At a Glance: program details
Program Description
Degree Awarded: PHD Mathematics
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.
Degree Requirements
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.
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 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
- resume
- 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.
Application Deadlines
Fall
Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
December 10th
Priority
Summer
Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
July 1st
Final
Learning Outcomes
- Address an original research question in mathematics.
- Able to complete original research in theoretical mathematics.
- Apply advanced mathematical skills in coursework and research.
Career Opportunities
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
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.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.