Computational and Applied Mathematics at Rice University

The department of Computational and Applied Mathematics offers undergraduate majors in Computational and Applied Mathematics, and Operations Research. The coursework within the Computational and Applied Mathematics (CAAM) major provides foundations applicable to the many fields of engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and computer science. CAAM majors receive training in foundational mathematics for newly developed algorithms in data science and training in all aspects of computation from algorithmic analysis to cost-accuracy performance. CAAM majors can plan a course of study consistent with their particular interests.

The coursework within the Operations Research (OPRE) major offers undergraduate students an education that emphasizes models for decision-making in complex systems, and tools for making the best possible decisions. The Operations Research major will provide students with both a deep set of analytical skills and contextual knowledge of important problem domains, such as healthcare and energy. Program graduates will have the knowledge and tools to help companies and governments make the best possible decisions in changing and uncertain environments.

The professional Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAAM) is an advanced professional degree program designed for students interested in a technical career path in industry or business. The PhD and MA program concentrates on research. Faculty research interests fall in the four general areas of numerical analysis and scientific computing; numerical methods for partial differential equations; operations research and optimization; and mathematical modeling in physical, biological, or behavioral sciences. 

A further advanced interdisciplinary degree program in computational science and engineering (CSE) addresses the current need for sophisticated computation in both engineering and the sciences. A coordinated MBA/MCAAM degrees program is also offered in conjunction with the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.