phd in mathematics online

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics Education

Graduate Programs

The Ph.D. program emphasizes research and requires a written dissertation for completion. The program is individualized to meet the needs of graduate students. The student must develop, with the guidance from the major professor and committee, a program that is applicable to their background and interest. The average Ph.D. program requires 4-6 years beyond a master’s degree. The program is comprised of coursework in four major areas.

• Mathematics Education
• Mathematics or a related area
• Cognate Area
• Research Core

This residential program has rolling admission Applications must be fully complete and submitted (including all required materials) and all application fees paid prior to the deadline in order for applications to be considered and reviewed. For a list of all required materials for this program application, please see the “Admissions” section below.

• July 1 is the deadline for Fall applications.
• November 15 is the deadline for Spring applications.
• March 15 is the deadline for Summer applications.

This program does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at [email protected] before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application Instructions for the Mathematics Education PhD program from the Office of Graduate Studies:

In addition to a submitted application (and any applicable application fees paid), all completed materials must be submitted by the application deadline for an application to be considered complete and forwarded on to faculty and the Purdue Graduate School for review.

Here are the materials required for this application:

• Transcripts (from all universities attended, including an earned bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing)
• A completed master’s degree is required prior to admission to this program.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• 3 Recommendations
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Personal History Statement
• Writing Sample
• International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Graduate School

We encourage prospective students to submit an application early, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Applications are not forwarded on for faculty review until all required materials are uploaded.

When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:

• Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
• Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
• Please select an Area of Interest: Mathematics Education
• Please select a Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Primary Course Delivery: Residential

Program Requirements

I. mathematics education courses (15 – 18 hours).

In mathematics education, students engage in courses that cover topics in the cognitive and cultural theories of learning and teaching mathematics, and the role of curriculum in mathematics education. A three (3) course sequence is required that consists of:

• EDCI 63500 – Goals and Content in Mathematics Education
• EDCI 63600 – The Learning of Mathematics: Insights and Issues
• EDCI 63700 – The Teaching of Mathematics: Insights and Issues

In addition, students are encouraged to take (6 – 9) hours of EDCI 620: Developing as a Mathematics Education Researcher

II. Related Course Work (minimum 6 hours)

All students should have appropriate course work in mathematics, statistics, educational technology, or a related field. Students without a master’s level background in mathematics may be required to take more courses in mathematics. This will be determined by the student’s major professor and advisory committee.

III. Cognate (9 hours)

Students will take three graduate courses in a self-selected cognate area. Cognate area selection should be discussed with the student’s major professor and advisory committee. Possible cognate areas include: mathematics, psychology, philosophy, sociology, technology.

IV. Research Core Courses (15 hours)

All doctoral students in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction must complete five (5) courses from areas in research methodology and analysis before beginning their dissertation:

• EDPS 53300 – Introduction to Research in Education
• EDCI 61500 – Qualitative Research Methods in Education
• STAT 51100 – Statistical Methods or EDPS 55600 – Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis
• EDPS 63000 – Research Procedures in Education
• Advance electives in either quantitative or qualitative methods
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Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics + Statistics

MASEEH DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS + STATISTICS

PhD Mathematics Education

The main objective of this program is to develop educators with an understanding of mathematics and its teaching and learning, and with the capabilities for research and professional practice in the field. 

This program provides a balance between mathematics and mathematics education in order to develop mathematics educators who can become: (i) Faculty members in mathematics departments or schools of education in universities, four year colleges, or community colleges; (ii) Curriculum specialists in mathematics, supervisors of mathematics at the middle school level or secondary school level, or mathematics specialists in state or local departments of education; (iii) Private sector specialists in mathematics education.

Where our doctoral program graduates are currently employed or were employed just after graduating.

Program Prerequisites

Candidates in this program must currently have (or complete during their program) a master's degree in mathematics equivalent to the MS/MA Mathematics degree or the MS in Mathematics for Teachers degree at Portland State University.

In addition to program prerequisites, applicants must meet the university's minimum admission requirements including English language proficiency .

Application Deadline

This program admits once per year for fall term only.  Applicants seeking financial support should apply by January 15th  for priority consideration. Applications will not be accepted after February 1.

Application Instructions

Cost and funding .

Refer to the University Student Finance web page for tuition and financial aid information.  

The department offers a limited number of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships , Fellowships, and Scholarships.   Program applicants are able to indicate their interest in an assistantship as part of the online program application. 

Degree Requirements

Candidates must complete an approved program of 84 credit hours consisting of three major components: coursework, a research practicum experience, and dissertation research.

Coursework (54 credits)

Coursework must include a minimum of:

• 18 credit hours in Mathematics Education Research Courses (Mathematics 690 - 695)
• 18 credit hours of other 500-600 level mathematics courses
• 18 hours of graduate coursework in supporting areas outside of mathematics (such as curriculum and instruction, psychology, educational policy, science, computer science, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, etc.)

Research Practicum MTH 601 (3 credits)

The purpose of the research experience will be to provide candidates with an opportunity to use methodological techniques in mathematics education early on in their course of study. Prior to the dissertation, candidates will be expected to gain experience with the qualitative and quantitative approaches that are now used by many researchers and curriculum developers in mathematics education. Some examples of possible research practicum experiences are: case studies of students' learning documented over time, studies of teachers' practice in the mathematics classroom, documentation of teachers' beliefs about mathematics as they implement new curricula.

Dissertation Research MTH 603 (27 credits)

The PhD dissertation research will ordinarily be conducted under the guidance of a mathematics educator in the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The dissertation is the most important part of a candidates program, and involves identifying and researching a significant problem which builds upon previous research, and which will make an original contribution to an area of research in mathematics education. Dissertation committees consisting of a mix of faculty with expertise in mathematics education, mathematics, curriculum and instruction, and other areas outside of mathematics education will be encouraged. After completing the comprehensive examinations, the chairperson and dissertation committee will be appointed. The student will develop a dissertation proposal which will be defended in an oral presentation to the committee. When the proposal has been approved by the committee, and if necessary by the University Human Subjects research Review committee, the student will be considered a candidate for the PhD in mathematics education. The dissertation must be completed according to the outlines of the proposal approved by the candidate's committee. Students must register for dissertation credit during each term they are engaged in dissertation research. Upon completion of doctoral thesis work, the candidate will defend the dissertation before the committee in an oral presentation that is open to other interested faculty and students. The student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of the research literature in mathematics education that relates to the particular problem chosen for research, and to show how the dissertation contributes to work in this area.

Demonstrated Competency Areas

Prior to completing their program, candidates in the Mathematics Education PhD program will be expected to demonstrate competency in the following 7 areas:

• mathematics education
• mathematics
• supporting content areas
• the use of technologies in teaching mathematics
• the application of mathematics education in an urban setting
• research in mathematics education

1. Mathematics Education

The competency in mathematics education can be met by successfully completing graduate coursework in mathematics education and the psychology of learning and by passing a written, comprehensive exam.

Coursework: Candidates must successfully complete the 6 graduate seminars in Mathematics Education (Math 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, and 695) and at least one course in the psychology of learning. 

Comprehensive Exam in Mathematics Education: Prior to being advanced to candidacy, students must pass and orally defend a written, comprehensive exam that covers the key developments and theoretical perspectives on the history of mathematics education, the teaching and learning of mathematics, and the development of curriculum in mathematics. The implications of this information for urban populations and settings will also be included. Students will have two weeks to compose their responses, which they will defend orally before an examination committee.  

2. Mathematics

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Mathematics Education are expected to have at least a master's degree in mathematics or a degree equivalent to the MS in Mathematics for Teachers (MS-MTCH) degree at Portland State University. The competency in mathematics can be met by successfully completing additional graduate-level course work in mathematics beyond the masters and by passing a written comprehensive exam.

Coursework: Candidates must complete an additional 18 graduate-level credits in mathematics beyond the masters (or the equivalent of the MS-MTCH degree at PSU) that together with their master's program reflects a sufficient breadth and depth of the topics in elementary calculus and analysis, linear and abstract algebra, geometry and topology, probability and statistics, and other applications

Comprehensive Exams in Mathematics: Prior to being advanced to candidacy, students must pass and orally defend a written comprehensive exam in mathematics that covers the big ideas of analysis, linear and abstract algebra, plus one of the following areas: probability, statistics, topology, geometry, or applied mathematics. Students will sit for the exam but will have the opportunity to defend their responses orally before an examination committee.

3. Supporting Content Areas

The competency in supporting content area(s) can be met by successfully completing 18 graduate credit hours in areas outside of mathematics such as, curriculum and instruction, psychology, educational policy, science, computer science, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, etc. Candidates will be expected to plan this portion of their program in consultation with their advisor so that the 18 credits forms a coherent supporting focus and includes at least one course in the psychology of learning.

4. Teaching

It is recommended that candidates in the PhD program acquire mathematics teaching experience at both the K-12 and the college level. At a minimum, candidates must demonstrate competency in teaching mathematics for at least one of these two levels.

5: The use of technologies in teaching mathematics

Students will be expected to acquire background and experiences in how students best learn mathematics within technologically enhanced learning environments either by working with students in K-12 classrooms or by teaching courses in the department that utilize technology (e.g., pre-calculus, calculus, linear algebra, or differential equations). The role of technology in mathematics education will be addressed throughout the doctoral program. In the seminar courses on teaching and learning (Math 693 and 694) and in the topics courses (Math 695) students will become versed in the research literature on technology in mathematics education.

The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics also offers Math 588 "Technology for Teachers" which provides exposure to a variety of technologies including symbolic algebra manipulators (i.e., Maple, Mathematica, and Derive), graphing packages (Derive, various graphing calculators), and geometrical tools (Cabri geometry, Geometer's Sketchpad). In addition students are introduced to the various mathematics resources and information available on the World Wide Web. This course, or its equivalent, will be required of all participants in the program.

6. Applications of mathematics education in an urban setting

Portland State University and the Portland Metro area provide a "natural laboratory" for conducting research on the teaching and learning of mathematics within an urban setting. Moreover, integral to the mission of Portland State University is a commitment to work with community partners in the promotion of educational reform K-16. Candidates in the Ph.D. program will be expected to demonstrate competency in working with urban populations and settings either by providing service or conducting research with community partners.

7. Research in Mathematics Education

The competency in research in mathematics education can be met by successfully completing coursework in research in mathematics education, a research practicum project, and the doctoral dissertation.

Coursework: Students need to demonstrate experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods which can be done through coursework and within the research practicum. Students must successfully complete Mathematics 692, Research Methodology and Research Design in Mathematics Education. Some students may also wish to take some additional coursework in research methodologies from outside areas.

In a doctoral program, the residency requirement can be satisfied in one of the follow ways:

• Three terms of full-time enrollment (minimum 9 graduate credits applicable to the degree program each term) during the first two years after admission to the program.  This may include one or more summer terms.
• Six terms of part-time enrollment (minimum 1 graduate credit applicable to the degree program each term) during the first two years after admission to the program.  This may include one or more summer terms.
• A doctoral student who was enrolled in the same major at PSU, and whose matriculation to the doctoral program immediately follows (within one calendar year) the master's degree program, may fulfill the residency requirement during the period in which the student was enrolled in the master's program

Student Handbook

For additional details please read the PhD in Mathematics Student Handbook and the general rules in the Graduate School section of the  University Bulletin .

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Are there any online PhD programs in Math?

Ive tried searching but every site that pops up on google does not show a single online PHD program in math. Do they exist? It seems like math is the perfect subject for online classes.

Mathematics Education, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Mathematics Education

This transdisciplinary PhD program in mathematics education accommodates students from a variety of academic backgrounds. It provides students with a solid foundation in graduate-level mathematics as well as research skills and perspectives that enable them to incorporate mathematics into such core educational areas as:

Conducting individual and collaborative research in the learning and teaching of mathematics is an integral part of the program.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours) MTE 501 Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education I (3) MTE 502 Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education II (3) MTE 503 Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education Ill (3) MTE 504 Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education IV (3)

Electives (42 credit hours)

Area Courses (12 credit hours)

Research (6 credit hours) MTE 792 Research (6)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) MTE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Four to five graduate-level (500 and above) elective courses from mathematics, cognitive science, psychology, educational technology, philosophy or research should be taken as approved by the advisor.

For the area courses, students are required to take four graduate-level courses from the following areas of interest: mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics. Students should see the academic unit for the approved course list.

Students should see the school's website for information about qualifier and comprehensive examinations based on math coursework.

The doctoral dissertation culminating experience consists of a dissertation prospectus, oral dissertation defense and the submission of a final revised, formatted dissertation document to the Graduate College. Dissertations are composed under chair- and committee-supervised research, including literature review, research, data collection and analysis, and writing.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree may be used for this program. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the remaining coursework is made up of electives and research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics or a closely related area, with exceptionally high grades in advanced coursework in mathematics, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of education and career goals
• writing sample
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

At least two of the letters of recommendation must be from faculty.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Able to complete original research in applied mathematics.
• Able to incorporate mathematical concepts into novel teaching methods.
• Address an original research question in mathematics education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the doctoral program in mathematics education have opportunities in Arizona, the U.S. and internationally. Opportunities are typically at research universities and liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and education consulting firms and in roles such as:

• faculty-track academic
• education consultant or analyst
• mathematics professor, instructor or researcher

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3951

• Department of Mathematics

Graduate Studies

• Mathematics, PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (Ph.D.)

Requirements outline.

The Ph.D. degree is a research degree and the principal requirement is that a student writes an original research thesis. The thesis is produced under the supervision of a faculty member and is examined by a committee of three departmental faculty and an outside expert. To qualify to write a thesis, a candidate for a Ph.D. in mathematics first must pass three Preliminary Examinations. It is recommended that Ph.D. candidates discuss possible research opportunities with the Director of Graduate Studies and/or faculty members soon after they enter the Ph.D. Program. Entering students should outline an appropriate sequence of courses to learn the essential material for pursuing their research interests. After a student has passed the Preliminary Examinations they must choose an advisor from the Mathematics Department faculty. A candidate's thesis usually is developed and written with the guidance of this advisor who will later chair the thesis defense committee. The time required to obtain a Ph.D. degree varies a lot. The department does not support graduate students as Teaching Assistants for more than five academic years.

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

The requirements that must be satisfied for a candidate to receive a Ph.D. include:

• The candidate must pass Preliminary Examinations .
• The candidate must obtain a grade of B or better in at least 24 semester credit hours of courses in the Mathematics Ph.D. program. Students should take doctoral research classes MATH 8x98 (where “x” is the number of credit hours) while conducting thesis research. Students must register for. the course MATH 8x99 “Doctoral Dissertation” in the semester when they intend to graduate
• After passing all three Preliminary Examinations the candidate is subject to Annual Performance Review (APR). The APR evaluates research progress of the candidate. The APR is conducted in oral or written form by a committee consisting of at least two faculty members of the Mathematics Department. The APR committee is chaired by the candidate’s advisor. Candidates failing the APR are subject to termination from the Ph.D. program.
• The candidate must be in residence, and take 9 semester credit hours of courses, in two consecutive long semesters, Fall followed by Spring. Alternatively, the candidate must be in residence and take a full load in consecutive Spring, Summer, and Fall terms.
• The candidate must write a Doctoral Dissertation with the guidance of an advisor who is a regular faculty member of the Mathematics Department.
• The candidate must defend their Dissertation in a public examination by a thesis committee consisting of at least 4 members, three of whom are faculty members in the Mathematics Department and at least one member outside UH Mathematics Department.
• NSM Thesis and Dissertation General Guidelines and Instructions
• NSM Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Instructions
• NSM Thesis and Dissertation Submission Instructions
• NSM Checklist for Thesis and Dissertation Review
• NSM Deadlines & Academic Calendar : This link provides deadlines for the submission of Dissertations.
• *The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is waived for the Ph.D program within the Department of Mathematics.
• International students can not exclusively register for online courses.

Course Selection:

• Information about courses may be found at this link .
• Students can discuss advisor selection process with the Director of Graduate Studies.
• The above is only an outline of the primary requirements for the degree. The Director of Graduate Studies and others can provide more detailed information about conditions. The college and the university may have further requirements as listed at College and websites.
• PhD students can take topics classes at Rice University, UT Health, UTMB, or Baylor College of Medicine. Students must submit the Inter-Institutional Course Registration Form to the Graduate Director for approval. Taking an outside class must be essential for the completion of graduate degree. Thus, students must obtain a prior approval of their PhD avisor (signature on the form).
• Course Selection Requests: Please contact the Director for Instructional Support and Coordination < [email protected] > for more information.

Teaching Opportunities for Ph.D. Students:

As a condition, a student should have experiences of teaching Calculus recitation class with reasonable teaching evaluation. For an international student, by Texas law, the student must pass the English SPEAK test or its equivalence.

All PhD applicants who submit their complete application before the appropriate deadline are automatically considered for Teaching Assistantship.

Please contact the Director for Instructional Support and Coordination for more information about course selection requests .

Preliminary Examinations:

The Preliminary Examination is the final step in assessing the student’s ability and appropriate mathematical background to undertake a program of supervised research and study leading to a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Students who have completed their Master's degree in Mathematics may often be ready to take the Preliminary Examination without further course study.

Preliminary Examinations are three-hour, closed book written examinations that are given in each of the topics listed below. The questions in the examination emphasize problem solving skills and mathematical ability as opposed to rote memorization.

Preliminary Examinations are usually offered twice a year: at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Students who receive support from the Department of Mathematics are expected to pass the Preliminary Examination according to the rules below. For non-supported students, the University rules apply.

All students are supposed to pass three Preliminary Examinations before the beginning of their third year in the Ph.D. program.

The following rules apply:

1. Students must pass three Preliminary Examinations from the different topic groups listed below

2. At least one out of the three Preliminary Examinations must be a core sequence. Core sequences are:

Review information for the preliminary written examinations:

Additional problems from past preliminary exams:

All preliminary exams are based on the content of the corresponding course. Please contact the instructor who taught the corresponding course most recently to obtain the up-to-date information.

Quick links

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Ph.D. Program

Introduction.

These guidelines are intended to help familiarize graduate students with the policies governing the graduate program leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied Mathematics. This material supplements the graduate school requirements found on the  Graduate Student Resources  page and the  Doctoral Degree Policies  of the graduate school. Students are expected to be familiar with these procedures and regulations.

The Doctor of Philosophy program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Applied Mathematics is primarily a research degree, and is not conferred as a result of course work. The granting of the degree is based on proficiency in Applied Mathematics, and the ability to carry out an independent investigation as demonstrated by the completion of a doctoral dissertation. This dissertation must exhibit original mathematical contributions that are relevant to a significant area of application.

Course requirements for the Ph.D. program

• AMATH 561, 562, 563
• AMATH 567, 568, 569
• AMATH 584, 585, 586
• AMATH 600: two, 2-credit readings, each with a different faculty member, to be completed prior to the start of the student's second year.
• Students must take a minimum of 15 numerically graded courses. At most two of these can be at the 400 level or be cross listed with courses at the 400 level. Graduate level courses previously taken at UW (e.g., during a Master's program) count toward this requirement. Graduate level courses taken outside of UW may count toward the requirement for 15 numerically graded courses with the approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator. The entire course of study of a student and all exceptions to this list must be approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator and the student’s advisor or faculty mentors.

For students who entered the doctoral program autumn 2017 or autumn 2018, please see these degree requirements. For students who entered the doctoral program prior to autumn 2017, please see these degree requirements.  

Faculty mentoring

Upon arrival, incoming students will be assigned two faculty mentors. Until a student settles on an advisor, the faculty mentors aid the student in selecting courses, and they each guide the student through a 2-credit independent reading course on material related to the student’s research interest. The faculty mentors are not necessarily faculty in the Department of Applied Mathematics.

Faculty advisor

By the end of a student’s first summer quarter, an advisor must be determined.  T he advisor provides guidance in designing a course of study appropriate for the student’s research interests, and in formulating a dissertation topic.

A full Supervisory Committee should be formed four months prior to the student’s General Exam. The full Supervisory Committee should have a minimum of three regular members plus the Graduate School Representative , and will consist of at least two faculty members from Applied Mathematics, one of whom is to be the Chair of the Committee. If the proposed dissertation advisor is a member of the Applied Mathematics faculty, then the advisor will be the Chair. The dissertation advisor may be from another department,  or may have an  affiliate  (assistant, associate, full) professor appointment with the Applied Mathematics department  and is then also a member of the Supervisory Committee.

The Dissertation Reading Committee , formed after the General Exam,  is a subset of  at least   three members from the Supervisory Committee   who are appointed to read and approve the dissertation.  Two members of the Dissertation Reading Committee must be from the Applied Mathematics faculty. At least one of the committee members must be a member of the core  Applied Mathematics faculty. It is required that this member is present for both the general and final examination, and is included on the reading committee.

While the principal source of guidance during the process of choosing specialization areas and a research topic is the thesis advisor, it is strongly advised that the student maintain contact with all members of the Supervisory Committee. It is suggested that the student meet with the Supervisory Committee at least once a year to discuss their progress until the doctoral thesis is completed.

Examination requirements for the Ph.D. program

Students in the Ph.D. program must pass the following exams:

• The  qualifying exam
• The  general exam
• The  final exam  (defense)

Satisfactory performance and progress

At all times, students need to make satisfactory progress towards finishing their degree. Satisfactory progress in course work is based on grades. Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of 3.4/4.0 or better. Satisfactory progress on the examination requirements consists of passing the different exams in a timely manner. Departmental funding is contingent on satisfactory progress.   The Graduate School rules regarding satisfactory progress are detailed in Policy 3.7: Academic Performance and Progress .   The Department of Applied Mathematics follows these recommended guidelines of the Graduate School including an initial warning, followed by a maximum of three quarters of probation and one quarter of final probation, then ultimately being dropped from the program.    We encourage all students to explore and utilize the many available  resources  across campus.

Expected academic workload

A first-year, full-time student is expected to register for a full course load, at least three numerically graded courses, typically totaling 12-18 credits. All other students are expected to consult with their advisor and register for at least 10-18 credits per quarter.  Students who do not intend to register for a quarter must seek approved  academic leave  in order to maintain a student status.   Students who do not maintain active student status through course registration or an approved leave request need to request reinstatement to rejoin the program. Reinstatement is at the discretion of the department. Students approved for reinstatement are required to follow degree requirements active at time of reinstatement. 

Annual Progress Report

Students are required to submit an Annual Progress Report to the Graduate Program Coordinator by the second week of Spring Quarter each year. The annual progress report should contain the professional information related to the student’s progress since the previous annual report. It should contain information on courses taken, presentations given, publications, thesis progress, etc., and should be discussed with the student's advisor prior to submission. Students should regard the Annual Progress Report as an opportunity to self-evaluate their progress towards completing the PhD. The content of the Annual Progress Report is used to ensure the student is making satisfactory progress towards the PhD degree.

Financial assistance

Financial support for Doctoral studies is limited to five years after admission to the Ph.D. program in the Department of Applied Mathematics. Support for an additional period may be granted upon approval of a petition, endorsed by the student’s thesis supervisor, to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Master of Science program

Students in the Ph.D. program obtain an M.Sc. Degree while working towards their Ph.D. degree by satisfying the  requirements for the M.Sc. degree.  

Additional Ph.D. Degree Options and Certificates

Students in the Applied Mathematics Ph.D. program are eligible to pursue additional degree options or certificates, such as the  Advanced Data Science Option  or the  Computational Molecular Biology Certificate .  Students must be admitted and matriculated to the PhD program prior to applying for these options. Option or certificate requirements are in addition to the Applied Mathematics degree requirements. Successful completion of the requirements for the option or the certificate leads to official recognition of this fact on the UW transcript.

Career resources, as well as a look at student pathways after graduation, may be found   here.

FAQs |  Contact the Graduate Program  |  Apply Now

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program synopsis and training.

 The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in mathematics is the highest degree offered by our program. Graduates will have demonstrated their ability to conduct independent scientific research and contribute new mathematical knowledge and scholarship in their area of specialization. They will be well-supported and well prepared for research and faculty positions at academic institutions anywhere in the world. Owing to their independence, analytic abilities, and proven tenacity, our PhD graduates are also sought after by private and government employers.

Our PhD program offers two tracks, one for Theoretical Mathematics and one for Applied Mathematics . The tracks differ only in the course and  qualifying requirements during the first two years. Applicants are required to decide on one of the tracks and applications will be evaluated subject to respective criteria described below.

Once students have passed their Qualifying Requirements, the two tracks merge and there is no distinction in later examinations and research opportunities. In particular, the candidacy exam for both tracks consists of a research proposal, the graduate faculty available for advising is the same, and the final degree and thesis defense are independent of the initially chosen track.

Expected Preparations for Admission

Competitive applicants to the theoretical track are expected to have strong foundations in Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra, equivalent to our Math 5201 - 5202  and Math 5111 - 5112 sequences.

Expected preparations for the applied track include the equivalents of a rigorous Real Analysis course (such as Math 5201 ), a strong background in Linear Algebra, as well as an introductory course in Scientific Computing.

Besides these basic requirements, competitive applicants in either track submit evidence for a broad formation in mathematics at the upper-division or beginning graduate level. Relevant coursework in other mathematical or quantitative sciences may also be considered, especially for the applied track.

Prior research experiences are not required for either track, and we routinely admit students without significant research background. Nevertheless, applicants are encouraged to include accounts of research and independent project endeavors as well as letters of supervising mentors in order to be more competitive for fellowship considerations. The research component is likely to have greater weight in applications to the applied track.

These prepared documents serve to provide our admission committee with a narrative overview of the applicant's mathematical trajectory. Their primary focus should, therefore, be to enumerate and describe any evidence of mathematical ability and mathematical promise. The information included in the documents should be well-organized, comprehensive, informative, specific, and relevant. This will help our committee to properly and efficiently evaluate the high number of applications we receive each year.

Our Graduate Recruitment Committee will generally  not  consider GRE test scores for this Autumn 2024 admissions. If you have already taken the test, please do not self-report the scores to us. In exceptional circumstances students may have the option to report unofficially. 

International students whose native language is not English and are not exempt should score at least a 20 on the Speaking portion of the TOEFL or at least 6.5 on the IELTS Speaking portion.  We also recommend an overall score of at least 95 on TOEFL or at least 7.0 on IELTS.  For a list of exempt countries, please see  https://gpadmissions.osu.edu/intl/additional-requirements-to-apply.html

Qualifying Requirements by Track

The qualifying requirements for the theoretical track are fulfilled by passing our Abstract Algebra course sequence  ( Math 6111 , Math 6112 ) and  our Real Analysis course sequence ( Math 6211 , Math 6212 ), each with at least an A-, or  by passing a respective examination.

The qualifying requirements for the applied track combine a mandatory Scientific Computing course ( Math 6601 ), one of the algebra or analysis courses, and three additional courses chosen from  Math 6602 , Math 6411 ,  Math 6451 , and the courses comprising the algebra and analysis sequences.

The breadth requirements in the applied track are more flexible than in the theoretical track, but also include a mandatory graduate course in a non-math STEM department from an approved list. 

You can find more information about our PhD program requirement here .

Opportunities & Outcomes

The research opportunities and academic outcomes of our doctoral program are described in detail in the Graduate Program Prospectus  [pdf]. 

Our department has about 80 active graduate faculty on the Columbus and regional campuses. Virtually every area of mathematics is represented in our program, with a sampling displayed below.

• Commutative, Non-commutative, & Quantum Algebra
• Analytic, Algebraic, Computational Number Theory
• Algebraic Geometry, Tropical Geometry
• Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics
• Real and Complex Analysis
• Functional Analysis, Operator Algebras
• Combinatorics and Graph Theory
• Differential Geometry
• Dynamical Systems and Ergodic Theory
• Financial and Actuarial Mathematics
• Logic and Foundations
• Probability Theory, Statistical Mechanics
• Mathematical Biology
• Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
• Representation theory
• Scientific Computing
• Topology, Topological Data Analysis

See also our  Applied Mathematics Topics List  [pdf].

Our program offers many support opportunities without teaching duties as well, to allow more time for scientific endeavors. These opportunities include university fellowships, external funding, and departmental fellowships and special assignments. See the  Financial Support  page for more details.

The median time to degree completion in our program is below six years but also varies significantly among our students, with as little as four years for students entering with substantial prior preparations. Funding is guaranteed for six years and can be extended to seven years with advisor support and the permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.  

Most of our graduates continue their careers in academia. Post-doctoral placements in the last two years include, for example, UCLA, Stanford, ETH-Zürich, Brown University, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of Vienna, EPF Lausanne, Free University at Berlin, Purdue University, and University of Utah. In recent years our graduates also went to Princeton University, IAS, University of Chicago, Yale University, University of Michigan, Cal-Tech, Northwestern University, University of Texas, Duke University, SUNY Stony Brook, Purdue University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and Indiana University. Recent non-academic placements include Google, Facebook, Amazon, NSA, and prestigious financial institutions.

Students also have access to training and networking opportunities that prepare them better for careers in private industry and teaching - for example, through the Erdős Institute  - and are regularly offered highly competitive positions in the industry. 

Nearly half of the graduate population consists of domestic students coming from both larger universities and smaller liberal arts colleges with a solid math curriculum. And as a program group member of the National Math Alliance , we are dedicated to enhancing diversity in our program and the scientific community. The International students in our program come from all parts of the world with a wide variety of educational backgrounds.

Prospective students:  [email protected]

Graduate Office Department of Mathematics The Ohio State University 231 W 18th Avenue ( MA 102 ) Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States of America                

Phone: (614) 292-6274 Fax: (614) 292-1479

[pdf] - Some links on this page are to .pdf files. If you need these files in a more accessible format, please email  [email protected] . PDF files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open them. If you do not have Reader, you may use the following link to Adobe to download it for free at:  Adobe Acrobat Reader .

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School of Education

• Doctoral Programs

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Specialization in Mathematics Education (Online)

Mathematics education.

The 60-credit, post-masters Ed.D. degree is for experienced mathematics teachers, instructional leaders, and others wishing to pursue a doctorate focusing on mathematics education. This fully online program offers flexibility for working professionals from across the U.S. and around the world. Courses are taught by world-renowned mathematics education faculty. Courses focus on:

• effective mathematics teaching
• mathematical thinking and learning
• equity in mathematics education
• mathematics curriculum
• problem solving
• teaching mathematics with digital technologies
• mathematics assessment
• mathematics teacher education
• research methods and their uses for improving mathematics education

Application Deadlines

Admission Requirements

The Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.

If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you are eligible for a reduced application fee of $35. Learn more »

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Minimum 79 TOEFL score or minimum 6.5 IELTS score or minimum 115 Duolingo score (international students only)

Learn more about how to apply

Program Requirements

• Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Specialization in Mathematics Education (Online) Requirements

Costs listed are per credit hour.

2023-2024 Academic Year

2024-2025 Academic Year

Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central .

Below is a list of potential resources for graduate students. Note: graduate assistantships are generally intended for students studying and working on the Bloomington campus.

• Learn about the variety of fellowships and assistantships available to graduate students.
• Visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.
• Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
• Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the Center for Veteran and Military Students to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
• Request info

Our faculty

• Mathematics Graduate Student Portal

No GRE Required

for admittance into this program

Ph.D. in Mathematics Education This program prepares students to do research and teach mathematics and mathematics education at colleges and universities. Learn more

Enrique Galindo

Associate professor.

Amy Hackenberg

Erik Jacobson

Sarah Lubienski

Executive associate dean.

Erik Tillema

Affiliated faculty.

Crystal Morton

Associate professor, adjunct associate professor in africana studies.

Craig Willey

Associate professor, dept. chair of urban teacher education.

Amy Hackenberg Professor ED 3060 ahackenb@iu.edu (812) 856-8223

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Mathematics, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Program learning outcomes
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Algebra, Equations, Geometry, Mathematics, analysis, approved for STEM-OPT extension

Are you interested in understanding the true depth of knowledge in the intradisciplinary subfields within mathematics? Discover important connections between different areas of mathematics and their applications using studies in algebra, topology, geometry, probability, analysis and logic.

The PhD program in mathematics is intended for students with exceptional mathematical ability. The program emphasizes a solid mathematical foundation and promotes innovative scholarship in mathematics and its many related disciplines.

The School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences has very active research groups in analysis, number theory, geometry and discrete mathematics.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) MAT 501 Geometry and Topology of Manifolds I (3) or MAT 516 Graph Theory I (3) or MAT 543 Abstract Algebra I (3) or MAT 570 Real Analysis I (3)

Other Requirements (3 credit hours) MAT 591 Seminar (3)

Electives (24-39 credit hours)

Research (27-42 credit hours) MAT 792 Research

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) MAT 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Electives are to be chosen from math or related area courses approved by the student's supervisory committee.

Students must pass:

• two qualifying examinations
• a written comprehensive examination
• an oral dissertation prospectus defense

Students should see the department website for examination information.

Each student must write a dissertation and defend it orally in front of five dissertation committee members.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of education and career goals
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Additional eligibility requirements include competitiveness in an applicant pool as evidenced by coursework in linear algebra (equivalent to ASU course MAT 342 or MAT 343) and advanced calculus (equivalent to ASU course MAT 371), and it is desirable that applicants have scientific programming skills.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Apply advanced mathematical skills in coursework and research.
• Address an original research question in mathematics.
• Able to complete original research in theoretical mathematics.

Graduates of the doctoral program in mathematics possess sophisticated mathematical skills required for careers in many different sectors, including education, industry and government. Potential career opportunities include:

• faculty-track academic
• finance and investment analyst
• mathematician
• mathematics professor, instructor or researcher
• operations research analyst
• statistician

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences | WXLR A213 [email protected] 480-965-3951

PhD in Mathematics

The PhD in Mathematics provides training in mathematics and its applications to a broad range of disciplines and prepares students for careers in academia or industry. It offers students the opportunity to work with faculty on research over a wide range of theoretical and applied topics.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for obtaining an PhD in Mathematics can be found on the associated page of the BU Bulletin .

• Courses : The courses mentioned on the BU Bulletin page can be chosen from the graduate courses we offer here . Half may be at the MA 500 level or above, but the rest must be at the MA 700 level or above. Students can also request to use courses from other departments to satisfy some of these requirements. Please contact your advisor for more information about which courses can be used in this way. All courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher.
• Analysis (examples include MA 711, MA 713, and MA 717)
• PDEs and Dynamical Systems (examples include MA 771, MA 775, and MA 776)
• Algebra and Number Theory (examples include MA 741, MA 742, and MA 743)
• Topology (examples include MA 721, MA 722, and MA 727)
• Geometry (examples include MA 725, MA 731, and MA 745)
• Probability and Stochastic Processes (examples include MA 779, MA 780, and MA 783)
• Applied Mathematics (examples include MA 750, MA 751, and MA 770)
• Comprehensive Examination : This exam has both a written and an oral component. The written component consists of an expository paper of typically fifteen to twenty-five pages on which the student works over a period of a few months under the guidance of the advisor. The topic of the expository paper is chosen by the student in consultation with the advisor. On completion of the paper, the student takes an oral exam given by a three-person committee, one of whom is the student’s advisor. The oral exam consists of a presentation by the student on the expository paper followed by questioning by the committee members. A student who does not pass the MA Comprehensive Examination may make a second attempt, but all students are expected to pass the exam no later than the end of the summer following their second year.
• Oral Qualifying Examination: The topics for the PhD oral qualifying exam correspond to the two semester courses taken by the student from one of the 3 subject areas and one semester course each taken by the student from the other two subject areas. In addition, the exam begins with a presentation by the student on some specialized topic relevant to the proposed thesis research. A student who does not pass the qualifying exam may make a second attempt, but all PhD students are expected to pass the exam no later than the end of the summer following their third year.
• Dissertation and Final Oral Examination: This follows the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree .

Admissions information can be found on the BU Arts and Sciences PhD Admissions website .

Financial Aid

Our department funds our PhD students through a combination of University fellowships, teaching fellowships, and faculty research grants. More information will be provided to admitted students.

More Information

Please reach out to us directly at [email protected] if you have further questions.

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Applied Mathematics, Ph.D.

Download the Curriculum for Applied Mathematics, Ph.D.

Find out what courses you'll be taking

The Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics

Graduates with a master's in applied mathematics can expand their subject matter expertise by choosing a PhD in applied mathematics at Florida Tech. As one of only 30 applied mathematics programs in the United States, Florida Tech's doctoral program offers several specializations in the field, including nonlinear analysis, stochastic analysis, optimization, numerical analysis, scientific computing, and statistics.

A Degree with Real Flexibility

In addition to the areas of specialization, Florida Tech provides additional flexibility in its PhD in applied mathematics program, allowing doctoral students to design a curriculum that fits their specific research interests and career goals. As a national research university, Florida Tech is committed to providing students with a variety of applied mathematics research experiences, opening up careers in a wide range of industries.

Small Classes–World Renowned Faculty

Students in the PhD in applied mathematics program at Florida Tech work closely with professors and fellow students. A small faculty-to-student ratio creates a close-knit academic community that is often impossible at larger universities. Professors in the math department have doctoral degrees in applied and computational mathematics and statistics. Professors—not graduate students—teach all courses, supervise student research projects, and conduct their own meaningful research studies that are often open for student collaboration.

Advanced Research Opportunities

As in any doctoral program, research is the core of the academic program. The PhD in applied mathematics program explores many applied mathematics topics. Research is conducted in areas of science, engineering, medicine, and business through interdisciplinary teams, as well as in the areas of concentration needed for the doctoral degree program. Students take part in research projects such as dynamical systems and chaos theory, stem cell research, computational number theory, optimal control and inverse problems, and antagonistic stochastic games, to name a few.

Full-pay tuition scholarships are available for full-time doctoral graduate research assistants.

High-Tech Laboratory Facilities

The facilities and resources available for doctoral students at Florida Tech include access to the engineering and science labs, four mathematics labs that feature advanced software such as Wolfram Mathematica, MATLAB, the R Project, Sage, and IBM SPSS. Additionally, the new computational mathematics and statistics research lab includes a 55-inch touchscreen Mondopad.

Great Location

Many doctoral students in the PhD in applied mathematics program are working professionals living in close proximity to the campus in Melbourne, Florida. The university is also a top pick among students around the world for its location within the Florida High Tech Corridor–home to more than 5,000 high-tech companies and the fifth largest high-tech workforce in the nation.

Graduates with a PhD in applied mathematics work in a variety of fields ranging from engineering and science to medicine and economics. Some examples of the organizations, corporations, and research institutes that hire mathematicians include government labs, electronics and computer manufacturers, medical device companies, and financial services firms.

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Mathematics Education PhD

Doctor of philosophy.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree emphasizes research competencies. The degree requires a scholarly dissertation of intellectual merit and sound research methodology. Dissertation research may include analytical studies of the process of teaching or experimental studies of the teaching-learning process, including studies of verbal learning and laboratory practice or historical studies.

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.

• Points/Credits: 75
• Entry Terms: Spring, Summer, Fall

Application Deadlines

For details about rolling deadlines , visit our admission deadlines page.

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

Doctoral Degrees

All candidates for the Ed.D., Ed.D.C.T., or Ph.D. degrees are expected to demonstrate both mathematics and mathematics education competencies through a series of certification examinations taken upon the completion of 60 graduate points. Certification examinations test the student’s knowledge of current research and theory in mathematics education and mathematics content. Examinations are offered once in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Courses recommended as preparation for the examinations in mathematics education include MSTM 6037,  MSTM 4019, and other mathematics education courses; Courses recommended as preparation for the examinations in mathematics are 6000- level mathematics content courses.

Students must demonstrate acceptable proficiency in at least three of the following six mathematics content areas: algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, foundations of mathematics, geometry and topology, and probability and statistics. Students may sit for the examination in mathematics content during the regular certification examination times. Alternatively, they may register for advanced content courses and, with permission of the program, sit for the content area certification examination upon completion of the course. Incoming doctoral candidates should register for MSTM 6037 Professional Seminar in Mathematics during the first year of doctoral studies.

Doctoral students whose dissertations require statistical analysis should include appropriate statistics courses in their programs. These points can be included either in the mathematics/mathematics education requirement or can be taken as research electives.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree emphasizes research competencies. The degree program requires a scholarly dissertation of intellectual merit and sound research methodology. Dissertation research may include analytical studies of the process of teaching or experimental studies of the teaching-learning process, including studies of verbal learning and laboratory practice or historical studies.

Candidates are encouraged to develop an association with a faculty member early in their studies to identify a problem area of mutual interest to plan a course of studies that leads to the competencies needed to complete dissertation research and prepare for a professional role. Further details are available in the brochures on doctoral studies and in the general descriptions of doctoral programs available from the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS).

A program of study for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must include at least 45 points taken under Teachers College registration. In order to permit the acquisition of broad and basic scholarship, each program of study should include at least 60 points in mathematics, mathematics education, statistics, and computing. At least 35 points should be in advanced courses – including research courses (MSTM 6500 or 6501 and MSTM 7500). (Any Teachers College course at the 6000 level or above, any Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences course with a “G” prefix, any “W” course numbered above 4000, or any transferred course with a graduate-level prerequisite will be considered an advanced course.) Further, 15 points in the philosophical, psychological, and curricular foundations of education must be included in every Ph.D. degree program. Students whose dissertations require statistical analysis should include appropriate statistics courses in their programs. These points can be included either in the mathematics/mathematics education requirement or can be taken as research electives.

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are required to demonstrate competency in two languages chosen from among French, German, and Russian. Students who require other languages for the preparation of their dissertation may petition the program to request one substitution. Students in mathematics may not use computer languages or statistics to satisfy the language requirement.

The Ph.D. dissertation is a scholarly study contributing new theoretical knowledge to the field and should be planned early in the program when sufficient advanced courses have been completed to permit the candidate to enroll in relevant research courses. Ph.D. dissertations in mathematics education should be (1) experimental studies in learning, (2) analytical studies in policy theory in mathematics education, or (3) other scholarly investigations of problems and issues of broad significance in the field.

The website of the Program offers a list of Topic study groups which doctoral students are recommended to join.

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Program Director : Professor Alexander Karp

Teachers College, Columbia University 323 Thompson

Phone: (212) 678-3381 Fax: (212) 678-8319

Email: tcmath@tc.edu

Graduate Degree in Statistics

Overview of the statistics graduate program.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate degrees in statistics at the MS and PhD levels. Note that until 2023, these degrees were granted as concentrations of the corresponding math degrees.  This page summarizes the main features of the Statistics degrees, and contains the most up-to-date information. The information on this page supersedes the information in the Axioms (Handbook), which are in the process of being updated.

The MS degree provides students with training in statistical applications, statistical computing and theory, preparing them for statistics and data science careers in industry, government, educational organizations, consulting firms, health care and research organizations, or for moving on to a PhD in Statistics or Biostatistics. The PhD provides a combination of theory and application preparing students for positions in academia, industry or government. The Certificate in Statistical and Computational Data Science is a joint program with Statistics and Computer Science. Each of these programs is described in more detail below.

MS Degree in Statistics

The MS program in Statistics is designed to prepare students for statistics and data science positions in industry, government, educational organizations, consulting firms, health care and research organizations. It also serves as a basis for future work towards a PhD in Statistics or Biostatistics. This program is designed to provide the student with a background in basic theory along with experience in various applications, including computational aspects. As part of their training, students will receive comprehensive exposure to popular statistical software packages. In addition to courses offered within the department, the program allows room for the students to take statistics courses in other departments on campus.

Prerequisites:  Students entering the MS program are expected to have had Linear Algebra and Calculus up through Multivariate Calculus (this is typically covered by a three-semester sequence in U.S. schools).

The requirements for the MS degree in Statistics involve coursework, a project and consulting or qualifying exams.

The student must complete 30 hours of coursework with grades of C or better, including at least 24 hours with grades of B or better (pass or fail grades cannot be used to satisfy this requirement). In addition, the student must have at least an overall B average.

The required 30 hours must include:

• Stat 625: Regression Modeling
• Stat 607-608: Probability and Mathematical Statistics I, II
• Stat 535: Statistical Computing
• At least five other courses which are either Statistics courses numbered 526 or above, from within the department, or some courses outside the department numbered 500 and above subject to prior approval by the Statistics coordinator (pre-approved list below).

Consulting or Basic Exam

Students completing the MS program in Statistics are required to either complete at least one credit of statistical consulting (typically STAT 598C) or pass two of three basic exams we offer: applied statistics, probability, and statistics, which are based on ST625 and ST535, ST607, and ST608, respectively. The Basic Exam is given twice a year, in January and in August.

The project is completed under the guidance of a faculty member. This project must have prior approval of the Statistics coordinator and involves 3 credit hours which may be used to satisfy the 30 hour coursework requirement. The project can take many forms; an expository report on a particular area, an examination of methods through simulations or a detailed statistical analysis of real data. A final report is required. This requirement is typically satisfied by the successful completion of the project seminar course Stat 691P.

The Fifth-Year MS in Statistics

This section explains how a UMass Amherst or Five College student can complete the MS degree in statistics in a fifth year.

Entering the fifth year MS in statistics

In order to enter the fifth-year MS in statistics program, students need to:

• a maximum of 6 credits can be counted toward both the MS in Statistics and the baccalaureate degree, and
• at most 12 credits of graduate work taken while enrolled as an undergraduate (6 double-counted and an additional 6 taken above and beyond undergraduate degree requirements) may be counted toward the MS in statistics,
• Apply in their senior years to the regular MS program in statistics program by following instructions  here .

Finishing the fifth year MS degree in statistics

After being accepted into the program, students

• need to take additional 18 credits and fulfill the requirements for the regular MS degree in statistics in the fifth year
• may use courses taken as an undergraduate to fulfill the requirements of the MS degree in statistics, although no more than 12 credits may be counted toward the MS degree in statistics. For example, if a senior takes all four Stat 535, Stat 607, Stat 608, and Stat 625 graduate courses and does not apply more than 6 credits to requirements for their baccalaureate degree, they can be used to satisfy requirement for the MS degree in statistics. 
• are not obligated to finish the program in the fifth year, although financial assistantship, if any, is only guaranteed for the fifth year

Please note that students who are interested in the fifth year MS program in statistics should start planning during the fall of the their junior year and contact the  coordinator of the statistics program  if there are any questions. To process the transfer of credits from undergraduate to the graduate degree, students must submit a  Transfer of Credit  form. This may be submitted to Graduate Program Manager Kaitlyn O'Konis at  @email .

MS in Statistics at Newton Satellite Campus (Boston Area), Completely Flexible (In Person/Remote or 100% Remote)

-For information regarding this program, please see the following link.

-A 100 percent remote option is available for this program.

http://people.math.umass.edu/~conlon/statmtida/

-Note: non-degree students can register for graduate statistics courses at Newton Mount Ida starting one week before the beginning of classes each semester. See:

http://www.umass.edu/graduate/apply/non-degree-students

PhD Degree in Statistics

The PhD degree in statistics prepares students for academic positions or positions in academia, or as applied statisticians in industry or government. Entering students are expected to have had linear algebra, calculus, and advanced calculus. Typically, an incoming student in the PhD program in statistics will have had an introductory course or two in statistics at the undergraduate level. Students seeking the PhD degree in statistics must complete the following: coursework, qualifying exams, language requirement, and dissertation.

• The student must complete successfully 36 hours of coursework, including Math 523 (or Math 623, or Math 605), Stat 535, 607, 608, 625, 705, and 725.
• The student must also complete five elective courses, including two 600 level statistics courses, and 3 courses of the student’s choice, which require prior approval by the statistics coordinator (pre-approved list below).
• Qualifying Exams

There are two tiers of exams, basic and advanced, which are intended to measure a student's overall mastery of standard material. The exams are administered during the week preceding each semester (August and January).

Basic Exams:  The student must pass three basic exams at the PhD level: the Applied Statistics exam and the Basic Probability and Basic Statistics exams, which cover the material from Stat 535 and Stat 625, Stat 607 and Stat 608 respectively.

Advanced Exams:  The student must pass the Advanced Exam in advanced statistics and the oral literature-based exam. The advanced statistics exam version I is based on advanced topics in Stat 607 and Stat 608, and topics from Stat 705. The advanced statistics exam version II is based on advanced topics in Stat 607 and Stat 608, and topics from Stat 725. The two versions are offered in alternate years depending which of Stat 705 and Stat 725 is offered in a year. For the literature-based exam, students need to choose a topic from the list of topics in the Axioms and form an exam committee that includes the primary faculty of that topic and two secondary faculty. Students are then given reference papers on the chosen topic to read. The exam is in the form of oral presentation and responding questions in front of the exam committee. A student may select a non-standard exam topic, in which case, the student must have the agreement of their committee members on the topic and the reading list. In order to take the literature-based exam, a student is responsible for forming an exam committee by the end of September for a January exam, or by the last day of spring classes for an August exam. Decisions on passing the exam are by unanimous consent of the exam committee. A student who does not pass will have one more chance to pass the literature-based exam. The second attempt may be on the same or a different topic.

Dissertation

After passing the Advanced Exam, the student becomes a PhD in statistics candidate. The student must write a satisfactory dissertation and pass a final oral examination (primarily a defense of the dissertation) and must satisfy all other requirements of his or her dissertation committee. The student is required to register for a minimum of 18 dissertation credits.

Data Science Certificate (possible to earn completely remotely/online)

The Certificate in Statistical and Computational Data Science is offered jointly between statistics and computer science. The certificate can be completed in one year and requires five courses total, with a minimum of two courses each of statistics and computer science.

It is possible to earn the certificate completely remotely/online. Please visit:  https://people.math.umass.edu/~conlon/statmtida/datascience.html

For more information on the certificate, please visit: https://ds.cs.umass.edu/academics/certificate-data-science

Approved Courses Outside the Department

The following courses are pre-approved to count toward STAT MS and PhD degrees (as specified) without additional prior approval.  Please contact the statistics coordinator for pre-approval of any other courses outside the department.

Toward MS degree only:

• PHYSICS 597D (ST- Topics in Statistics and Data Analysis)
• COMPSCI 514 (Algorithms for Data Science), CS 590V (Data Visualization and Exploration)
• Biostats 597D, Biostats 650, Biostat 690Z  

Toward MS or PhD degree:

• CS589 (Machine Learning), CS 682 (Neural Networks), CS 688 and CS690OP, CS 690D, CS 696DS, CS 611 (Advanced Algorithms), COMPSCI 688 (PROBABILISTIC GRAPHICAL MODELS),
• Biostat 683/Biostat 690B (intro to causal inference), Biostat 690T (Applied Statistical Genetics), Biostat 730, Biostat 740 (Analysis of Mixed Models Data), Biostat 743 (Categorical), Biostat 748 (Applied Survival Analysis), Biostat 749 (Clinical Trials), Biostat 750 (Applied Statistical Learning), Biostat  790A,
• Psych 891FM
• PoliSci 797TA (Text as Data)

Related Information

• Program Overview
• Applied Mathematics MS
• Remote Statistics MS
• How to Apply
• Financial Aid
• Admissions FAQ
• Recent Courses
• Alumni Testimonials

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