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Graduate Studies

Graduate Student Toolkit

This toolkit includes a large amount of useful information about departmental procedures and the general philosophy of graduate work. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained herein. The Department of Mathematics reserves the right to make any change, revision or amendment to any part of this toolkit 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.

For the official policies about the graduate programs and course descriptions, please check the Graduate Catalog.

Advising of Graduate Students

Every incoming graduate student is assigned an initial advisor and they are encouraged to look for a thesis/dissertation advisor as soon as possible. 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. However, it is the students’ responsibility to be aware of all the degree requirements, which are given in the graduate catalog.

The Graduate Program Director is available to help with any problems that are beyond the power of initial advisors or thesis/dissertation advisors. Examples include course related problems, change in research areas, problems with research advisor, visa difficulties for international students, etc. Although the Graduate Program Director can assist students in the selection of thesis or project advisors, students are in the end responsible for finding a thesis or project advisor.

Departmental Procedures and Guidelines

  • Required Exams for PhD Students
    • Preliminary Exams: PhD students are required to either take Math 586, Math 587, Math 572, and either Math 570 or Math 537, and receive a 75% or better in the final exams and a grade of B or better in the courses, or take and pass the corresponding preliminary exams.
    • Qualifying or Comprehensive Exams for PhD Students in Mathematics
    • Joint Program Exams for PhD Students in Applied Mathematics
    • The Comprehensive Exam for PhD Students in Applied Mathematics
  • Optional Exams for Master’s students
    • Master’s students are required to either take Math 586, Math 587, Math 572, and either Math 570 or Math 537, or choose to take and pass the corresponding preliminary exams to test out of these courses.
  • Travel
  • GTA Benefits and Duties
  • Instructions for Paperwork
  • Sample PhD Study Plans

Useful Links