Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics graduate program has minimal requirements and maximal research and educational opportunities. It differentiates itself from other top mathematics institutions in the U.S. in that the curriculum emphasizes, from the start, independent research. Each year, we have extremely motivated and talented students among our new Ph.D. candidates who, we are proud to say, will become the next generation of leading researchers in their fields. While we urge independent work and research, there exists a real sense of camaraderie among our graduate students. As a result, the atmosphere created is one of excitement and stimulation as well as of mentoring and support. There also exists a strong scholarly relationship between the Math Department and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), located a short distance from campus. Students can contact IAS members as well as attend the IAS seminar series.

Students are expected to write a thesis in four years but may be provided an additional year to complete their work if deemed necessary. Most of our Ph.D.s are successfully launched into academic positions at premier mathematical institutions; and, one or two go into industry.

Courses:

The department offers a broad variety of research related courses as well as introductory (or “bridge”) courses in several areas, which help first-year students strengthen their mathematical background. Students also acquire standard beginning graduate material primarily through independent study, and consultations with the faculty and fellow students.

Language(s):

Students must satisfy the language requirement by demonstrating to a member of the mathematics faculty a reasonable ability to read ordinary mathematical texts in one of the following three languages: French, German or Russian. The language test must be passed before the end of the first year, and before standing for the general examination.

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):

Seminars

The department offers numerous seminars on diverse topics in mathematics. Some seminars consist of systematic lectures in a specialized topic; others present reports by students or faculty on recent developments within broader areas. There are regular seminars on topics in algebra, algebraic geometry, analysis, combinatorial group theory, dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, logic, mathematical physics, number theory, topology and other applied and computational mathematics. Students may also attend, without fees or formalities, seminars in the School of Mathematics at the IAS.

The department also facilitates several informal seminars specifically geared toward graduate students: (1) Colloquium Lunch Talk, where experts who have been invited to present at the department colloquium will give introductory talks, which allows graduate students to understand the afternoon colloquium more easily; (2) Graduate Student Seminar (GSS), which is organized and presented by graduate students and helps in creating a vibrant mathematical interaction among the graduate students; and, (3) What’s Happening in Fine Hall (WHIFH) seminar, where faculty members present talks in their own research areas specifically geared towards graduate students. Reading seminars are also organized and run by graduate students.

General Exam:

First-year students are set on the fast track of research by choosing two advanced topics of research, beyond needing a strong knowledge of three more general subjects – algebra, and real and complex analysis, as part of the required general exam. Depending upon individual preparation, a student may take the general exam in the first or second year of study.  The two advanced topics are expected to come from distinct major areas of mathematics, and the student’s choice is subject to the approval of the department. Usually by the second year, students will begin investigations of their own that lead to the doctoral dissertation.

General Exam in Mathematical Physics

For a mathematics student interested in mathematical physics, the general exam is adjusted to include mathematical physics as one of the two special topics.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is considered an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully passes the language requirement as well as the general exam, and is recommended by the faculty. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, may leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Teaching:

During the second, third and fourth years, graduate students are expected to either grade or teach two sections of an undergraduate course, or the equivalent, each semester. Although students are not required to teach in order to fulfill department Ph.D. requirements, they are strongly encouraged to do so at least once before graduating. Teaching letters of recommendation are necessary for most postdoctoral applications.

Post-Generals Requirement(s):

Selection of a Research Adviser

Upon completion of the general examination, the student is expected to choose a thesis adviser.

Dissertation and FPO:

Two to three years is usually necessary for completion of a suitable dissertation. Upon completion and acceptance of the dissertation by the department and Graduate School, the candidate is admitted to the final public oral examination, in which the dissertation is presented and defended by the candidate.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General and mathematics subject tests.

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses