Graduate school

If you are considering a university teaching and/or research position in mathematics, statistics, mathematics education, applied mathematics, cryptography, operations research and related fields, or a researcher position in industrial or governmental research labs, an M.S. (master of science) or a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) in the corresponding field is a perfect fit for you. An M.S. or a Ph.D. degree can also be helpful to advance your position in a non-research career.

Math majors also qualify for admission to graduate school in areas outside of mathematics, usually with supplementary course work. There are programs across the U.S. in economics, biomathematics, earth and space sciences, biophysics, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, pharmaceutics, psychology, and many others, which list math degree as an accepted degree in their admissions criteria, usually if the math major is supplemented with relevant course work and/or the student is willing to make up course work during graduate school. Students interested in this option are strongly suggested to consult their advisor, faculty in the field that they are interested in going to grad school and the graduate admissions officers in the program(s) that they are interested in for more information.

The following advice is specific to students interested in graduate school in math for a Ph.D. degree.

• Graduate schools provide fellowships and teaching or research assistantships to most of their graduate students. This usually covers tuition and provides a reasonable stipend during the academic year. In short, you do not have to worry about getting loans to pay for your graduate school.
• In terms of course work preparation, in addition to the required courses the advanced calculus and algebra sequences are essential for graduate school preparation. Additional courses which will most likely be useful in graduate school are: complex analysis, differential equations and topology. Taking math classes in any area will help you be prepared for grad school in terms of mathematical maturity. Faculty, in particular your advisor, can help you decide which additional courses to take depending on your previous course work and future mathematical interests.
• In addition to the courses, students are strongly encouraged to participate in a mathematical experience outside of class, such as research experiences, independent studies, internships, tutoring. Check out the Opportunities page to find out the different types of activities you can be involved in.
• Participate in the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in the department.
• Choose the CS 162 option for stronger programming skills. Programming skills will most likely be useful in many areas of graduate school, in internships and in a summer research experience.
• Prepare for the GRE general and subject tests. Most schools require both of the exam scores, and top schools expect pretty good scores on the GRE quantitative and subject tests.

Consult with your advisor and other faculty, and use the links provided below to learn more about how you can be better prepared for a Ph.D. in mathematics.

Students interested in going to graduate school for a master's degree have a wider array of options. There are terminal (also referred to as professional) master's degrees which prepare the student for a specific job rather than a Ph.D. A master's degree can also serve as an intermediate degree between a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. Consult your advisor early if you are interested in this option.

For further information, use the following resources:

• American Mathematical Society's page for undergraduates
  This page provides lists of graduate assistantships and fellowships, and master's programs across the US, as well as additional information about the graduate school.
• Graduate Study in the Computer and Mathematical Sciences: A Survival Manual by Dianne P. O'Leary at Computer Science Department at the University of Maryland
  This manual includes plenty of "advice to students on entering, surviving, and thriving during graduate study and beyond" in the mathematics and computer science programs.
• Grad School FAQ page at Purdue University, Department of Mathematics
  FAQ and answers about Graduate School in mathematics are provided by Richard Penney at Purdue University.