Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics program at the University at Albany is designed to prepare students for a career as a mathematics research scholar. The program focuses on advanced research and teaching, with a strong emphasis on independent study and original research.
Program of Study
- Credit Requirement: A minimum of 60 graduate credits in mathematics as approved by the advisor.
- Breadth Requirement: Show proficiency in four of five areas: algebra, topology, complex analysis, real analysis, or probability and statistics. Students are required to successfully pass written preliminary examinations in three areas and satisfactorily finish one breadth sequence in an additional fourth area.
- Breadth Sequence: Two-semester sequence in an area complementary to the student's choice of preliminary exams areas.
- Foundations of Analysis & Real Analysis
- Advanced Linear Algebra & Algebra I
- Topology I & Topology II
- Complex Analysis I & Complex Analysis II
- Introduction to Theory of Statistics & Introduction to Theory of Statistics II
- Breadth Sequence: Two-semester sequence in an area complementary to the student's choice of preliminary exams areas.
- Successful Completion of the Oral Qualifying Examination: Within a month of completion of all the breadth requirements, students will select a faculty member as their dissertation advisor and the area of specialty for their dissertation. Within two semesters, students will take a qualifying oral exam to test their readiness to begin work on a dissertation.
- Completion of a Research Tool: Display a reading knowledge of French, German, Russian, or another foreign language appropriate to the student's area of specialization and approved by the department. Students will take a departmental examination before the oral qualifying examination.
- Full-Time Study in Residence: Students will be engaged in full-time study beyond the master's degree or equivalent at the University in at least two sessions after admission to the advanced program.
- Continuous Registration of Doctoral Students: Students must maintain continuous registration for each fall and spring session until they have completed all program requirements. Minimum registration consists of 3 credits of approved course work or registration for dissertation load.
- Doctoral Dissertation: Students must be registered for Doctoral Dissertation during the semester in which the degree is conferred. The dissertation is based on the student's independent research and should constitute a significant original contribution to mathematics or statistics.
- Ancillary Duties: In addition to the completion of course requirements, students are required to engage in some ancillary teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to the academic development.
Career Outcomes
The doctoral program in mathematics at UAlbany will prepare students for analysis and problem-solving in business or government, or for research and teaching at the university level. Career outcomes uniquely suited to math PhD graduates include:
- College mathematics professor
- Research mathematician
- AI and machine learning consultant
- Investment researcher
- Insurance actuary
- Statistician
- Software engineer
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines:
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall (February 1), Spring (January 1), Summer (Not Available)
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall (August 1), Spring (January 1), Summer (May 1)
- Required Application Materials:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of goals (one to two pages discussing what the applicant has to offer the program and what they wish to get out of the program)
Student Learning Objectives
- Gain a deep understanding of fundamental theorems and their proofs in different areas of mathematics.
- Use the knowledge of fundamental theorems and theories in reconstructing mathematical arguments.
- Apply the technique and logic arguments in solving questions, with effective and logical writing.
- Develop working knowledge of the background, feature, and recent advances of one chosen area of mathematics.
Supplemental Degree Programs
Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again. Supplemental programs available with this degree include:
- Africana Studies CGS
- Community College Leadership CGS
- Data Science MS
- Demography CGS
- International Education Management CGS
- Machine Learning CGS
- Mathematics MA
- Topological Data Analysis CGS
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The PhD in Mathematics at the University at Albany prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the university level, as well as for advanced problem-solving and analysis in business and government.
Objectives:
- Provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental theorems and their proofs in different areas of mathematics.
- Equip students with the skills to reconstruct mathematical arguments and effectively communicate their findings through logical writing.
- Enable students to apply mathematical techniques and logic to solve complex problems.
- Help students develop expertise in a chosen area of mathematics, including its background, features, and recent advancements.
Outline:
Curriculum:
The PhD program focuses on advanced studies in various areas of mathematics, allowing students to tailor their course selection based on their research interests.
Program Components:
- Breadth Requirement: Demonstrating proficiency in four out of five core areas: algebra, topology, complex analysis, real analysis, or probability and statistics. This involves passing written preliminary examinations in three areas and completing a breadth sequence in a fourth.
- Research Focus: Selecting a faculty advisor and specializing in a chosen area of research under their guidance.
- Dissertation Completion: Completing an independent research project resulting in a significant original contribution to the field of mathematics or statistics.
- Ancillary Duties: Engaging in teaching, research, or practicum opportunities to contribute to academic development.
Additional Requirements:
- Demonstrating reading proficiency in French, German, Russian, or another language relevant to the chosen research area.
- Completing a minimum of 60 graduate credits in mathematics as approved by the advisor.
- Maintaining continuous registration in fall and spring semesters with a minimum of 3 credits of coursework or dissertation registration.
Assessment:
Dissertation Defense:
Students must publicly defend their dissertation research before a faculty committee. The dissertation should represent a significant and original contribution to the field of mathematics.
Preliminary Examinations:
Written examinations covering three chosen areas of mathematics.
Coursework:
Performance in graduate-level mathematics courses contributes to the overall assessment of student knowledge and understanding.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual research supervision. Students may also have opportunities to participate in teaching as part of their ancillary duties.
Faculty:
The department comprises highly qualified and dedicated faculty with expertise in diverse areas of mathematics. These faculty members provide personalized guidance and mentorship to students throughout their program.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes independent research, encouraging students to develop their research skills and explore novel mathematical problems.
Careers:
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program pursue careers as:
- College mathematics professors
- Research mathematicians
- AI and machine learning consultants
- Investment researchers
- Insurance actuaries
- Statisticians
- Software engineers
Other:
International Students:
Students holding F-1 visas can apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Program Duration:
The program generally takes 4-6 years to complete.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
Mathematics - Ph.D.
The University at Albany's Mathematics Ph.D. program welcomes applications from both domestic and international students. The program is highly selective, seeking applicants with a strong academic background in mathematics and a clear interest in pursuing research at the doctoral level.
Domestic Students:
- Bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Strong performance in core mathematics courses, including analysis, algebra, topology, and geometry.
- GRE scores (optional for Fall 2024 admissions).
- Three letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic abilities.
- Personal statement outlining your research interests and career goals.
International Students:
- Bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Strong performance in core mathematics courses, including analysis, algebra, topology, and geometry.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Three letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic abilities.
- Personal statement outlining your research interests and career goals.
- International students who maintain F-1 status are eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
- International students may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, allowing for a total of 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For international students whose native language is not English, the following English language proficiency scores are required:
- TOEFL: 80 iBT (internet-based)
- IELTS: 6.5 overall band score, with no sub-score below 6.0
Note:
The program may consider alternative evidence of English proficiency on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Considerations:
- The program may consider applicants with a Master's degree in mathematics or a related field. To be considered for admission, students must demonstrate a strong academic background in mathematics, a commitment to research, and English language proficiency if applicable.
