Mathematics Ph.D.

Students working for the doctorate must demonstrate high achievement both in scholarship and in independent research. All programs must follow the general rules of the Office or Graduate Education.

The Ph.D. degree results from following a program of study in mathematics or in applied mathematics. In either case, the student’s program of study must include:

• At least six, 4-credit (nonthesis) graduate mathematics courses (i.e., those with numbers MATH 6XXX or MATP 6XXX).
• At least one 3- or 4-credit course at the graduate (6000) level outside the department (i.e., not coded MATH or MATP and not cross-listed with any department course), selected in consultation with the math adviser.
• All doctoral students must pass a written preliminary exam as well as an oral qualifying examination and complete an oral candidacy presentation. Descriptions of these requirements can be found on the department’s Web site.

In addition, the course MATH 6591 Research in Mathematics is strongly suggested. Any deviations from these requirements must have the approval of the Department’s Graduate Committee.

Outcomes of the Graduate Curriculum

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

• demonstrate mastery of graduate-level courses covering a range of topics, including mathematical analysis, mathematical methods and modeling, computational mathematics, and operations research.
• demonstrate mastery of graduate-level courses in at least one area outside of mathematics.
• conduct high-quality original research on a topic in mathematics or applied mathematics with results suitable for journal publications and technical presentations.
• read and interpret research level articles in mathematics and develop new mathematical concepts.
• develop mathematical formulation and solution of scientific problems from a range of disciplines.
• communicate sophisticated mathematical ideas and concepts concisely and effectively in both oral and written form.