I am currently an undergrad and was thinking about studying applied/computational math at UT Austin. Anyone know how this program is like in general and specifically at this university? I really liked the problem solving in calculus and differential equations, and that is what is leading me towards this path. However, I like the application and problem solving. I am somewhat interested in theory and proofs, and would prefer this to be very minimal. In the CAM undergraduate program, graduate programs, research groups, and when you get a career, how much theory and proof is involved? Like for example when you do mathematical modeling in applications such as biological populations, fluid mechanics, dynamics, heat, etc. I did consider engineering, but it may not be my path because I am not a very hands on person and am also weak at physics. I really like problem solving math, but not so much theoretical math. Is theoretical math/proof based math a huge thing in CAM programs, research, and careers?
Anyone please? 
I know very little about UT A, barring one guy I worked with who’d attended there and thought it was more special than all the other unique and amazing universities on the planet. It’s fine, just no place is as good as their marketing arm would have you believe.
About applied math, or computational math in particular. That’s pretty similar to what I did back in the 80’s. No regrets.
However, in my opinion an applied math degree might be a little harder to sell for a first job (HR software typically sifts on certain keywords, IMO). However, once a job is in hand, I feel strongly that an applied math background can be a very powerful and versatile tool, particularly when rounded out with 5-10 hours of physics and another 10-15 of computer science.
It (applied math) lends itself well to further study in Systems Engineering or Operations Research, and with a little background can launch a person into MS EE, ME, or CS or (shudder) an MBA should one choose.
Pure or theoretical math, is similar, IMO, but the “applied” in applied math usually emphasizes practical applications. Practical things, people are more likely to pay for.
One thing I have been confused about, how is it similar to pure math and is theory based if it has the word “applied” in it? Also, can curriculum vary be university? Whether it is more theory or problem solving based?
Yeah, I’d expect each university’s curriculum for each program to vary slightly. In either case, expect 3 semesters of calculus, one of diff eq, one or more of linear algebra, and probably some statistics to be common. Engineering students should see that foundation as familiar too.
Applied math should be oriented around solving problems in the physical, or “real” world. Theoretical math might be more interested in defining what a “real” world might be.
You might go so far as to say that “pure” math is where science, philosophy, and language become hard to tell apart. Applied math is what gets your satellite launched and keeps mouse parts out of your soft drink.
In reality, the line between them isn’t so clear cut. Some people will argue that one is better than the other, but maybe they just like to argue. I “get” the beauty of pure math, but it doesn’t compel me the same way. I’m glad other people do, however.
To the outsider, they both look like this: https://xkcd.com/435/
Before I get into answering your question, I just want to let you know that there is a UT Austin forum here http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-texas-austin 
I graduated from UT Austin last spring with a BS in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics. I looked into both the applied and the computational route. One of the reasons why I did not major in applied math while at UT was because the degree plan was “broken” as described to me by a few advisors at the time. There was a portion of the degree plan that allowed you to pick 2 math courses from a list of math courses but many of the math courses in that list were no longer offered and it required students to take Real Analysis 1 and Real Analysis 2 which I didn’t want to do. I don’t know if that’s still the case or not. I can say that the math department at UT is very good with mostly good professors. A lot of the math courses are taught by many different professors in the same semester. Of the few math courses that are taught by only one professor in any given semester, it is usually taught by a different professor the next semester. My degree plan was very flexible and I could pretty much take my math courses in any semester (after I got most of the pre-reqs done at the start of my sophomore year). I was able to pick and choose the professors I wanted each semester and put certain math classes off to a later semester if I didn’t like the professor(s) teaching it. There was also a lot of room for elective credits which I satisfied with computer science courses.
Thanks! I know you said you had to take real analysis 1 and 2. On the degree plan I see now, both for applied and computational, it says you only need just real analysis 1. Was the fact that you needed to take RA 1 and 2 required for both applied and computational option or just the applied option? I’m planning on doing the BS opt 3: computation but I heard that’s no longer offered.Reason is that doing math with computer science sounds golden. Is that true it’s no longer offered? Also which courses are no longer being offered? Thanks for the help!!
Even on the old degree plan for both applied and the computation option I saw you just needed real analysis 1. (Checked degree plans for 2010-2012 and 2012-2014) Something I’m missing out on here?
Computational Mathematics stresses the computational aspects of applied mathematics. It is more of a Math/CS hybrid degree. The usual mathematics “core” is:
Calculus I, II, III
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Where Computational Mathematics differs for Pure Math or even traditional Applied Math is that some of the courses that are “optional electives” for pure/applied math are actually required for Computational Mathematics, like:
Combinatorics
Graph Theory
Numerical Analysis
Operations Research/Optimization
Probability & Statistics
Real Analysis of some sort has to be taken but with Computational Mathematics the school may ask for just ONE semester of Analysis or Real Analysis or even Advanced Calculus (not as rigorous as Real Analysis). I was a Computational Mathematics major many moons ago and my school (Michigan State) ask for Advanced Calculus instead of the gold-standard “Rudin Book” for Real Analysis.
The other big difference with Computational Mathematics is additional Computer Science courses. Usually, Computational Mathematics programs ask for:
Programming I, II
Data Structures
Computer Graphics
MY OPINION…I would also take Database Systems, Computational Statistics, Operating Systems and possibly Computer Networks as MOST jobs will center around the Manipulation (Programming & Data Structures), Distribution (Networks) and Storage/Retreival (Databases) of data.
3 years ago was when my math advisor told me that the applied mathematics degree plan required real analysis 1 and 2. It did not intend to “require” real analysis 2 but there was a list of courses to be chosen from for a specific part of the degree plan and (exactly) enough courses from that list were no longer offered at that time such that real analysis 2 had to be taken. I think that it is very likely now that there is no longer that problem.
I have no idea what changes have been made to the math department since I graduated. I noticed under https://cns.utexas.edu/degree-checklists it currently says N/A for the scientific computation option for the mathematics degree (as well as the statistics option). I don’t know if those two options are no longer offered for new students or if it just hasn’t been updated on that link yet. I recommend contacting the mathematics department undergrad advisor or undergrad program coordinator here https://www.ma.utexas.edu/about/contact/
As for which courses are no longer offered, I recommend just looking at the course schedule for Spring 2016 and Fall 2015 to see which courses there are. Probably 75% of UT undergrad mathematics courses are offered in both the Fall and Spring. Maybe 20% are offered once per year (either only fall or only spring) and then 5% or so are offered less frequently that once per year (the courses titled something like “special topics of mathematics” where it may have the same course number each semester but could be a totally different topic from semester to semester). The course schedules can be found here: http://registrar.utexas.edu/schedules note: you may need to make a guest EID if you don’t already have one (I believe you get an EID upon submitting your applyTexas app).