This interdisciplinary degree in the physical sciences offers a strong foundation in related areas of engineering sciences, mathematics, and physics for professional work in the field of industrial research and technology. It also provides a foundation for graduate degree work in applied mathematics, engineering sciences, and physics.
The Bachelor of Science—Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics (BS AMEP) is an excellent choice for the student with broad interests in mathematics, physics, and engineering. AMEP emphasizes an integrated mathematics and physics curriculum and balances breadth and depth in the physical sciences in a four-year degree.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, see Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | Complete one Mathematics sequence:
Complete one Physics course: |
| GPA requirements to get in | Students must earn:
Only courses completed in-residence at UW–Madison are eligible for computation in the GPA or consideration on a graded basis. |
| Credits required to get in | None. |
| Other | None. |
Students pursuing the BS-AMEP degree are not eligible to declare the following programs:
- Mathematics for Physical and Biological Sciences named option of the Mathematics major
- Mathematics certificate
- Physics certificate
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. More information: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. More information: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science-Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics (BS-AMEP)
The Bachelor of Science—Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics is a special degree program; it is not a major. The BS—AMEP degree is not available to students who intend to earn a degree outside the College of Letters & Science.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science—Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
Bachelor of Science - AMEP Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Mathematics | Complete the Mathematics requirements of the BS–AMEP program. |
| Language | the second unit of one language other than English |
| Liberal Arts and Science Requirement | Complete a minimum of 20 credits in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) coursework outside the physical and mathematical sciences, including:
Courses that carry the Physical Science breadth designation, or are listed (or cross-listed) in the MATH or COMP SCI subjects, are not eligible. |
| Total Credits | at least 125 credits |
| UW—Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work | 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison |
Program Overview
A total of at least 125 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000 is required for this degree plan. Of these credits, at least 83 must be devoted to the Applied Math, Engineering and Physics (AMEP) program requirements. An additional 20 credits must be completed to meet the BS-AMEP's Liberal Arts and Science degree requirement; the balance will complete other degree requirements and electives.
AMEP Program Requirements
Foundational Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Single Variable Calculus | ||
| Complete both. | ||
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| Multivariable Calculus | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 4-10 | |
| Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | ||
| Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra and Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 13-19 | |
Foundational Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Introductory Course | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| A Modern Introduction to Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Dynamics | ||
| Second Introductory Course | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 5 | |
| A Modern Introduction to Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Third Introductory Course | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| A Modern Introduction to Physics | ||
| Introduction to Modern Physics | ||
| Modern Physics for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Solid State Electronics | ||
| Total Credits | 11-14 | |
Chemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 5-9 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Chemical Principles I | ||
| Total Credits | 5-9 | |
Mathematics
Complete at least six courses for 18 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core: Linear Algebra | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 2 | ||
| Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Linear Algebra and Optimization | ||
| Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | ||
| Core: Differential Equations | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 0-5 | |
| Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 2 | ||
| Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations | ||
| Core: Applied Analysis | ||
| Complete both. | ||
| MATH 321 | Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 322 | Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| Math Electives | ||
| Complete at least three courses for 9 credits. Select from: | 9 | |
| Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling | ||
| The Theory of Single Variable Calculus | ||
| Introduction to the Theory of Probability | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Analysis I | ||
| Analysis II | ||
| Probability Theory | ||
| Differential Geometry | ||
| Data-Driven Dynamical Systems, Stochastic Modeling and Prediction | ||
| Analysis of Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Fourier Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Stochastic Processes | ||
| Total Credits | 18-25 | |
Physics
Complete at least five courses for 15 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core: Physics | ||
| Complete both. | ||
| PHYSICS 311 | Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 322 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| Physics Electives | ||
| Remaining courses/credits from any PHYSICS course numbered 307 and above. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 21 credits meeting the following criteria: | 21 | |
| Must be distinct from any courses used to fulfill math and physics requirements above. | ||
| Selected from the following: | ||
Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) 300-699 | ||
Biomedical Engineering (B M E) 300-699 | ||
Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) 300-699 | ||
Civil and Environmental Engineering (CIV ENGR) 300-699 | ||
Electrical and Computer Engineering (E C E) 300-699 | ||
Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering (E M A) 300-699 | ||
Engineering Physics (E P) 300-699 | ||
Engineering Professional Development (E P D) 300-699 | ||
Geological Engineering (G L E) 300-699 | ||
Industrial and Systems Engineering (I SY E) 300-699 | ||
Interdisciplinary Courses (Engineering) (INTEREGR) 300-699 | ||
Materials Science and Engineering (M S & E) 300-699 | ||
Mechanical Engineering (M E) 300-699 | ||
Nuclear Engineering (N E) 300-699 | ||
| The following courses may contribute up to 6 credits: | ||
| Senior Thesis | ||
| Senior Thesis | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Advanced Independent Studies | ||
| Honors in Research | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Honors in Research | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Mechanical Engineering Projects I | ||
| Mechanical Engineering Projects II | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
Laboratory Experience3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Completed with a minimum of 3 credits selected from the options below. | 0-3 | |
| The following course applies as 3 credits of lab: | ||
| Aerodynamics Laboratory | ||
| The following courses apply as 2 credits of lab each: | ||
| Intermediate Laboratory-Mechanics and Modern Physics | ||
| Electric Circuits and Electronics | ||
| Optics | ||
| Advanced Laboratory | ||
| Electronic Aids to Measurement | ||
| Applied Optics | ||
| The following courses apply as 1 credit of lab each: | ||
| Circuits Laboratory I | ||
| Mechanics of Materials Lab | ||
Computational Experience3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 0-3 | |
| Introduction to Numerical Methods | ||
| Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in AMEP program courses.4
- Minimum 2.000 GPA and 15 upper-level AMEP program credits, taken in residence.4, 5
- 15 credits in AMEP program courses, taken on the UW–Madison campus.4
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is not available in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics.
Footnotes
- 1
MATH 375 may also be used to fulfill the Linear Algebra requirement below. MATH 376 may be used to fulfill the Differential Equations requirement below.
- 2
MATH 320 fulfills both the Linear Algebra and Differential Equations requirements. AMEP students are encouraged to consider the honors version of the course which is taught by AMEP faculty.
- 3
Courses used to fulfill this requirement need not be distinct from courses used to fulfill Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering requirements in AMEP.
- 4
This includes only those courses which may be used to fulfill Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Laboratory, and Computational requirements described in the tables above.
- 5
A course numbered 300 or above is considered upper-level in the program.
Learning Outcomes
- State, explain and apply principal theorems and techniques of applied mathematics, including (but not limited to) the subject areas of vector and complex calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- State, explain and apply theory and methods of classical and modern physics such as mechanics (classical, statistical, quantum), electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, radiation and atomic physics.
- Develop strategies to synthesize applied mathematics and physical sciences to address engineering problems, with emphasis on problems of current interest.
- Design and conduct experiments to explore hypotheses regarding science and/or technology and/or engineering problems, and will use mathematics to help interpret experimental results.
- Work in multidisciplinary groups of mathematicians, physical scientists, and engineers to formulate and solve STEM problems, which includes the creation and evaluation of models for natural phenomena.
- Through written and oral presentations, students will communicate technical/scientific ideas and results to experts and non-experts.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
Program Expectations
AMEP students come to UW-Madison with a wide range of mathematics preparation. Please see Advising and Careers for more information and alternative plans.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 247 | 5 | Communication A | 3 |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH 320 (honors) | 3 |
| CHEM 109 | 5 | PHYSICS 248 | 5 |
| Language (if needed) | 4 | Language (if needed) | 4 |
| 18 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 321 | 3 | INTER-LS 210 | 1 |
| PHYSICS 249 | 4 | MATH 322 | 3 |
| PHYSICS 311 | 3 | PHYSICS 322 | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Core Math Elective | 3 |
| Core Math Elective | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Biological/Social Science or Humanities | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Core Math Elective | 3 | Core Physics | 4 |
| Physics Elective | 4 | Core Physics | 4 |
| Lab Experience | 2-4 | Computational Experience | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Breadth | 3 | Engineering | 3 |
| Ethnic Studies/Social Science Breadth | 3 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication B | 3 | Engineering Courses | 9 |
| Engineering Courses | 12 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
Advising and Careers
AMEP is math- and physics-intensive and it is important to complete the introductory calculus and physics sequences as early as possible in order to progress to the more challenging core 300-level mathematics and physics courses such as MATH 321 or PHYSICS 311 and PHYSICS 322.
For information about declaration and advising for this special Letters & Science degree program, refer to the AMEP Advising page.
For information about opportunities related to future careers in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics, refer to our Research and Internships page.
Recommended Advanced Courses
A number of intermediate and advanced courses are recommended by AMEP advisors for use as electives beyond the core math and physics curricula. Please see our Courses page for a list of recommended courses.
Alternative Four-Year Plans
Students in the AMEP program start college with a wide variety of preparations in mathematics. We have examples of some different paths students may take through the degree on the Four-Year Plans page of the program website.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students