Download the Graduate Student Handbook as a printable PDF. The PDF is the most current official version of the handbook approved by the graduate committee.

Table of Contents

• Degree Requirements
  • • Master of Arts Program in Mathematics
    • Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Mathematics
    • Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Applied Mathematics
• Travel
• Employment and Financial Aid
• Other Requirements
• International Students
• Appendix A – Sample PhD Study Plans
• Appendix B – Other Useful Information
• • For faculty research interest, see the Department Webpage on Research
  • For course description, see the Graduate Catalog.

Forward

This handbook is intended for graduate students in the Department of Mathematics at The University of Alabama. The Department wants their graduate study to be as smooth and pleasant as possible and hopes that this handbook will help make it so. This handbook will include a large amount of essential and useful information, including specific requirements, departmental policies and procedures, and the general philosophy of graduate work. There are many other sources of information about the University and its graduate programs. For example, further information can be found on the Graduate School website. This handbook was revised August 4, 2022.

Disclaimer

This handbook may not contain all the necessary information. However, every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained herein at the time of publication. The Department of Mathematics reserves the right to make any change, revision or amendment to any part of this Handbook deemed necessary. The information contained herein is published solely for the convenience of students and to the extent permissible by law the university/math department expressly disclaims any liability which may otherwise be incurred.

Additional information can be found on the following websites:

• Graduate School
• Mathematics Department
• Graduate Catalog
• Graduate Student Services
• Housing and Residential Life

Advising of Graduate Students

Every incoming graduate student is assigned an initial advisor. Each semester, all students will meet with their advisors to decide on what courses to take. The advisors will also discuss overall objectives, and how well each student is progressing towards them. They are familiar with university and departmental regulations, but ultimately it is a student’s responsibility to be aware of all the degree requirements. These are given below for the Masters and Ph.D. degrees.

The Graduate Program Director is available to help with any problems that are beyond the power of initial advisors or thesis/dissertation advisors, for example: trouble with particular courses; a change in the field of mathematics to concentrate in; problems with research advisor; visa difficulties for international students.

The majority of Ph.D. students are supported through Graduate Teaching Assistantships. For lower division courses, whether taught at the MTLC or not, GTAs should speak first to their course coordinators about academic related issues  and then with the Director of Lower Division Instruction. For tutoring related issues, GTAs should speak to the Supervisor of Tutors and Proctors and the MTLC Lab Coordinator. Here are some examples of cases when a course coordinator should be consulted: academic misconduct such as cheating in assignments; disruptive students in the classroom; or scheduling issues, such as how much time to spend on a particular topic in class.