Top Applied Math Programs - NYU ranked 1st

New York University (NYU) is recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions for applied mathematics, a fact underscored by its ranking as the top Applied Math program in the United States according to US News & World Report. The Department of Mathematics at the Courant Institute, which houses NYU’s applied math program, is renowned for its cutting-edge research and contributions to the fields of analysis, partial differential equations, dynamical systems, probability, and mathematical physics. With a faculty that includes some of the brightest minds in applied mathematics, the Courant Institute occupies a leading position in numerous areas, ranging from fluid dynamics and scientific computation to more abstract subjects like differential geometry and stochastic processes. This combination of theoretical and practical expertise is what distinguishes NYU’s applied mathematics program and continues to attract top students and researchers from around the world.

At the core of NYU's success in applied mathematics is the Courant Institute's interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. The department's research spans a variety of mathematical fields that are not only academically rigorous but also have significant real-world applications. For example, the study of partial differential equations (PDEs), a crucial tool in mathematical physics, plays a fundamental role in understanding complex physical phenomena, such as fluid flow, heat transfer, and electromagnetic fields. Similarly, dynamical systems and stochastic processes are indispensable in modeling systems that evolve over time, such as climate systems or financial markets. Furthermore, Courant’s focus on scientific computation enables students and faculty to tackle real-world problems with advanced computational methods, making the program especially relevant in the rapidly evolving fields of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

The faculty at the Courant Institute includes internationally recognized scholars who have made profound contributions to the development of mathematical methods that have wide-reaching applications across physics, biology, economics, and engineering. In particular, the institute’s focus on mathematical physics—especially fluid dynamics—has had a significant impact on understanding complex systems in natural sciences and engineering. Researchers at Courant are known for developing both theoretical frameworks and computational models that have practical applications in industries such as aerospace, energy, and environmental science. By combining strong theoretical foundations with cutting-edge computational tools, the program ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to tackle challenges in a variety of sectors, from academia to industry.

The highly respected mathematics faculty at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) also contributes to its reputation as one of the best mathematics departments in the nation. Caltech has long been recognized for its strength in both pure and applied mathematics, and its graduate program consistently ranks among the top in the country. In the 1995 National Research Council (NRC) study, Caltech’s mathematics faculty was ranked 11th in the U.S., and by the 2006 U.S. News survey, the graduate program had moved up to tie for 7th place, ahead of other prestigious institutions such as Columbia, UCLA, and Cornell. Caltech’s emphasis on a strong theoretical foundation, combined with its applied focus in areas like mathematical physics, systems theory, and numerical analysis, makes it a unique place for students who want to make a deep impact in both mathematics and science.

At Caltech, the interdisciplinary nature of the graduate program is particularly appealing. Caltech is known for fostering a collaborative environment where students can work across various scientific disciplines, benefiting from the institute’s strong links to engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry. This interdisciplinary approach has given rise to groundbreaking research in fields such as quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics, control theory, and machine learning. The mathematics department is deeply embedded within Caltech’s broader scientific ecosystem, ensuring that students can apply mathematical methods to some of the most pressing challenges in modern science and engineering.

Caltech’s location in Southern California, coupled with its reputation for cutting-edge research, makes it an attractive destination for prospective graduate students in applied mathematics. The faculty’s commitment to combining rigorous mathematical theory with practical problem-solving ensures that Caltech’s students are well-prepared for careers in both academia and industry. Caltech’s small student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention and close mentorship, creating an environment where students are encouraged to think creatively and critically about complex problems in mathematics and its applications.

The University of Washington (UW) is another major player in the field of applied mathematics, particularly with its graduate program, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation by the NRC in 2010, alongside Princeton University. The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington provides an enriching environment for graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research across a variety of mathematical disciplines. What sets the UW program apart is its strong focus on scientific computing and its application to areas like mathematical biology, nonlinear waves, climate modeling, and modern mathematical methods, including optimization, inverse problems, and numerical analysis. The program’s diverse research areas make it an ideal place for students interested in applying mathematical theory to solve real-world problems in diverse fields such as ecology, neuroscience, and environmental science.

One of the hallmarks of the University of Washington's applied mathematics program is its emphasis on real-world applications. For example, students in the program engage with mathematical biology, which includes the study of mathematical models in ecology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. This area of research is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on techniques from mathematics, biology, and physics to model biological systems and processes. The department is also well-known for its work in nonlinear waves and coherent structures, such as the mathematical modeling of tsunamis, water waves, and lasers. These phenomena have direct implications in fields like oceanography, environmental science, and engineering, making the research conducted at UW highly relevant for both academic researchers and industry professionals.

Another significant area of focus at the University of Washington is climate modeling, particularly atmospheric dynamics and global warming. The department is involved in developing mathematical models to understand and predict climate changes, which is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The university’s research in this area integrates mathematical techniques with environmental science to provide solutions that can inform policy decisions and shape climate-related strategies globally.

The strength of the applied mathematics program at the University of Washington lies in its ability to combine strong theoretical foundations with practical applications across a wide array of disciplines. By offering students the opportunity to work on real-world problems in fields such as biomedicine, ecology, climate science, and engineering, the department provides a rich and dynamic environment for developing mathematical models that can impact society on a global scale. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach to applied mathematics at the University of Washington prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, from academia to government and industry.

Ranking of Best Applied Mathematics Programs (Top 10 list):
1 New York University
2 University of California--Los Angeles
3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
4 California Institute of Technology
5 Brown University
6 University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
7 Princeton University
8 University of California--Berkeley
9 Stanford University
9 University of Texas--Austin
Source: US News 2011