Course Requirements: Applied Mathematics

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Fall 2022 Math Requirements & L&S Grading Option Policy Modification

In light of the College of Letters and Science’s recent extension of the Pass/No Pass late change of class schedule deadline to 11:59 p.m. PT this Sunday, December 11, 2022, the Math Department is adjusting its policies for the Fall 2022 semester. Please see the full announcement here.  

Requirements for the Major in Applied Mathematics

(consists of five lower-division and eight upper-division courses)

Lower-Division Required Courses

Mathematics 1A Calculus
Mathematics 1B Calculus
Mathematics 53 Multivariable Calculus
Mathematics 54 Linear Algebra & Differential Equations or Math 56 Linear Algebra
Mathematics 55 Discrete Mathematics

(For declared double+ majors only: We will accept Physics 89 in lieu of Math 54 for students with a double major in Physics, provided that the grade is at least a C.  We will accept EECS 16A plus EECS 16B in lieu of Math 54 for students with a double major in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, provided that both grades are at least a C.  We will accept Computer Science 70 in lieu of Mathematics 55 for students with a double major in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, provided that the grade is at least a C. In order for these alternate courses to be accepted, the student must be adding the Mathematics/Applied Mathematics major after Physics/CS/EECS has already been declared.)

Upper-Division Required Courses

Mathematics 104 Introduction to Analysis
Mathematics 110 Linear Algebra
Mathematics 113 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
Mathematics 128A Numerical Analysis*
Mathematics 185 Introduction to Complex Analysis

Please note, Math 124 MAY NOT be used to replace Math 128A.

Three Clustered Electives

Applied Math majors, with signed approval by their faculty advisors, select a minimum of three upper-division (or graduate) elective courses to form a coherent cluster (known as "Subplan" in Cal Central) in an applied area.  Courses in other departments may count toward this requirement provided they have substantial mathematical content at an appropriately advanced level and have a unit value of at least 3.

Sample clusters with suggested courses are listed below. Before any alternative courses may be used as major electives, the student must obtain a Faculty Advisor's signed approval on the Course Approval Form or an email from the Faculty Advisor and submit it to the Math Department Staff Advisors. 

SAMPLE CLUSTERS ("Subplans") AND APPROVED COURSES
(review clusters listed or design one with faculty advisor)

Actuarial Science: Mathematics 128B, Statistics 134 or 140, 135, 151A, Economics 141
Classical Mechanics: Mathematics 123, 189, Physics 105, Mechanical Engineering 104
Data Science: Computer Science C100, 188, 189, Data C100, Mathematics 170, Statistics C100, 133, 134 or 140, 154
Economics: Economics 103, 104, 141, Mathematics C103, 170, Statistics 134 or 140, 155
Fluid Mechanics: Required: Mechanical Engineering 106; Elective: 2 of Mechanical Engineering 163, Chemical Engineering 141 or Engineering 115, Mathematics 126, Mathematics 128B
Geophysics: Required: EPS 108; Elective: 2 of EPS 104, 122, 130
Life & Physical Sciences: Generally: Mathematics 123, 126, 128B
Mathematical Biology: Required: 1 of Computer Science 176, Mathematics 127, MCB 160, MCB 166; Elective: 2 of Mathematics 123, 126, 128B, 170, 172.
Numerical Analysis: Mathematics 123, 126, 128B
Operations Research: Statistics 134 or 140, Indust. Engnr. & Oper. Research 130, 160, 161, 162
Probability Theory: Mathematics 105, Statistics 134 or 140, 150
Quantum Mechanics: Mathematics 126, 189, Physics 137A, 137B
Relativity: Required: Math 140 and Physics 139; Elective: 1 of Math 126 or Math 141
Social Sciences: Generally: Statistics 134 or 140, 135, 150, 151A, 151B, 153
Statistics: Mathematics 128B, Statistics 134 or 140, 135, 150, 153, 154, 155, 156
Systems Theory: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 104, 120, 122, 123

Additional requirements for graduating with Honors in Applied Math can be found on our Honors Program page. 

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Please also note the following...

Courses used to fulfill major requirements must be taken for a letter grade. If a required major course is taken Pass/No Pass, it would need to be repeated for a letter grade.  If a major elective is taken Pass/No Pass, it would need to be repeated for a letter grade or a different (letter-graded) elective would need to take its place. Exceptions may be made for coursework taken in Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, or Summer 2021. For specific information, please read this message from November 19, 2020 - these policies above were extended through Summer 2021.

UC Berkeley courses used towards major requirements must be at least 3 semester units each.   

A maximum of 4 non-Berkeley courses may be applied towards the 8 upper-division major requirements.  In order for a non-UC Berkeley course to be used for the major it must be at least 4 quarter or 3 semester units, be accepted for units by the UC Berkeley admissions office, and be accepted by your assigned faculty advisor for the major requirement.  (The faculty advisor's approval should be in writing and then submitted to 964 or 965 Evans for your student file.)  Moreover, your grade point average in those of the 8 upper-division major requirements which were taken at UC Berkeley must be 2.0 or higher by the time of graduation in order to use any non-Berkeley courses towards upper-division major requirements.  Questions?: Please contact one of the undergraduate advisors.

The requirements and procedures for declaring the major can be found on our Declaring the Major page. 

Documents: 
Course Approval Form