Mathematics, PhD

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, the minimum requirements for admission to this program are:

A.   A bachelor’s degree with a major in mathematics, or the equivalent.

B. Evidence that the student is likely to succeed. This must include three letters of recommendation from mathematicians (usually from present or former teachers). The breadth and depth of mathematics courses taken, and performance, in these courses will also be carefully considered.

C. Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate an adequate command of the English language, as evidenced by an acceptable score on the TOEFL examination. A paper-based score of 550, computer-based score of 213, or an iBT-based score of 90 would be considered minimally satisfactory for this purpose. The TOEFL exam will be waived only for native speakers of English or, in rare cases, for students whose previous education was conducted almost entirely in English.

D. Acceptance by both the Department of Mathematics and the Graduate School.

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Passing the doctoral comprehensive examination.
2. Passing the doctoral preliminary examination.
3. Demonstrating proficiency in reading mathematics in two relevant foreign languages, usually French, German or Russian. Non-English-speaking international students can demonstrate their proficiency in one of these languages, in addition to their native language.
4. Advancement to candidacy.
5. Writing an acceptable dissertation.
6. Two consecutive semesters of full-time study.

Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

This examination, which is offered twice a year (just before the start of each semester), is designed to test mastery of the fundamentals of mathematics. This exam is based on the syllabi of the core courses; MAT 528 , MAT 549 , MAT 532 , MAT 533 , MAT 534 , MAT 535 , MAT 536 , Students who transfer from graduate programs at other universities may, in some cases, be granted exemption from this requirement.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

This examination is oral. Each student must take this examination no later than 1 ½ years after passing the comprehensive examination or receiving an exemption therefrom. The chairperson and one additional member of the examining committee are chosen by the student; one additional member is chosen by the program.

Professional Academic Training Program

All full-time graduate students are required to participate in this program, consisting of supervised teaching/tutoring at the lower undergraduate levels.