luck with your graduate search!