How to Explore Programs and Courses at the UW Department of Applied Mathematics

The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington (amath.washington.edu) organizes its academic offerings under two main navigation links: Programs and Courses. If you want to know what you can study, which degrees are available, or what a specific class covers, those two sections are the fastest route. The department describes its graduate training as "dynamic and engaging," with particular strength in scientific computing, modern mathematical methods, and application areas including mathematical biology, nonlinear waves and coherent structures, mathematical finance, and climate modeling.

Start With the Programs Section

The Programs link is the entry point for degree and training information. Use it when your question is "what can I study here?" rather than "what does this one class cover?"

The department frames its programs around applying mathematics to problems society is facing today, and states that the program prepares students for dynamic careers in a variety of fields. That framing is useful context: the curriculum is oriented toward application areas rather than pure theory alone.

What the department says it is strong in

According to the department's own description, its graduate training is especially strong in:

• Scientific computing
• Modern mathematical methods
• Mathematical biology
• Nonlinear waves and coherent structures
• Mathematical finance
• Climate modeling

If your interest falls in one of these areas, the Programs section is where you would look for the corresponding degree track or training path.

Rankings and external recognition

The department notes that it has received top rankings from The National Research Council, and that different programs have been highly rated by QuantNet and other sources. Treat these as the department's own statements about recognition rather than as a current, independently verified ranking — rankings change year to year, so check the linked "More Awards" material if the specific ranking matters to your decision.

Use the Courses Section for Class-Level Detail

The Courses link is the right place when you already know the program and want to see what individual classes exist. Typical reasons to go there:

• Checking whether a specific topic (for example, a course in mathematical finance or climate modeling) is actually taught
• Comparing course offerings before choosing a track
• Finding the course that matches a prerequisite you need to satisfy

The site does not, in the material available here, publish a course-by-course description on the homepage itself — the Courses section is a separate destination, so plan to click through rather than expecting the full catalog on the landing page.

A Practical Walkthrough

1. Open amath.washington.edu. The homepage presents the department name and a set of navigation links including Directory, Programs, Courses, and Events.
2. Click Programs if you are deciding what to study. Read the program descriptions with the application areas above in mind, and note which track matches your background.
3. Click Courses if you need class-level information. Use it to confirm that the specific subject you care about is offered.
4. Cross-check with the Fact Sheet. The homepage links to a Fact Sheet, which is a compact place to confirm department-level details before you commit to a program.
5. Check Events and the Boeing Colloquium Series if you want a sense of the department's research culture. The Boeing Colloquium Series hosts prominent applied mathematicians from around the world, and upcoming talks are listed — useful if you are choosing between departments and want to see who visits and what topics are active.

What You Will and Will Not Find on the Homepage

Common Sticking Points

• Expecting the full catalog on the homepage. The homepage is a hub; Programs and Courses are separate pages. If a search engine drops you on the homepage, click Programs or Courses rather than scrolling for a course list.
• Confusing "applied mathematics" with a pure math curriculum. The department explicitly incorporates interdisciplinary study in the physical, engineering, and biological sciences. If you want a purely theoretical track, check the program descriptions carefully before assuming a fit.
• Treating ranking claims as current. The rankings mentioned are attributed to The National Research Council, QuantNet, and other sources. Verify the year and methodology through the linked awards material if rankings are part of your decision.
• Overlooking the Directory. If you need to reach a specific faculty member about a program or course, the Directory link is the intended path, not the Programs page.

Bottom Line

To explore what the UW Department of Applied Mathematics offers, start at amath.washington.edu, then branch to Programs for degree-level information and Courses for class-level detail. Use the Fact Sheet to confirm department facts, the Directory to contact people, and the Boeing Colloquium Series and Events listings to gauge the department's active research areas. The department positions itself around applying mathematics to real societal problems, with stated strengths in scientific computing, mathematical biology, nonlinear waves, mathematical finance, and climate modeling — so check those areas first if they match your goals.