4+1 pathway into SciCAM
The Department of Applied Mathematics offers an M.S. program in scientific computing and applied mathematics (SciCAM). SciCAM students learn a combination of cutting-edge computational methods for modern high-performance computing architectures and applied mathematical modeling.
The 4+1 pathway into the SciCAM M.S. program is an option that allows undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz to complete a five-year bachelor’s/master’s pathway in SciCAM. Students (1) take the SciCAM foundational courses during their undergraduate degree in preparation to join the 1-year track of the SciCAM program, and (2) apply to SciCAM through a streamlined application process.
Undergraduate students currently enrolled in approved programs have the opportunity—any time between the start of their junior year and the end of the fall quarter of their senior year—to join the 4+1 pathway into the SciCAM M.S. program. Qualified undergraduates from other undergraduate majors may also apply to this pathway, and their applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Why join the 4+1 pathway?
The 4+1 pathway into the SciCAM M.S. program offers several benefits:
- Fast track application to graduate school with no GRE required, minimalist essays, and reimbursed fees.
- Option for a winter start for students completing their bachelor’s degree in the fall.
- Ideal preparation through required preparatory courses aligned with the M.S. program.
- A head start: Some undergraduate courses may count toward the master’s degree, allowing for advanced electives or an early start on the thesis.
Who can join the 4+1 pathway?
The 4+1 pathway is ideally designed for students majoring in:
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Robotics
- Mathematics (pure and computational concentrations)
- Physics (all concentrations)
- Astrophysics
Students in other majors may also join the pathway if they have completed the following lower-division courses as undergraduates:
- Introduction to Linear Algebra (AM 10, or MATH 21, or PHYS 116A)
- Ordinary Differential Equations (AM 20, or MATH 24, or PHYS 116A)
- Multivariate Calculus (AM 30 or MATH 23A and MATH 23B)
- Vector Calculus (AM 100 or MATH 23A and MATH 23B)
- Introduction to programming (CSE 20 or equivalent)
Apply to the 4+1 program
Eligibility
Students applying to the 4+1 pathway into the SciCAM M.S. program must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher, completed lower-division requirements (three quarters of calculus, one quarter each of linear algebra, ordinary differential equations ODEs and programming), and have either complated at least four of the following prerequisites, or have a study plan to complete them before the beginning of their M.S. year:
- Partial differential equations requirement: AM 112 (or MATH 107)
- Mathematical methods requirement: AM 100 (waived for physics, astrophysics, and for mathematics majors who have taken MATH 107)
- Computational proficiency requirement: AM 129 (waived for Baskin School of Engineering majors; AST 119 also accepted)
- Numerical analysis requirement: AM 147 (or PHYS 115 or MATH 148)
- Dynamical Systems requirement: AM 114 (or MATH 106 or MATH 145)
Application
Timeline: Students must apply to the 4+1 SciCAM pathway by Dec. 1 of their senior year to be considered. Earlier applications are strongly encouraged. Students interested in the Next Gen SAM program, which has an earlier deadline, must first apply to the 4+1 program.
Procedure:
Students should set up an appointment with the 4+1 coordinator.
Prior to the meeting, students should download/print the application form, and complete it to the best of their ability. Students should also bring their latest self-reported transcript, if available.
The meeting will take about 30 minutes, during which the student and the coordinator will establish a feasible study plan and verify the student’s eligibility to be in the program.
Once in the program, there is nothing else to do! Instructions for streamlined applications to the M.S. program will be emailed to the student. If the student decides not to apply to the M.S., they do not need to do anything.