The Department offers the Ph.D. in Mathematics with specializations in Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Course of Study Entering students are assigned a faculty advisor and are expected to consult with that advisor at the beginning of each quarter concerning their course selection. Students are free to change advisors, as long as the new advisor approves. The course of study falls naturally into three stages, although in some cases, these stages may be passed over or merged together. They also use this time to increase their breadth of knowledge in mathematics.
Students take courses, read, and talk with fellow students and faculty.
By the end of this first stage, students should have a fairly clear idea of the general area of mathematics for their dissertation topic. Students with superior undergraduate education or prior graduate experience can often shorten considerably this first stage of graduate study. If students know their principal research area, they should take advanced courses as soon as possible. This process involves taking several advanced courses, sitting in seminars, enrolling in reading courses with individual faculty members, talking with other students, and general reading and thinking. Most successful students have a good idea of their research area and problem within a year of passing their qualifying examinations.