Applied Mathematics
and Statistics

The Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) is devoted to the study and development of mathematical disciplines especially oriented to the complex problems of modern society.

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More detailed requirements for students enrolling at JHU for Fall 2025 will be available on this page when the JHU e-Catalogue is published in early July.

Overview

The department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum that emphasizes several branches of applied mathematics:

Probability:

the mathematical representation and modeling of uncertainty

Statistics:

the analysis and interpretation of data

Data Science:

principled computational analysis of data uncertainty

Operations Research:

the design, analysis, and improvement of operations and processes

Optimization:

the determination of optimal decisions

Discrete Mathematics:

the study of finite structures, arrangements, and relations

Scientific Computation:

all aspects of numerical computing in support of the sciences

Financial Mathematics:

deriving, analyzing, and extending mathematical models of financial markets

Programs

The department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics offers a Bachelor of Science degree and a minor.

Research

The Applied Mathematics and Statistics faculty welcome students interested in doing research. The course 553.101 Freshman Experience in Applied Mathematics and Statistics is an excellent way to meet faculty in very small groups, and topics discussed might lead to research. Also, there is an upper-level class 553.401 Introduction to Research which guides students through the research process and has often led to publications in good journals and presentations at national conferences. In addition, the applied mathematics club, HUSAM, has in the past organized events where faculty present research projects that are ready made for undergraduate involvement. Students should feel comfortable introducing themselves and meeting faculty to discuss research opportunities.

After Graduation

Students who have graduated with a degree in AMS have gone to many different fields, such as:

Actuarial profession

Analyst for a financial institution

Operations research and consulting

Biostatistician working with a pharmaceutical company

Information security

Applied mathematician in industry

Applied mathematician in a policy/regulatory agency

Data analyst

Graduate school

Medical school

Law school

Activities

The department encourages teams of interested undergraduate students to compete in the COMAP (Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications) International Mathematical Contest in Modeling. The teams tackle a given problem (for example, determining the optimal deployment of tollbooths for the New Jersey Turnpike), formulate an approach, and write a detailed report over the course of a weekend; the reports are examined and ranked by a panel of judges.

The department also has an active club called HUSAM – Hopkins Undergraduate Society for Applied Mathematics – which has many opportunities for student participation, involvement, and leadership. The club sponsors and organizes events that help undergraduate students to network, learn about professional and research opportunities, and discover the many different disciplines where applied mathematics plays a key role. Recent events include a discussion panel composed of Johns Hopkins alumni actuaries, a presentation by a vice president of a major financial institution, an exploration of opportunities in the mathematics group at a national defense agency, and a look inside a major operations research consulting firm.

If interested view the organization information on the Hopkins Groups website.

Getting Started

BS Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Fall Semester

Course

Credits

AS.110.108* (FA2 Requirement)

4

EN.553.101** (recommended but not required)

1

EN.553.172***

4

Natural Science Lecture (FA2 Requirement)

3-4

Natural Science Associated Laboratory (FA2 Requirement)

1

First Year Seminar or Design Cornerstone

2-3

Total

15-17

Spring Semester

Course

Credits

AS.004.101 or EN.661.110 (FA1 Foundational Course in Writing)

3

EN.500.113 (FA2 Computing and Data Science Requirement)

3

AS.110.109 (FA2 Requirement)

4

Course with EN Foundational Ability tag FA3 (Creative Expression)

3

Free elective

4

Total

17

* Select a math course according to your level of preparation as indicated by AP/IB/GCE or other exam score and/or the JHU Math Placement Process result. See your placement recommendations in the placement site in Canvas after you complete the process.

** EN.553.101 The Freshman Experience in Applied Mathematics and Statistics aims to provide students with an opportunity to work on an interesting project or interesting topic in a small group setting together with an AMS faculty member.

*** We want our students to learn how to recognize a proof and do them on their own. This skill is emphasized in the Discrete Mathematics courses, EN.553.171/EN.553.172, which can be used to meet the requirement of at least one course in discrete mathematics.

The above-mentioned courses have only high school mathematics as a prerequisite.

Most courses that can be used to satisfy the requirements for the departmental major have Calculus I and II as prerequisites, and at least Calculus III and Linear Algebra as a co-requisite. Students should plan on completing the calculus sequence and taking a course in linear algebra (Linear Algebra for Data Science 553.295 or Linear Algebra 110.201).

Additional Information

To learn more about the Department of Applied Mathematics & Statistics, visit engineering.jhu.edu/ams.

Applied Mathematics and Statistics Website