Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous coursework with independent research. Core topics typically include advanced real and functional analysis, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, numerical linear algebra, scientific computing, and mathematical modelling. Elective areas reflect faculty strengths and student interests and may cover dynamical systems, optimisation, stochastic processes and uncertainty quantification, machine learning for scientific computing, and high-performance computing.

Students normally complete a sequence of graduate courses to build depth and breadth, pass departmental qualifying examinations, present a research proposal and carry out an original doctoral dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Teaching experience is commonly provided through graduate assistantships.

• Advanced Real and Functional Analysis
• Numerical Analysis and Approximation Theory
• Partial Differential Equations and Applications
• Scientific Computing and Numerical Linear Algebra
• Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, Physics or Biology
• Stochastic Processes, Probability and Uncertainty Quantification
• High-Performance Computing and Data-Driven Methods

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master's degree in mathematics, applied mathematics or a closely related quantitative discipline. Exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered. Typical admissions materials include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research interests, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. Evidence of strong preparation in advanced calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and numerical methods is important.

As an English-language institution, Florida International University requires demonstration of English proficiency from applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English; acceptable forms of proof follow the university's general graduate admission policies. Applicants seeking funding will usually be considered for graduate assistantships; priority is given to candidates with clear research alignment with departmental faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Applied Mathematics move into a wide range of careers. Many pursue academic appointments as postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track faculty in mathematics, engineering and allied disciplines. Others take research positions in national laboratories, government agencies and industrial R&D groups where expertise in modelling, simulation and data analysis is required.

Private-sector roles include quantitative analyst or modeller in finance and insurance, data scientist or machine learning engineer in technology companies, computational scientist in energy and engineering firms, and consultant for organisations that require advanced analytical and computational problem-solving skills. The programme also prepares graduates for interdisciplinary collaborations in areas such as biomedical modelling, climate science and materials science.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University is a large, research-active public university located in the Miami metropolitan area, offering strong interdisciplinary connections across engineering, physical sciences and life sciences. The Department of Mathematical Sciences has faculty working in a breadth of applied mathematics areas, providing PhD students with diverse supervision options and collaborative project opportunities.

Students benefit from access to computational resources, research centres and partnerships with industry and government in South Florida. Graduate assistantships and research funding opportunities help support students while they gain teaching and research experience. FIU's multicultural campus and international links create a collaborative environment attractive to students seeking both rigorous training and applied, real-world research experience.