Moreover, most people who choose to enter academic careers also need a blend of the mathematical sciences because teaching responsibilities require a fundamental knowledge of contemporary applications. Clemson's faculty, in consultation with various industries, government agencies, and outside academic experts, has designed MS and PhD programs to address these differing needs. The MS program provides breadth of exposure in the mathematical sciences and depth of concentration in one particular area. The evolution of the mathematical sciences concept has proceeded naturally to the PhD program. It is the Department's conviction that a PhD candidate in the mathematical sciences should not only be proficient in a specialized area but also able to understand its relationship to other areas and its relevance to real-world applications.
All graduate students have a significant exposure to modeling throughout the curriculum.
For example, a student pursuing research in field theory or graph theory would encounter applications associated with these topics in courses from operations research and discrete computing. This inclusion of modeling in every doctoral program sets Clemson's program apart from doctoral programs at many other institutions. The Department believes that a generous exposure to modeling is valuable for all students as preparation for academic as well as industrial careers. The employment opportunities enjoyed by recent PhD graduates and the recognition gained by the Department's programs and faculty provide ample evidence that a PhD in the mathematical sciences at Clemson University is a viable approach to mathematics education.