Applied Mathematics and Statistics

From predicting the path of a spacecraft to analyzing data from a manufacturing process, mathematics and statistics help make sense of complex systems. The Applied Mathematics and Statistics minor gives you the tools to model real-world problems, analyze uncertainty, and turn data into actionable insights.

At Colorado School of Mines, this minor goes beyond solving equations. You learn how mathematics, computation, and statistical reasoning work together to support engineering, science, and technology. Whether you are interested in simulation, data analysis, machine learning, optimization, or decision-making under uncertainty, this minor helps you build the quantitative skills needed to tackle challenging problems.

Designed to complement a wide range of technical majors, the Applied Mathematics and Statistics minor strengthens your ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, and develop solutions grounded in data and analysis. You gain practical skills that are valuable across industries, from aerospace and advanced manufacturing to computing, energy, and research.

Program Overview

The Applied Mathematics and Statistics minor combines mathematical modeling, computational methods, probability, statistics, and data analysis into a unified program focused on solving real-world problems. You learn how to build models, run simulations, analyze data, and interpret results to support engineering and scientific decision-making.

Coursework emphasizes application and problem solving rather than theory alone. You will explore how complex systems can be represented mathematically, how uncertainty can be measured and managed, and how data can be used to inform decisions. Along the way, you develop skills in computation, quantitative analysis, and statistical reasoning that complement the technical depth of your major.

Because Mines is a premier engineering and applied science university, the minor is grounded in practical applications. You will work with realistic datasets, computational tools, and modeling techniques used across industry and research. When you graduate, you will add quantitative confidence, computational fluency, and data-driven problem-solving skills to your bachelor’s degree.

Program Options

The Applied Mathematics and Statistics minor is offered through the Applied Mathematics and Statistics Department.

Core coursework develops foundations in applied mathematics, probability, statistics, and computational methods.

Electives allow you to tailor the minor toward mathematical modeling, numerical methods, data analysis, machine learning, or other quantitative applications aligned with your interests and major. The flexibility of the program allows you to explore both mathematical and statistical approaches to solving engineering and scientific challenges.