Department of Mathematics

Ph.D. in Mathematics

We offer a Ph.D. in Mathematics with research areas in Pure and Applied Math.  

Research Areas

• Applied Math Research Areas

• Pure Math Research Areas

Admission Requirements

Please visit our Admissions Requirements page to learn about minimum requirements.

Math Ph.D. Catalog Requirements

• Core course sequences

  Pass four core course sequences from Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Complex Analysis, PDE, Topology, and/or Real Analysis.

• Pass two written qualifying exams
  • A student is allowed to take the qualifying examination at most twice for each sequence.
  • A student must attempt at least one written qualifying exam in their 2nd year and are expected to pass both no later than the 3rd year of the Ph.D. program.
     
• Graduate elective courses

  Complete four math graduate elective courses

• Pass an Oral Qualifying Exam
  • Must be passed no later than the end of the 12th quarter. Exceptions must be made based on approval of the Graduate Advisor.
  • A student must pass both written qualifying exams and complete the four required core sequences before attempting the Oral Qualifying Exam.
  • The Oral Qualifying Exam Committee, in consultation with the student, decides on the modality of the exam. Acceptable modalities for the Oral Qualifying Exam are:
    • In-person;
    • Hybrid, provided the student and at least two committee members attend in person. If the Chairperson is attending remotely, a committee member who will be attending in-person must be designated in advance as a Co-Chairperson
    • Remote
       
• Professional Development

  Complete a 2-unit course in Professional Development.

• Write and defend a Ph.D. dissertation, which is a significant original contribution to the mathematical literature.

  The Dissertation Committee, in consultation with the student, decides on the modality of the defense. Acceptable modalities for the Defense are:

  • In-person;
  • Hybrid, provided the student and at least two committee members attend in person. If the Chairperson is attending remotely, a committee member who will be attending in-person must be designated in advance as a Co-Chairperson.
  • Remote
     
• Normative Time to degree

  Normative Time to Degree: 15 quarters

• *

  For further information on degree requirements, please review the catalog here.