Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics program is designed for individuals who wish to pursue advanced research in mathematics. The program requires completion of at least 117 graduate-level credits beyond the BA or BS degree, passing of preliminary examinations, completion of a tool requirement, and completion of a written dissertation.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
• Meet the University GPA requirement, which includes:
  • A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.
  • A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.
  • An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master's degree or higher.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. If submitted, test scores will be considered as part of the comprehensive evaluation of the application.

English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

• Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80
• Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
• Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176
• Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics degree requires:

• Completion of at least 117 graduate-level credits beyond the BA or BS degree.
• Passing of preliminary examinations in analysis and algebra.
• Completion of a tool requirement.
• Completion of a written dissertation.

Course Requirements

Students are required to pass both of the sequences:

• MATH 3161, MATH 4165, MATH 4110
• MATH 3170, MATH 4166, MATH 4176 in their first year. Every student's course of study must be approved in consultation with a designated departmental advisor.

Course List

• MATH 4XXX courses (minimum of 36 credits)
• Additional Coursework (Chosen in consultation with the student's academic advisor)
• Up to 35 credits may be taken in other relevant disciplines, as approved by the mathematics department graduate committee.
• Total Credits: 117

Non-coursework Requirements

• Preliminary Examinations: Every student admitted to the PhD program is expected to pass a written preliminary examination in analysis and a written preliminary examination in algebra.
• Tool Requirement: It is strongly recommended that students satisfy their tool requirement by demonstrating the ability to use a modern computer typesetting system.
• Dissertation and Oral Defense: The dissertation must make a significant contribution to the research literature in mathematics. After the dissertation has been completed, the student must defend it in a final examination, as specified by the Office of Graduate Education.