The program is flexible; students can concentrate on applied mathematics, such as differential equations and numerical analysis, or on other applicable techniques in mathematics. Scientific computing is an important part of applied mathematics, so it is often a part of student training and dissertation research.

Prospective students should have a desire to apply a mathematical science (mathematics or statistics) to relevant problems in another area.

Students take a qualifying examination over three of the four core course sequences required for the Ph.D. (analysis, differential equations, numerical analysis, and topology). They also take a comprehensive examination related to their intended research area.