Ph.D. Programs
We offer Ph.D. programs in both mathematics and applied mathematics. Concentrations are available in computational and interdisciplinary mathematics.
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must (i) complete course requirements, (ii) pass written qualifying exams, (iii) pass a preliminary oral examination and (iv) conduct thesis research, write a thesis and pass a final oral examination. These steps are described below.
Coursework
All students take a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate courses in mathematics, numbered 500 and up. Among these should be at least one course each in continuous, discrete and computational mathematics.
| Continuous mathematics | Discrete mathematics | Computational mathematics |
|---|---|---|
| Complex Variables (MA 513) | Linear Programming (MA 505) | Computer Algebra (MA 522) |
| Analysis (MA 515) | Linear Algebra (MA 520) | Uncertainty Quantification (MA 540) |
| Control (MA 531) | Abstract Algebra (MA 521) | Graph Theory (MA/CSC 565) |
| PDEs (MA 534) | Combinatorics (MA 524) | Modeling (MA 573) |
| Probability (MA 546) | Matrix Theory (MA 523) | Numerical Analysis (MA 580) |
| ODEs (MA 532) | Algebraic Geometry (MA 526) | |
| Topology (MA 551) | ||
| Manifolds (MA 555) |
Students who have not had the equivalent of MA 405 (Introduction to Linear Algebra and Matrices), MA 407 (Introduction to Modern Algebra), or MA 425–426 (Mathematical Analysis I and II) must make up these courses. Students who have not had the equivalent of MA 426 may take it for graduate credit by registering for MA 591M.
Qualifying Exams
The Ph.D. written qualifying examinations are written exams in three subjects selected by the student from a list of twelve possibilities. The purpose of the exams is to ensure that each Ph.D. student studies three subjects to a depth that gives adequate preliminary background to begin a Ph.D. project. Each subject is represented by a two-semester sequence of courses.
Select three one-year sequences from among the following.
| MA 515--715 | Analysis |
| MA 520--720 | Linear Algebra and Lie Algebras |
| MA 521--721 | Abstract Algebra |
| MA 522--722 | Computer Algebra |
| MA 523--723 | Applied Matrix Theory |
| MA 524--724 | Combinatorics |
| MA 531--731 | Systems and Control |
| MA 534--734 | Partial Differential Equations |
| MA 546--747 | Applied Probability and Stochastic Process |
| MA 555--753 | Geometry and Topology |
| MA 573--574 | Modeling |
| MA 580--780 | Numerical Analysis |
- It is recommended that students attempt at least one to two exams by the end of their first year. By the end of their second year (first year for students entering with a MS in Mathematics), students have to attempt a number of exams equal to the number of exams they have yet to pass.
- For each of the three examinations taken, the student is allowed one retake. The retake must be done within 12 months of the date the examination is first taken. If a student fails an examination twice they are considered to have failed the written qualifying examinations. The retake does not have to be the same exam as the one initially failed.
- The three qualifying examinations do not have to be taken at the same time. If the student takes fewer than three qualifying examinations at the first exam period, and if they do not pass one of those examinations, then the student must inform the graduate program director in writing before any subsequent examinations which examinations are to be considered as being taken for the first time and which are to be considered as retakes of an earlier failed test.
- The number of examinations taken at any given exam period cannot exceed the remaining number of passes need to reach a total of three.
- If an examination is failed and retaken later, the second examination must be considered a retake of the first.
- For part-time students, years will be counted using credit hours, with one year equal to 18 credit hours. For full-time students, calendar years are used. Students who start the graduate program in the spring semester should have a statement from the DGP put into their file specifying the date by which their exams must be taken. Depending on prior coursework, whether they are a transfer student, etc., it will be after three, four, or five semesters.
| Interest | Qualifying exams | Important courses (if not taken as quals) |
|---|---|---|
| algebra and combinatorics | ||
| analysis and differential equations | MA 515--715 (analysis), MA 534--734 (PDEs) | |
| geometry and topology | MA 555-753 (geometry/topology), MA 521-721 (abstract algebra) and one of MA 515-715 (analysis), MA 520-720 (linear and Lie algebra), MA 524-724 (combinatorics), MA 534-734 (PDEs) | MA 515 (analysis), MA 526 (algebraic geometry), MA 754 (algebraic topology), MA 755 (Riemannian geometry) |
| modeling and control | MA 531--731 (control), MA 573--574 (modeling) and one of MA 515--715 (analysis), MA 523--723 (matrix theory), MA 534--734 (PDEs), MA 580--780 (numerical analysis) | MA 515 (analysis) |
| numerical analysis and scientific computing | MA 580--780 (numerical analysis) and two of MA 515--715 (analysis), MA 573--574 (modeling), MA 546--747 (probability), MA 534--734 (PDEs) | MA 515 (analysis) |
| probability | ||
| symbolic computation |
Thesis Research and Defense
Our Ph.D. programs typically take five years. More information about timetable and milestones, including the preliminary and final oral examinations, can be found in our road to graduation.
Summer Internships
We encourage Ph.D. students at all stages of their studies to seek summer employment at government or industry facilities. Through such experiences you will expand your understanding of the mathematical sciences, discover possible areas for thesis research, and enhance your career options.
In the past few years our students have worked as summer interns at national laboratories including Argonne, Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, PNNL and Sandia; at federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Security Agency, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Sea System Command and the Army Corps of Engineers; at international research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Science, INRIA-Rocquencourt (France), Osaka University (Japan), RIKEN (Japan), the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) and Xiamen University (China); and at companies such as Chimerix, Merck, M&T National Bank and SAS.
Advisors, faculty members and the director of the graduate programs can assist in finding summer internships.