Options for AM Majors

In order to fulfill their degree requirements, Applied Mathematics majors are required to take 24 credits in engineering or approved courses with significant mathematical content in A&S or Business courses, with at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above and at least 15 credits in courses numbered 2000 or above. Here are several possible options. It should be stressed that the listed courses and options are suggestions and not requirements. Final course selection should be made in consultation with an Applied Math advisor.

  • Actuarial Option
    • The following courses should be taken:
      1. BCOR 2002 (Principles of Accounting and Financial Analysis – 3 cr.) or BCOR 2203 and BCOR 2204
        Ìý (prerequisites are waived for Actuarial Certificate students)
      2. ECON 2010* (Principles of Microeconomics – 4 cr.)
      3. ECON 2020* (Principles of Macroeconomics - 4 cr.)
      4. ECON 3070+ (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory – 3 cr.)
      5. ECON 3080+ (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory – 3 cr.)
      6. ECON 4070 (Topics in Microeconomics – 3 cr.)
      7. FNCE 3010+ (Corporate Finance – 3 cr.)

      • * ECON 2010 and 2020 may not count toward the 24 credits of the option requirement; however, they can be used to meet the 18 credit social science/humanities requirement of the College of Engineering.

        + The Society of Actuaries requires students to take certain college courses which will earn the Validation by Educational Experiences (VEE) credit. Courses marked with a + satisfy this requirement, provided a grade of B- or better is obtained. These courses are also required for students completing the Actuarial Certificate Program. VEE credit is granted for both BCOR 2002 and FNCE 3010. VEE certification is pending.

    • Some (or all) of the following courses should be taken:
      1. FNCE 3030 (Investment and Portfolio Management - 3 cr.)*
      2. FNCE 4040 (Derivative Securities – 3 cr.)
      3. ECON 4818 (Intro. to Econometrics - 3 cr.)
    • Students are required to take APPM 3570, STAT 4520+, and STAT 4540+ for the Actuarial Option. Students are strong advised to take APPM 4560.
    • Additional courses that may be useful include ACCT 3220 and 3230, and BCOR 3000. These courses can only be taken if space is available on the first day of the semester.

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  • Advising Notes:
    1. The first actuarial examination, Exam P/1, can be taken after completing APPM 3570.
    2. The second actuarial examination, Exam FM/2, can be taken after completing ECON 3070, ECON 3080, FNCE 3010 and self-study in interest theory.
    3. The third actuarial examination, Exam IFM/3, can be taken after completing APPM 4560, FNCE 4040, and self-study in interest theory.
    4. The fourth actuarial examination, Exam C/4, can be taken after completing: STATÌý4520, STATÌý4540, APPM 4560, and self-study.
    5. Students wishing to take courses in the College of Business cannot register until the first day of classes. Students may also take BCOR/FNCE courses in summer sessions. Alternatively, students can apply for admittance to the Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Program which requires grades of B+ or better in their three semesters of Calculus. Students accepted into this program receive preferential treatment with respect to other non-business students when registering for business courses. For more information, please see your Applied Math advisor and visitÌý
    6. Students desiring to sign up for an actuarial exam should visit:Ìý
  • Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Students who pursue this option are usually double majors.
Advising Note: Students wishing to enroll in ASEN courses must register through an Aerospace advisor.

  • Chemical Engineering Option
    • CHEN 1211 (Gen. Chemistry for Eng. – 3 cr.) & CHEM 1221 (Eng. Gen. Chem Lab – 2 cr.)
    • Recommended courses (total of 25 credits):
  1. CHEN 2120 (Material & Energy Balances – 3 cr.)
  2. CHEN 3200 (Fluid Mechanics – 3 cr.)
  3. CHEN 3210 (Heat Transfer – 3 cr.)
  4. CHEN 3220 (Separations and Mass Transfer – 3 cr.)
  5. CHEN 3320 (Thermodynamics – 3 cr.)
  6. CHEM 4521 (Physical Chemistry for Engineers – 3 cr.)
  7. CHEN 4330 (Reaction Kinetics – 3 cr.)
  8. CHEM 3311 (Organic Chemistry 1 - 4 cr.)
  • Students choosing this option must take CHEN 1310 as part of their Applied Math major computing experience. CHEN 1310 is a prerequisite for CHEN 2120.
  • Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Option
    • Recommended basic courses (total of 12 credits):
      1. CVEN 2121 (Analytical Mechanics 1 – 3 cr.)
      2. AREN 2110 (Thermodynamics – 3 cr.)
      3. CVEN 3161 (Mechanics of Materials 1 – 3 cr.)
      4. CVEN 3313 (Theoretical Fluid Mechanics – 3 cr.) or AREN 2120 (Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer - 3 cr.)
    • Students also take 2 courses from any one of the following groups plus additional courses to bring the total credits to 24:
      • CVEN 3414 (Fundamentals of Environmental Eng. – 3 cr.)
        CVEN 4333 (Engineering Hydrology – 3 cr.)
      • CVEN 3525 (Structural Analysis 1 – 3 cr.)
        CVEN 3708 (Geotechnical Engineering 1 – 3 cr.)
        CVEN 4545/4555 (Steel Design/Reinforced Concrete Design – 3 cr.)
      • AREN 2050 (Building Materials and Systems - 3 cr.)
        AREN 3010 (Mechanical Systems for Buildings – 3 cr.)
        AREN 3540 (Illumination 1 – 3 cr.)
    • Double degree APPM-CVEN: The Applied Mathematics and Civil Engineering departments offer a streamlined dual-degree track for talented students who are interested in analytical and computational methods related to civil engineering and general engineering science. Students can complete a double major from both programs with a minimum of 143 credits. Consult APPM-CVEN double major program faculty advisors in Applied Mathematics and Civil Engineering for additional information.
    • Students wishing to enroll in CVEN courses that are restricted to majors only must do so through the CVEN advisor.
  • Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Option
    • The following concentration of selected courses from computer science, biology, and chemistry provide the foundation for work in mathematical biology, computational biology, and/or bioinformatics.
    • Required courses
      1. CSCI 2270 (Data Structures – 4 cr.) (Note: CSCI 1300 is a prerequisite for CSCI 2270)
      2. CHEM 3311 & 3321 (Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab – 5 cr.)
      3. MCDB 1150 & 1152Ìý(Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and Problem Solving Co-SeminarÌý– 4 cr.)
      4. MCDB 2150 & 2152Ìý(Principles of Genetics and Problem Solving Co-SeminarÌý– 4 cr.)
      5. MCDB 3135 & 3140 (Molecular Cell Biology and Lab – 5 cr.)
      6. CSCI 3104 (Algorithms - 4 cr.) (prereqs: CSCI 2824 or APPM 3170)
      7. CSCI 4314 (Algorithms for Molecular Biology – 3 cr.)

ÌýAdvising Note: Students selecting this option are advised to take APPM 3570 and 4390, and STAT 4520 and 4540Ìýas part of their Applied Math coursework. Other recommended courses CSCI 3287 (Database and Information Systems).

  • Computer Science Option
    • Required Course (total of 4 credits):
      • CSCI 2270 (Data Structures – 4 cr.) (Note: CSCI 1300 is a prerequisite)
    • Additional courses to bring the total number of credits to 24; at least two of these must be at the 3000 level. Possible choices include:
    1. CSCI 2400 (Computer Systems - 4 cr.)Ìý (prereqs: APPM 3170 or CSCI 2824)
    2. CSCI 3104 (Algorithms – 4 cr.) (prereqs: APPM 3170 or CSCI 2824)
    3. CSCI 3155 (Principles of Programming Languages – 4 cr.)
    4. CSCI 3287 (Design & Analysis of Data Systems – 3 cr.)
    5. CSCI 3308 (Software Development Methods and Tools - 3 cr.)
    6. CSCI 3753 (Operating Systems – 4 cr.)
    7. Additional CSCI courses to bring the total number of credits to at least 24

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  • ÌýÌýÌý Advising Note: Students completing the computer science option should have a minor in computer science. Check with the .
  • Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering Option
    • The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers two separate minor programs:
      • Students interested in this option should consult with an advisor as several areas are available (computer engineering, electrical engineering, signals and systems, and electrical renewable energy systems.) A minimum of 24 credits is required.
      • Student choosing this option should plan on taking CSCI 1300 and CSCI 2270.

ÌýÌýÌý Advising Note: Students interested in the ECE Option should contact the and visit the engineering website's page on .

  • Engineering Physics / Physics Option
    • Recommended courses after first-year Physics (23 or 24 credits):
      1. PHYS 2130 or 2170 (Foundations of Modern Physics – 3 cr.)
      2. PHYS 2150 (Experimental Physics – 1 cr.)
      3. PHYS 2210 (Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 1 – 3 cr.)
      4. PHYS 3210 (Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 2 – 3 cr.)
      5. PHYS 3220 (Quantum Mechanics & Atomic Physics 1 – 3 cr.)
      6. PHYS 3310 (Principles of Electricity & Magnetism 1 – 3 cr.)
      7. PHYS 3320 (Principles of Electricity & Magnetism 2 – 3 cr.)
      8. PHYS 3330 (Electronics for the Physical Sciences – 2 cr.) OR
        PHYS 4230 (Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics – 3 cr.)
      9. Additional physics courses to total at least 24 credits.
    • Students choosing this option are advised to take APPM 3570 (Applied Probability – 3 cr.). MATH 3140 (Abstract Algebra 1 – 3 cr.) may also be useful for students interested in theoretical physics.

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  • Advising Notes: Students completing the Physics Option should have a minor in Physics. Check with the .
  • Finance Option
    • The following courses should be taken as part of the 24 credits required in the option:
      1. BCOR 2002 (Principles of Accounting & Financial Analysis – 3 cr.) or BCOR 2203 and BCOR 2204
      2. FNCE 3010 (Corporate Finance – 3 cr.)
      3. ECON 2010**, 2020**, 3070, and 3080
      4. ECON 4818 (Econometrics - 3 cr.)

      • ** ECON 2010 and 2020 may not count toward the 24 credits of the option requirement; however, they can be used to meet the 18 credit social science/humanities requirement of the College of Engineering.

    • A minimum of two of the following courses must be taken in order to meet the 24 credit requirements of the option. All of them must be taken to complete the requirements of the Quantitative Finance Certificate Program:
      1. ACCT 3220 (Corporate Financial Reporting 1 - 3 cr.)
      2. FNCE 3030 (Investment and Portfolio Management - 3 cr.)
      3. FNCE 4040 (Derivative Securities – 3 cr.)
      4. FNCE 4820 (Topics in Finance: Mathematical Finance – 3 cr.)
      5. FNCE 4070 (Financial Markets & Institutions - 3 cr.)
    • Students are required to take APPM 3570 and STATÌý4520 for the Finance Option. Students are advised to take APPM 4560 and STATÌý4540 if time permits.
    • Additional courses that may be taken as time permits:
      1. ACCT 3230 (Corporate Financial Reporting 2 - 3 cr.)
      2. FNCE 4000 (Financial Institutions Management – 3 cr.)
      3. FNCE 4020 (Applied Business Finance – 3 cr.)
      4. FNCE 4050 (Capital Investment Analysis – 3 cr.)
      5. FNCE 4060 (Special Topics in Finance - variable credit)

  • Advising Note: Students wishing to take College of Business courses cannot register until the first day of classes. However, students can register for BCOR/FNCE courses in summer sessions. Alternatively, students can apply for admittance to the Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Program. Students accepted into this program receive preferential treatment with respect to other non-business students when registering for business courses. For more information, please see your Applied Math advisor and visitÌý

  • Geographic Information Science Option
    • ​A. Required Courses
      1. GEOG 3023 (Statistics for Geography – 4 cr.)
      2. CSCI 2270 (Data Structures – 4 cr.)
      3. GEOG 3053 Cartography Visualization & Information Design – 4 cr.)
      4. GEOG 4103 (Introduction to GIS – 4 cr.) (Prereqs: GEOG 3023 & GEOG 3053)
    • B. Additional courses to bring the total number of credits to 24. Possible choices include:
      1. GEOG 4023 (GIS Modeling Applications – 4 cr.)
      2. GEOG 4303 (Spatial Programming in GIScience – 4 cr.)
      3. GEOG 4403 (Space –Time Analytics – 3 cr.)
      4. GEOG 4503 (GIS Project Management – 3 cr.)
      5. GEOL 3050 (GIS for Geologists – 2 cr.)
    • C. Students choosing this option must take CSCI 1300 as part of the Applied Math major computing experience. CSCI 1300 is a prerequisite for CSCI 2270

  • Advising Note: Students completing the Geographic Information Science Option should have a Certificate in GIS and Computational Science. Check with the faculty contacts of the GIS Certification Program.

  • Geological Sciences Option
    • A. One of theÌýfollowing introductory sequences should be taken as part of the 24 credits required in this option
      1. GEOL 1010 & 1020 (Introduction to Geology + Geology 2 – 6 cr.)
      2. GEOL 1010 & 1040 (Introduction to Geology + Geology of Colorado – 6 cr.)
      3. GEOL 1010 & 1060 (Introduction to Geology + Global Change – 6 cr.)
    • B. Required Laboratory
      1. ​GEOL 1030 (Introduction to Geology Laboratory – 1 cr.)
    • ​C. Additional courses to bring the total number of credits to 24; at least two of these must be at the 3000 level. Possible choices include:
    1. GEOL 2700 (Introduction to Field Geology – 2cr.)
    2. GEOL 3010 (Introduction to Mineralogy – 3 cr.)
    3. GEOL 3023 (Statics for Earth Sciences – 3 cr.)
    4. GEOL 3120 (Structural Geology – 4 cr.)
    5. GEOL 3410 (Paleobiology – 3 cr.)
    6. GEOL 3430 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy – 4 cr.)
    7. GEOL 4130 (Principles of Geophysics – 3 cr.)
    8. GEOL 4093 (Remote Sensing of the Environment – 4 cr.)
    9. GEOL 4241 (Principles of Geomorphology – 4 cr.)

  • Advising Note:ÌýStudents completing the Geological Sciences Option should have a minor in Geology.ÌýCheck with the Geological Sciences Department.

  • Mechanical Engineering Option
    • Recommended courses:
      1. MCEN 2023 (Statics & Structures – 3 cr.)
      2. MCEN 2063 (Mechanics of Solids – 3 cr.)
      3. MCEN 3012 (Thermodynamics – 3 cr.)
      4. MCEN 3021 (Fluid Mech. – 3 cr.)
      5. MCEN 3022 (Heat Transfer – 3 cr.)
      6. MCEN 3025 (Component Design – 3 cr.)
      7. MCEN 3043 (Dynamics – 3 cr.)
      8. MCEN 4043 (System Dynamics – 3 cr.)
    • Students choosing this option are advised to take STAT 4000Ìý(Statistical Methods and Applications I – 3 cr.) or APPM 3570 (Applied Probability) and STATÌý4520 (Introduction to Math Statistics) as part of their Applied Math major.
    • Students wishing to enroll in MCEN courses must do so through the documents available at /engineering-advising/departmental-course-reques....
  • Statistics & Data Science
    • Students would take the courses in statistics for theÌýstatistics minor plus additional coursework chosen from ComputerÌýScience, College of Media, Communication and Information, ATLAS, or other releveant area as approved by the advisor.
    • It is recommended that students choosing this option complete APPM 2720 (Statistical Analysis with R) and CSCI 2270 (Data Structures)

  • Advising Note:Ìý Students completing the Statistics & Data Science Option should have an Applied Math Minor in Statistics.Ìý Check with your advisor for confirmation.
    **Students may earn a BS in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Statistics. The 12 upper division credits of statistics required for the minor may not be counted towards the 24 credits of upper division math courses for the bachelor's.

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  • Technology, Arts, and Media Option
    • Required Courses
      1. ATLS 2000 (Meaning of Info Tech. - 3 cr.)*
      2. ATLS 2100 (Image - 3 cr.)
      3. ATLS 2200 (Web - 3 cr.)
      4. ATLS 2300 (Text - 3 cr.)
      5. ATLS 3000 (Code - 3 cr.)
      6. CSCI 2270 (Data Structures - 4 cr.) (Prereq.: CSCI 1300)
      7. CSCI 3104 (Algorithms - 4 cr.) (Prereqs: APPM 3170 or CSCI 2524)
      8. CSCI 4229 (Computer Graphics - 3 cr.)

  • * This course may be used to satisfy EITHER 3 credits of H&SS requirement or the Applied Math area of emphasis, but not both.

  • Recommended additional courses to bring the total to at least 24 credits:
    1. Advisor approved technical elective to complete the TAM minor
    2. CSCI 3202 (Intro to Artificial Intelligence - 3 cr.)
    3. CSCI 4202 (Artificial Intelligence - 3 cr.)
    4. CSCI 4448 (Object Orientated Analysis and Design - 3 cr.)
    5. Students are advised to take APPM 3570, 4560, and 4660 as part of their Applied Math coursework.

  • Advising Note: More information on the ATLAS/TAM Certificate in Digital Media, as well as the ATLS Minor in Technology, Arts, and Media may be found at

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