First-Year Exploration

Tips for pre-concentrators:

• To be on track for the concentration, we recommend beginning math coursework in the first semester of the first year, and taking one math course each semester.
• Plan to take two foundation, breadth, or mathematical application courses that would count for AM in your sophomore fall
• Most AM students complete their computation requirement via AM 10, CS 32, of CS 50.  If you take CS 50, be sure to take it for a grade for it to count for AM.  Students often complete their computation course in their first year or sophomore year.
• Almost all AM students take Stat 110 (probability) in either their sophomore or junior fall.
• AM students are encouraged to consider gaining exposure to mathematical proof via Math 22a or Math 121.  (Math 101 is an option that can count for students who place into Math 21a.  CS 20 is an option that can count for students pursuing the CS application area).

Speak with an advisor:

Students with questions about Applied Mathematics should write to am-advising@seas.harvard.edu.  Further advising information, including office hours, can be found here.

Students with questions about pursuing a secondary field in Mathematical Sciences should write am-advising@seas.harvard.edu or contact the Math Department.

Sample Schedules

Below are some suggested paths for the freshman and sophomore years in the Applied Mathematics concentration. There are many possible pathways through the degree. Interested students should write am-advising@seas.harvard.edu for additional guidance.

Note: Also see suggested courses based on area of application.

Note: AM 10 / CS 50 can be taken in the fall of the first year.  CS 32 / CS 50 can be taken in the spring of the first year.  These courses are not listed for those semesters in any of the plans below: it is not necessary to take AM 10, CS 32, or CS 50 in the first year to be on track to concentrate in AM.

Schedule M - Student places into Math Ma.

Sample plans of study from students who started in Ma are available from concentration advisors

Schedule 1a - Student places into Math 1a.

Sample plans of study from students who started in 1a are available from concentration advisors

Schedule 1b - Student places into Math 1b.

Sample plans of study from students who started in 1a are available from concentration advisors

Schedule 21a - Student places into Math 21a/APMTH 22a.

Schedule 21b - Student documents having taken Math 21a.

Other courses you might consider

Some potential application area courses would count as a breadth elective even if you don’t choose that application area. Examples include Econ 1011a, Econ 1011b, Physics 12a, 15a, 15b, Astro 16, MCB 112, Psych 1401.