PhD Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in applied mathematics for the life and social sciences focuses giving you the training needed to analyze and more definitively answer questions about underlying patterns hidden within human health, behaviors and experiences --- and to teach others to do the same.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (6 credit hours) AML 610 Topics in Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences (3) AML 612 Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences Modeling Seminar (3) Other Requirements (15 credit hours) ASM, AML or BIO: courses in evolution, ecology or social sciences (400 level or above) (3)* one graduate-level course in biostatistics (3)* one graduate-level School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences course approved by graduate chair (3) APM, AML, MAT 590 or 790 Reading and Conference (6) *Substitution courses may be acceptable with approval of director.

Career pathways

The need for scientists and professionals with expertise in the life and social sciences is strong in Arizona and the nation. The skills emphasized in this program --- applied use of mathematics, modeling, statistics and simulation methodologies --- are in high demand, and graduates are well positioned to pursue opportunities as academics and professionals.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. A master's degree in the social sciences (e.g., anthropology, gender studies, geography, sociology), life sciences or related fields (e.g., biology, ecology, genomics), applied mathematics, mathematics or statistics is preferred. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

Explore more study programmes

STEM