MAJORS & MINORS

Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research

Our degree programs — computational and applied mathematics or operations research — serve as strong backgrounds for a variety of careers in consulting, data science, logistics, finance, engineering and more.

The Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics (CMOR) at Rice University offers two bachelor's degree programs in computational and applied mathematics and the newly added operations research major. Both of our majors provide rigorous mathematical foundations, data science, modeling and computational skills. They serve as strong backgrounds for a variety of quantitative careers in fields such as consulting, data science, logistics, finance, and engineering.

Visit the department website →

Degrees Offered

Minor Offered

By the Numbers

  • 4.3 to 1 Undergraduate students to faculty ratio
  • 31% of undergraduate students are women
  • 32% of undergraduate degrees awarded to women

FAQ

Why should I study Computational and Applied Mathematics (CAAM) or Operation Research (OPRE)?

CAAM and OPRE majors build mathematical models of real-world systems, analyzing these models and interpreting their results. These skills are in enormous demand across industry, including consulting, energy, e-commerce, transportation, finance, services, and so on.

CAAM majors focus on systems with highly complex underlying physics, leveraging mathematical and computational models to understand and analyze scientific phenomena. This includes applying mathematical tools to solve problems in fields like engineering, physics, and biology, where the systems under study are primarily natural and physical.

OPRE majors study complex systems that arise in society, with a particular emphasis on how to optimally allocate scarce resources. This can involve areas such as supply chain management, healthcare, economics, and decision-making in business. OPRE majors optimize outcomes in societal contexts, where the challenges often revolve around managing constraints and competing interests.

The BA in CAAM and OPRE requires significantly fewer courses than some other engineering degrees and having three to four electives provides great flexibility.

How to choose between the Bachelor of Science (BS) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in OPRE?

The BS in OPRE provides a solid foundation for both graduate school in operations research (or related fields) and for a successful career in industry. Students seeking to use operations research in industry are encouraged to seek the BS in OPRE. The program offers in-depth training in operations research, mathematics, and computer science, equipping students with the skills needed to tackle complex problems in both academic and professional settings.

The BA in OPRE, on the other hand, is designed primarily as preparation for industry careers, though it also provides a strong foundation for various graduate programs in fields related to operations research, such as business or economics. A key distinction of the BA is that it does not require certain courses—such as COMP 182, COMP 215, MATH 302, and CMOR 441—that are part of the BS program. Instead, the BA places more emphasis on modeling, making it particularly well-suited for careers in consulting and other industry roles where practical, real-world applications of operations research are essential.

What do students do when they graduate with a CAAM or OPRE degree?

About half of CMOR graduates work in industry upon graduating. Some of them are management consultants, some work at software firms such as Amazon and Microsoft or data scientists in medicine, finance, logistics, transportation, public policy, service, manufacturing, and information technology. The other half continue on to graduate or professional schools (mostly in CMOR-related areas). CMOR majors are often in high-demand at top medical and law schools.

If I am considering one of these majors, what classes do I have to take this year?

If you are considering a CAAM or OPRE major, you should

Students who have a strong high school background in mathematics (i.e. a course beyond BC calculus) can consider taking CMOR 304 for the CAAM major and CMOR 360 for the OPRE major during their first semester.

May I study abroad? May I double-major?

CMOR students often study abroad, CMOR’s flexibility makes studying abroad a very natural choice. Every semester multiple CMOR majors study abroad. With appropriate planning, CMOR majors may study abroad as sophomores or juniors for either a semester or a year. Students are encouraged to meet with a CMOR undergraduate advisor and the Rice study abroad office early in their studies.

CMOR students often double major. The most common double majors for CAAM majors are mechanical engineering, physics and mathematics, and the most common double majors for OPRE majors are computer science, statistics, economics and mathematics.

However, recent CMOR graduates have double-majored in creative writing, political science, cognitive science, and other fields across the humanities and social sciences.

Students considering double-majoring are encouraged to plan their courses accordingly.

What type of research opportunities are available to CMOR students?

The CMOR faculty are very enthusiastic about undergraduates participating in research. Students may pursue applied projects, computational projects, or abstract mathematical projects. The ultimate goal of this research is often to contribute to a published paper in a peer-reviewed journal.

While there isn't a formalized program for undergraduate research, students who have pursued this path often recommend taking honors math courses—particularly MATH 221 or MATH 222, and MATH 354—as they provide strong preparation for research. In addition, developing solid computational skills are invaluable for tackling complex research problems.

Recent research projects have included modeling liver transplantation, political redistricting, medical imaging, and predicting when NBA jerseys will be retired.

While faculty are eager to involve undergraduates in research, the number of students seeking these opportunities can be higher than the resources or faculty time available to mentor them.

What extracurricular activities or projects do CMOR students participate in?

CMOR majors are active throughout the university. CMOR tends to attract students who are mathematically strong and also interested in the broader world, and this leads to a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.

CAAM majors are often active in SIAM, an organization that fosters collaboration between mathematics and various scientific and technological fields. SIAM plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical mathematics and practical applications in science and engineering, providing students with resources and connections to advance their careers in these areas.

OPRE majors, on the other hand, are frequently involved in the INFORMS Chapter, which serves as a community of academic and industry experts in fields such as operations research, analytics, management science, economics, behavioral science, statistics, artificial intelligence, data science, applied mathematics, and beyond. This chapter offers students a valuable opportunity to engage with professionals and deepen their knowledge across a wide range of disciplines within the data and decision sciences.

What classes in CMOR normally look like?

Material in upper-level CMOR classes is driven by real-world systems, allowing students to develop mathematical models that represent these systems. These models are then solved using advanced algorithms and specialized software. Students learn the computational aspects of these models and how to interpret the solutions.

Is the curriculum flexible enough for students to pursue other interests? i.e. Can I complete a minor, take classes outside the major or specialize further within the major?

Yes! Both the BA in CAAM and the BA in OPRE are considered among the most flexible majors in engineering. The BA in CAAM requires 49-53 credit hours, while the BA in OPRE requires 53-56 credit hours. Within these requirements, 9-12 credit hours are electives, which can be taken within CMOR or other departments. This flexibility allows BA majors to study abroad, double major, develop additional technical skills (e.g., software development or statistics), or take electives across various disciplines. Of course, pursuing the BS program in OPRE will require additional credit hours.

Are there any other things I should know about the CMOR?

CMOR majors typically have a deep passion for mathematics, yet they also value how math, computing, and data can be applied to solve real-world problems and benefit society. Students in this program learn to analyze complex systems, build abstract models to represent them, and use mathematical techniques, algorithms, and data to derive meaningful solutions and their interpretations. These skills are in enormous demand.

Do you have more questions?

Current and admitted Rice students are encouraged to reach out to a member of the CMOR undergraduate committee with questions about the program, courses, or academic opportunities. The committee is here to provide guidance and support as you navigate your undergraduate journey.

Unfortunately, due to limited resources, we are unable to respond to inquiries from prospective Rice students. We recommend visiting the Rice University Admissions website or contacting the admissions office for more information about applying to Rice and exploring the CMOR program.

Why You Should Major in Operations Research