Applied Mathematics

Mathematics prepares students for the demands of a modern global society where sophisticated, quantitative skills are required to solve challenging programs in science, engineering, business, education and government. Mathematicians are essential to the fields of computer science, engineering, bioinformatics, data mining, computer animation, economics, epidemiology, ecology and climatology.

The Department of Mathematics offers a bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy in mathematics and applied mathematics. Many math students also double major in another discipline. The B.A. option exposes students to the basic knowledge of mathematics. The degree is ideal for students interested in selecting a minor field in the arts or humanities.

A B.S. degree in mathematics prepares students to use advanced mathematics in the development of mathematical principles, data analysis and problem solving. Mathematicians work closely with engineers and scientists in government, private corporations and research companies.

The B.S. degree in applied mathematics is offered with four options: computer sciences, engineering, biomathematics and business. This option is best suited for those who plan to attend graduate school or work in business or industry.

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts

Students who complete the undergraduate program in mathematics will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply algebraic, geometric, calculus and higher-order thinking and statistical methods to modeling and solving real-world situations.
2. Use mathematical reasoning skills and formal logic to develop convincing mathematical arguments.
3. Use computational tools to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding, to solve mathematical problems, and judge the reasonableness of the results.

Let’s start with your grade point average (GPA). Yale admissions officers will calculate based on your high school transcript, which you’ll submit with your overall application.

Last year, the reported average high school GPA of an admitted student at Yale was a 4.19 out of 4.0, what we call a “weighted” GPA. However, unweighted GPAs are not very useful, because high schools weight GPAs differently. In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Yale. That means nearly straight As in every class.

Yale, like the rest of the Ivy League and most other colleges, requires either the SAT or ACT for admission. They have no preference between them, so choose the test that’s a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times.

The average SAT and ACT composite scores for admitted students at Yale varies, as you can see in the table below. However, keep in mind that unless you fall into certain privileged categories (athletes, legacies, donors, etc.), your SAT/ACT score should be closer to the 75th percentile than the 25th percentile to ensure you’re maximizing your chances of admission.

TOEFL or IELTS is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS. 

No exemptions are made on the basis of an advanced degree (e.g. M.A./M.S. or Ph.D.) from any institution.

When you complete your application, you will answer questions about your native language and the primary language of instruction at your baccalaureate institution. If either was English, you will not be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores when you submit your application. No separate documentation is necessary. 

Identify the program and degree you want.

Verify the application deadline for your program.

Determine what standardized tests you need to take. Register early.

Determine what standardized tests you need to take. Register early.

Complete your application.