Confront mathematical modeling and data-centric problems in the natural and social sciences with a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from UChicago.
Solid Foundations
The University of Chicago’s PhD program in Computational and Applied Mathematics trains a new generation of computational and applied mathematicians prepared to tackle mathematical challenges in a wide range of fields, both in the natural and social sciences.
PhD students take courses in two tracks:
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The analytic/physical mathematics and modeling track includes functional analysis, PDE, and applied dynamical systems.
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The computational track includes applied matrix computation, optimization, approximation theory, and machine learning.
Interdisciplinary and Integrative
The interdisciplinary nature of the Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM) will prepare you to excel in math-intensive applied sciences or fields where mathematical expertise is paramount, such as mathematical modeling, data analysis, scientific computing, imaging, and many current applied sciences and engineering fields.
CCAM is comprised of faculty from numerous departments in the Physical and Biological Sciences Divisions at the University of Chicago, with a core group in the Departments of Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Some of our faculty also hold appointments at the Toyota Technological Institute (TTIC), Argonne National Lab, and the James Franck Institute. Faculty research touches on computation, applied mathematics, statistics, data science, and mathematical modeling for scientific applications.
Meet the Needs of a Data-Centric World
Scientific inquiry generates copious amounts of data—through rigorous experimentation, observational studies, satellite imagery, sensor networks, computational simulations, and high-throughput technologies—fostering a data-rich environment for analysis. To translate data into discovery and practical solutions, the use of computational, mathematical, and statistical modeling has become crucial in nearly every field of science. Mechanistic models for physical problems that reflect underlying physical laws are now being combined with data-driven approaches in which statistical inference and optimization play key roles. These developments are transforming research agendas in statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics, and are impacting a broad range of scientific disciplines.
In response to the critical need of computational and applied mathematicians, UChicago created CCAM in 2016. The committee is an interdisciplinary program that provides graduate training in computational and applied mathematics and reflects both the new scientific demands and the unique strengths of the faculty across the Physical Sciences Division.
Student Life at UChicago
As a student in the Physical Sciences Division, you’ll be a part of a thriving intellectual community of around 2,300 students. Your experience will extend from labs and classrooms in Chicago's Hyde Park to global centers and alumni clubs around the world.
The PSD offers numerous opportunities for student engagement and belonging activities, community and wellness events, inclusion workshops, outreach opportunities, fairs, and leadership positions with student groups, including the PSD Social Committee, the Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT), the Women and Gender Minorities in Graduate Science (WIGS+), and more.
Additionally, UChicago GRAD is an invaluable resource, dedicated to helping you navigate UChicago, explore our vast student resources, and build networks and connections with your peers across the University.
“The faculty of the CAM program worked diligently to help my cohort find our place at the University. When I started, the director had a ‘student well-being first’ philosophy, which helped me feel valued by the department.”
-Mark Olson, PhD student in Computational and Applied Mathematics
PhD Application Requirements
The deadline to submit admissions applications to the PhD program along with required accompanying documents for Fall 2026 was January 8, 2026. The application portal is closed. If you have any questions regarding admission, please send your inquiry to Jonathan G. Rodriguez at jgrodriguez@uchicago.edu.